The Lexus GS->ke439 has been around for 19 years, but before the fourth generation closes on the luxury sedan, the GS will enter the 2011 model year with a standard Smart Stop Technology as an additional measure of consumer confidence. Customers will have to choose from two different models: the GS 350 priced at $46,000 and the GS 460 priced at $54,470. After this year, the Lexus->ke47GS will be entering its fifth generation in 2012 so we expect to see many changes for the 2012 model.

The GS 350 is powered by a V6 engine that is mated to a six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission, while the GS 460 gets a more powerful V8 mated to an eight-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. Both models come with RWD, but the 350 also sees an AWD version. Will a couple of key German models have reason to fear this luxury sedan?

Hit the jump to read more about the 2011 Lexus GS.

2011 Lexus GS

Specifications
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  • Model: 2011 Lexus GS
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Exterior and Interior

The fourth generation Lexus GS introduced the brand's L-finesse design language: a handsome front fascia, slingshot-shaped windows and wide stance with dual exhaust. For 2011, the GS is offered with alloy wheels and high-performance tires to provide agile handling and a sportier appearance. Customers will have to choose from eight exterior colors.

The interior is all about luxury: soft leather trim and a choice of wood accents, dual-zone automatic climate control, and voice-activated HDD Navigation System are just a few of the technologies offered by the GS. The GS is available in four interior color combinations.

The Engine

The base version, the GS 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 303 HP at 6,200 rpm and 274 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,600 rpm. The GS 460 gets a V8 engine that delivers 342 HP at 6,400 rpm and 339 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,100 rpm. The GS350 gets a a Six-Speed Sequential-Shift Automatic transmission, while the GS 460 version receives an Eight-Speed Sequential-Shift automatic transmission that allows manual shifting for a more engaging driving experience, and helps to maximize performance in certain driving situations. The GS 460 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, the GS 350 in 5.7.

The Competition

The GS' competition list includes two of the most powerful luxury German sedans out there: the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes E-Class, but it may also see another model from Japan in their rear view mirror: the Infiniti M.

From the 5-Series line-up, we are only interested in the 535i and the 550i. The first one is priced at $50,475 and delivers 306 HP, while the 550i has a price of $60,575 and gets a 407 HP V8 engine. As for the other German model, the E550 in particular, it's priced at $57,975 and is powered by a 5.5 liter V8 engine with 382 HP. The 2011 Infiniti M is priced at $58,775 and is powered by a 5.6 liter V8 engine with 420 HP.

Prices

Model

Price

GS 460 RWD

$54,470

GS 350 AWD

$47,950

GS 350 RWD

$46,000


Option Packages

Navigation System / Mark Levinson® Premium Surround Sound Audio System Package

$2,945

Navigation System Package

$1,165


Options & Accessories

F Sport™ Front-Brake Upgrade

$3.025

F Sport Rear-Brake Upgrade

$2,550

F Sport 19-in Forged 10-spoke Alloy Wheels

$2,196

F Sport 19-in Forged Full-Face Alloy Wheels

$2,196

F Sport Wheel Installation Kit

$135

F Sport Onboard Tire Repair System

$179

F Sport Performance Exhaust System

$1,670

F Sport Carbon Fiber Engine Cover

$865

F Sport Shock Absorber Set

$740

F Sport Sway Bar Kit

$495

F Sport Performance Air Intake

$438

F Sport Lowering Spring Set

$299

F Sport Shift Knob

$95

Active Power Stabilizer Suspension System

$3,000

18-in G-Spider alloy wheels with 18-in tires

$2,450

Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

$1,500

18-in G-Spider alloy wheels

$1,375

18 x 8.0-in five-spoke alloy wheels with 245/45VR18 all-season run-flat tires without spare

$320

18 x 8.0-in five-spoke alloy wheels with 245/40VR18 summer tires with spare

$870

245/40VR18 summer run-flat tires without spare

$320

Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)

$620

Rain-sensing intermittent windshield wipers with mist cycle, headlamp washers and Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)

$525

Intuitive Parking Assist

$500

Paint protection film

$429

Wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob

$330

Power rear sunshade

$210

Ventilated front seats

$200

Headlamp washers

$100

Rear spoiler

$200


Press release

Quick and smooth acceleration combined with the luxurious amenities bestowed upon the Lexus GS 350 and GS 460 make the mid-size luxury sport sedans synonymous with refinement.  After receiving several technology enhancements in 2010, the GS 350 and GS 460 receive standard Smart Stop Technology for 2011 as an additional measure of consumer confidence.  The braking system enhancement will automatically reduce engine power when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are applied simultaneously under certain driving conditions.
 

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance


The GS gas luxury sport sedan comes in three models - GS 350 rear-wheel drive (RWD), GS 350 all-wheel drive (AWD) and GS 460 RWD.  Optimized for low internal friction, the GS 350's 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 303 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 274 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,600 rpm.  A direct fuel-injection system provides much finer fuel-mixture control to improve both power and fuel efficiency. Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) acts on both intake and exhaust valves to further enhance performance through a wide rpm range.  A smooth-shifting six-speed transmission allows sequential shifting when desired.
 
