PERFORMANCE-DRIVEN GS 400 AND GS 300 SIGNAL A NEW BREED OF LEXUS SEDANS

Fast and fun, the 1998 Lexus GS 400 and GS 300 performance sedans are destined to change conventional wisdom about luxury automobiles. The all-new GS sport sedan series was created with priorities on powerful yet efficient engine output, nimble exterior size, superior handling, ample interior comfort and advanced levels of stability and safety - all are aimed at enthusiast drivers looking for a fast four-door with comfort and convenience. The new GS is refined and good looking, yet ready to rumble at a moment's notice. These two newest Lexus models incorporate abundant new features and technologies, including two high performance engines, a new five-speed automatic transmission with electronic finger-tip shifting, Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), innovative space efficiency, self-aiming high intensity discharge headlights, pollution-sensing climate control and a multi-function touch-screen navigation system. In developing the new GS series, Lexus designers sought to combine the performance-oriented chassis layout of front engine/rear-wheel-drive with the space efficiency usually associated with front-wheel-drive sedans. The GS 400 and GS 300 go beyond "cab-forward" designs, providing the cabin and trunk space of large prestige luxury models, yet they occupy the nimbler footprint of smaller sport sedans. The new GS is built on a completely new Lexus platform. Only the battery type, basic front suspension components and the six-cylinder engine's crankshaft assembly are carried over from the previous generation.

LEADING-EDGE DESIGN - Buy The GS 400/300 Here

The aggressive GS front appearance evokes influential design elements originated by Lexus with the introduction of the SC 400 Sport Coupe. Its dramatic headlights incorporate optional self-leveling high intensity discharge lamps with inboard high beams located in tunneled enclosures. The signature inboardloutboard beam lighting theme is continued in the taillight arrangement. In keeping with its lean and purposeful layout and aggressive performance, the GS body design emphasizes strength and agility. Extremely short front and rear decks and minimal body overhangs generate a taut, muscular and stable profile. Subtle fender blisters emphasize the performance wheels and tires, conveying the car's feisty personality. While exterior dimensions have been pared down to fighting form, the GS interior is roomier in nearly every measure. The new model is six inches shorter in overall length than the previous generation, yet interior volume is increased by 4.6 cubic feet and is more generous than the BMW 5-Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The wheelbase has been lengthened 0.8-inch, making total front-plus-rear leg room an inch greater than before and more accommodating than its chief competitors. Despite a long cabin and short deck lengths, trunk space is exceptionally deep, thanks to careful packaging of rear suspension, fuel tank and other components. Trunk capacity, at 14.8 cubic feet, is 14 percent larger than before.

INSPIRING POWER - Buy The GS 400/300 Here

At the heart of any memorable performance car is an inspired engine design. The GS 400 is powered by a new generation of the famous Lexus 4.0-liter 32-valve V8. Cylinder heads, camshaft drives, intake and exhaust systems, pistons, and most accessory components are completely new. It is an all-aluminum, four-cam engine with continuously variable valve timing {VVTi), a first for any V8. This new system of controlling combustion characteristics eliminates the traditional tradeoffs between standing-start torque and passing-lane horsepower. The brawny Lexus V8 produces 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, 80 percent of which is available as low as 1,800 rpm. This new powertrain propels the GS 400 from zero to 60 in a brief six seconds. Combined city/highway fuel economy for the VS is projected to be 23.8 mpg, slightly better than the previous generation's six. The companion GS 300 model showcases the ultimate Lexus six: a smooth, high-revving 3.0-liter twin cam producing 225 horsepower and a broad torque curve thanks to newly incorporated VVTi technology. Zero to 60 mph is achieved in 7.6 seconds, an improvement of 0.7 second over the previous GS 300. Combined fuel economy is expected to be 25.0 mpg, compared to the previous 23.4 rating.

AN AUTOMATIC FOR ENTHUSIASTS - Buy The GS 400/300 Here

Additional GS performance highlights include a new five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. The GS 400 also features upshift and downshift buttons on the steering wheel spokes, controlled by the thumb and forefinger of either hand. This "E-shift" feature provides quick shifting performance. The E-shift buttons are operabfe when the console shifter is placed in the "M" position. The five-speed automatic also can be driven conventionally by means of a gated console-mounted lever, trimmed in walnut and leather.