The GS 460's V8 produces 342 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 339 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,100 rpm. The GS 460, like the GS 350, meets the EPA's Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-II) certification. Lexus has been setting standards for powertrain smoothness since its inception, and the GS 460's V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission continue that tradition. The transmission, like the six-speed automatic in the GS 350 models, allows manual shifting for a more engaging driving experience, and helps to maximize performance in certain driving situations. The GS 460 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, the GS 350 in 5.7 (5.8 for AWD).
 

Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes


The Lexus GS combines proven chassis systems with advanced dynamic handling technology to provide both agile handling and the Lexus trademark smooth ride. The double-wishbone front suspension and multilink rear suspension virtually eliminate unwanted wheel-angle changes during suspension movement. The result is a natural, confident feel that's also spirited. A 34.1-ft. turning circle (35.4 ft. for GS 350 AWD) is comparable to that of smaller cars and helps make the GS highly maneuverable.
 
In all GS models, Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) help form a powerful safety front. EBD optimizes brake pressure at each wheel to help reduce body dive or sway during hard braking and cornering. BA is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking, and, if the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to activate the ABS, it will apply increased braking force until pedal pressure is released.
 
Aluminum-alloy 18-inch wheels are standard on the GS 460 and available for the GS 350 RWD, which features standard 17-inch wheels. For maximum handling capability, the GS 350 comes standard with 225/50R17 W-rated summer tires. The all-season 17-inch run-flat tires that are standard on the GS 350 AWD model are available on the GS 350 RWD. The GS 460 is equipped with 245/40R18 Z-rated summer tires or available all-season run-flats.
 
The GS 350's available all-wheel-drive system helps to enhance handling in diverse driving conditions. A planetary-gear center differential and a wet-type multi-disc clutch control front-to-rear power distribution. The system normally sends 70 percent of available power to the rear wheels to provide the traditional performance advantages of a rear-drive car and will vary the torque-split ratio from 30:70 to 50:50 in response to driving conditions and driver input. The AWD system's electronic-control strategy takes inputs such as steering and throttle angle from driver activity combined with vehicle signals from wheel speed and yaw rate sensors.
 
An Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system, standard on the GS 460 and available on the GS 350, provides two settings, Normal and "Sport" for tighter, more precise control. AVS can automatically select appropriate suspension damping for driving conditions. The GS 460 also offers the advanced Active Power Stabilizer system that helps reduce body sway and enhances vehicle control during cornering.  An Electronic Control Unit (ECU) calculates the force needed to counter excess body sway, which is then applied to the stabilizer bars by the front and rear actuators.  The GS 350 models are equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control. The system can be disengaged with the “TRAC Off” switch when the situation warrants doing so.
 
In the GS 460, the Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system integrates and manages a host of handling technologies, including VSC. Combining input from a variety of sensors, VDIM is designed to anticipate the onset of a vehicle skid or slide and then help correct the situation with a combination of braking, throttle, and steering control. VDIM integration helps to provide precise management for the Electronically Controlled Brakes (ECB), Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), Electric Power Steering (EPS), VSC, ABS, BA, EBD, and engine torque via the electronically controlled throttle.
 
EPS in the GS 460 provides precise electric power assist using a DC motor built into the steering gear housing. Also in the GS 460, VGRS can vary the steering from 2.7 turns lock-to-lock for low-speed maneuverability to a slower 3.2 turns lock-to-lock for highway-speed control. VGRS also provides differential steering control, which helps correct for a delay in steering response, something that occurs in all vehicles, to help enhance driving feel during lane changes and other transitional maneuvers.
 
The GS 460's ECB is a brake-by-wire system. ECB translates brake pedal pressure into electric signals that, via computer control, help provide precise and optimized braking. Electronic control provides quick brake response when needed, helping the GS 460's VDIM system to anticipate and help correct skids before they occur. The ECB system is backed by conventional hydraulic brake control in the unlikely event of electronic failure.
 

Safety/Security Features


The Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), standard on the GS 460 and optional for the GS 350, helps illuminate a curve as the driver steers into it. A tire pressure monitor system can detect a critical loss in pressure in one or more tires and alert the driver. The available Intuitive Park Assist (IPA) system uses ultrasonic sensors to detect objects close to the car's front and rear bumpers and alerts the driver accordingly. A steering-input sensor helps to better judge changes in distance to objects.
 
The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) in the GS sedans includes variable-force front airbags for both the driver and front passenger. The GS features standard seat-mounted side airbags for the front seats, knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, and front and rear side-curtain airbags.  In addition, the GS has active front headrests to help enhance driver and front passenger safety.
 
The rear back-up camera, included with the optional navigation system, automatically projects an image of what its lens can detect behind the vehicle onto the navigation screen when the vehicle is in reverse gear.
 
The optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) in the GS models can help mitigate the effects of an accident. A millimeter-wave radar sensor helps detect obstacles in front of the car, while vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw-rate inputs help to determine whether a collision is unavoidable. On models equipped with AVS, PCS switches the suspension setting to sport mode to help provide appropriate chassis response, preemptively retracts front seat belts, and pre-initializes BA so that increased braking will be applied the instant the driver depresses the pedal.
 

Luxury/Comfort/Convenience


The standard Regency leather-trimmed, heated, 10-way power front seats (perforated leather trim on GS 460) are comfortably contoured for support on long trips. Ventilated front seats are standard for the GS 460 and available for the GS 350. A power-tilt and telescopic steering wheel helps ensure a comfortable driving position. The standard dual-zone climate-control system filters the air.  An optional rear power sunshade may add to passenger comfort on warm days.
 
All four windows offer one-touch up-and-down operation designed to stop closing during auto-close operation if they sense an object blocking their path. Both electrochromic auto-dimming side mirrors are power-retractable and feature automatic tilt-down to aid in parking when reverse gear is selected. A power trunk closer provides an added convenience on this extremely well-equipped car. The SmartAccess keyless entry and push-to-start ignition allow the driver to keep the access fob in a pocket or purse.
 
The standard Lexus Premium Audio System features a six-disc, in-dash CD changer, iPod/USB connectivity, Bluetooth® hands free phone and music streaming, and integrated XM Radio receiver (complimentary 90-day trial subscription).  The system plays through 10 premium speakers while an Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL) maintains consistent sound levels at varying vehicle speeds.  When connected to the USB port, the iPod can be controlled through the audio system or steering wheel controls, while information such as names for the artist, track and album is displayed.
 

Luxury Options


Within the ultra-quiet Lexus GS interior, all styles of music come to life with the optional Mark Levinson® Premium Sound system.  Featuring 11 channels of amplification with a total of 330 watts playing through 14 speakers, the system allows users to play both CDs and DVDs. DVD movies can be viewed on the color seven-inch touch screen when the parking brake is engaged.
 
The available Hard Disc Drive (HDD) Lexus Navigation System eliminates the need for DVD map discs and offers enhanced Bluetooth® with phonebook download and Voice command, a casual-language—based voice recognition feature.  This technology allows the driver to give more flexible, conversational commands for easier access to audio, climate, and navigation system functions.  Voice command helps users avoid having to speak commands in a specific order―making tasks easier to accomplish, in fewer steps, and helping to allow drivers to focus more on the road ahead.
 
The Lexus GS also offers a telematics system, Lexus Enform® with Safety Connect®, available by subscription.  Complimentary one-year trial subscriptions are included on all purchases of new Lexus vehicles equipped with these features.  Safety Connect is standard on all vehicles, while Lexus Enform with Safety Connect is on vehicles equipped with the optional Navigation system.  The Lexus Enform and the Safety Connect response centers operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—every day of the year.
 
Lexus Enform vehicles are factory ready for subscriptions to a variety of innovative XM services including XM NavTraffic®, XM NavWeather™ and XM Sports and Stocks services.  XM services require separate XM subscriptions. The XM Sports and Stocks service is included with an XM radio subscription.  All XM services offer complimentary 90-day trial subscriptions.
 

Exterior Design


The current generation GS sedans introduced the brand's L-finesse design language.  A 112.2-inch wheelbase, long hood, pulled-back cabin and short rear deck create a confident, powerful stance for the GS. A sloped, vertical grille surrounded by four independent headlamps visually connects the current GS sedans with the previous-generation models while signaling the brand's design progression. The lower valance features integrated fog lamps, and a low 0.27 coefficient of drag (Cd) helps to minimize wind noise and maximize highway fuel efficiency. 
 

Interior Design


Ultra-premium wood, polished-metal accents and leather trim endow the GS interior with a lavish yet high-precision feel. Touch points convey quality and controls that respond fluidly. The customer can choose from among three interior leather color combinations: Light Gray leather with Dark Gray Bird's-eye maple wood trim, Parchment leather with Golden Bird's-eye Maple wood trim, or Black leather with Red Walnut wood trim. Each combination includes a matching wood and leather-trim steering wheel and shift knob that is standard on GS 460 and optional on GS 350.
 
Lexus designers strive to keep controls simple and intuitive, avoiding needless complexity. Audio and climate-control systems are easy to understand and operate.  The unique instrument panel lighting system relies on variable-transparency glass to minimize reflections from the gauge faces and to help optimize visibility in various lighting conditions.
 

F Sport Performance Accessories Available for GS


The available F Sport Performance Accessories for GS 350 and GS 460 include performance enhancing parts such as 19-inch forged alloy wheels, special brake features, suspension systems, air intake, exhaust systems and more.  F Sport Performance Accessories by Lexus U.S.A. are engineered by Toyota Racing Development (TRD).  When installed by an authorized dealer, the accessories are fully warranted for 12 months or for the balance of the new car warranty, whichever is greater.