SAFETY FEATURES - Buy The GS 400/300 Here

In keeping with the driver orientation of the GS, active safety systems help maximize the driver's ability to avoid an accident. In addition to outstanding inherent handling characteristics, the GS is equipped with a newly developed Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) system as standard equipment. VSC employs the sensors, actuators and computer electronics of the anti-lock braking and traction control systems to help avoid vehicle skids and spins caused by understeer or oversteer conditions. When the direction of vehicle travel does not correlate with driver steering inputs, VSC adjusts engine power and activates individual wheel braking as necessary to heop counteract a spin which might result in loss of control. Highly refined motion sensors and powerful computer software insure smooth and responsive emergency handling assistance for the average motorist, without hindering the skilled enthusiast driver. Electronic traction control and anti-lock brakes are integrated with the VSC system. All features are standard equipment. Standard passive safety equipment includes next-generation driver and front passenger airbags, with reduced propellant power. Side airbags are integrated into the front seat edges for more consistent positioning relative to the occupant, regardless of seat position. Newly adopted front seat belt pretensioners reduce webbing slack at impact while integrated force-limiting devices reduce shock to the body by allowing a controlled amount of "give" after impact. An energy-absorbing pedal assembly is designed to minimize foot and leg injuries on impact.

REAR SUSPENSION REDESIGNED - Buy The GS 400/300 Here

Crisp and responsive handling is enhanced by multi-link suspension with aluminum upper rear wishbones. The redesigned rear suspension layout achieves optimum suspension characteristics, yet is unusually compact to provide more interior and trunk space. Suspension tuning provides a balance of confident cornering and stability for enthusiastic drivers with the refined ride characteristics expected for day-in, day-out driving comfort. Sixteen-inch V-rated performance tires on thin-spoked alloy wheels are standard for both GS 300 and GS 400. Factory optional 235l45 R17 Z-rated high-performance tires are available for drivers demanding ultimate comering performance.

TOUCH-SCREEN DISPLAY - Buy The GS 400/300 Here

Acknowledged for their work in human factors design, Lexus engineers have adopted the first touch-screen display into a Lexus instrument panel. The optional display controls vehicle navigation functions as well as heating, air conditioning and audio system settings. The navigation system utilizes computer map databases and a global positioning system satellite receiver to track the vehicle's location and to plot optimum routing to the desired destination. Turn-by-turn route guidance is available by voice and on-screen prompts. A notable feature is the 1.6 gigabyte hard-disc database source, which contains complete information for major national highways as well as detailed maps for 35 U.S. metropolitan areas, with 24 more under development for early 1998. The three-pod GS instrument cluster utilizes a newly developed back-lit "Optitron" lighting system which silhouettes the meter pointers and markings. An automatic light control system changes the meter face brightness according to ambient lighting conditions.

SOUND SYSTEM - Buy The GS 400/300 Here

Always a Lexus strength, the- standard-equipment Lexus premium sound system features a maximum of 220 watts from five separate amplifiers, driving a seven-speaker array. A new Automatic Sound Levelizer system discretely adjusts volume level to compensate for changes in ambient noise levels and vehicle speed. As with other Lexus models, the six-CD changer is located within easy reach above the spacious glove box area. Separate temperature controls are provided for driver and passenger as wel! as an automatic hydrocarbon air pollution sensor which automatically switches the air to recirculate when certain levels of air contamination are detected. An activated charcoal micron filter removes dust, pollen and many odors from the interior air stream.

POWER FEATURES - Buy The GS 400/300 Here

Power window and moonroof mechanisms feature new one-touch open and close functions with obstruction-sensing anti-pinch devices. The GS adopts a new multi-function remote entry system with controls for door lock, unlock, trunk open, panic and battery condition all built into the compact key itself rather than requiring a separate key chain fob. In addition, the key and keyless remote can be used to operate the power windows and moonroof when approaching or departing the car. The key also is equipped with an engine immobilizer feature for enhanced security. This function ensures the correct key is inserted into the ignition before allowing the vehicle to start. An integrated electronic garage door opener with a home link system is built into the GS map lamp and is capable of programming 98 percent of garage door frequencies on the market.

PERFORMANCE - Buy The GS 400/300 Here

The performance-driven GS 400 and GS 300 join the successful Lexus lineup of luxury sedans and are positioned between the entry-luxury ES 300 and the prestige luxury LS 400. Chief competitors include the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz EClass. The two new GS models combine leading sport sedan performance and driving pleasure with unparalleled Lexus workmanship, comfort and ownership experience. Lexus is the number-one vehicle make for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Associates. Lexus vehicles have consistently been recognized for the highest initial quality at delivery as well as the automotive industry's best long-term durability after five years of ownership. The GS 400 and GS 300 are available at 174 Lexus dealerships, who have created a tradition of extraordinary service and satisfaction.

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