2007 Lexus GS Review

There are three primary variants of the 2007 Lexus GS: the V6 GS 350, the V8 GS 430, and the hybrid GS 450h. The GS 350 (formerly the GS 300) gets a new 303-horsepower, 3.5L direct-injection V6 engine. A 4.3L V8 making 290 horsepower is standard on the GS 430. The GS 350 is available with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the GS 430 has rear-wheel drive only. Both versions come with a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential manual shift mode.

At the top of the GS line stands the GS 450h hybrid, which combines the V6 with an electric motor system and a version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. It's one of few hybrid systems tuned for performance more than economy, though it boasts an impressive 25-mpg city rating.

The new GS 350 is one of the fastest six-cylinder models in its class; it's capable of dashing to 60 mph in only 5.7 seconds, according to Lexus. And it returns rather good fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 21 mpg city, 29 highway with rear-wheel drive.

The GS 350's available all-wheel drive is a full-time system, set up to aid handling and traction. The system normally sends 70 percent of power to the rear wheels but can send as much as 50 percent to the front wheels.

An Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system is standard on the GS 430. The system has four different settings spanning the range from comfort-oriented to firm and sporty; new this year is an Active Stabilizer feature that electronically applies a force to the stabilizer bars, to simulate the effect of firmer bars during harder cornering, improving stability and safety. AVS is interlaced in the GS 430 as well, with the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), a more sophisticated, all-encompassing stability control system. The high-tech GS also has electric power steering and electronically controlled braking Variable Gear Ratio Steering system for both high-speed stability and quick responses at lower speeds.

The Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), which helps illuminate into corners, is standard on the GS 430 and optional on the GS 350. Another top-technology feature offered as an option in the GS is the Pre-Collision System (PCS), which uses a radar sensor to detect obstacles in front of the car. If the system detects that a collision is unavoidable, it quickly switches the suspension to sport mode, retracts front seatbelts, and primes the brake assist feature for peak braking power as soon as the driver's foot touches the brake pedal. The GS has several other high-technology options available, including adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, and Intuitive Park Assist, a system that helps with parallel parking.

The 450h comes especially well equipped, with equipment comparable to the GS 430 plus some additional features such as a seven-inch information screen that can be used to monitor the hybrid function.

Inside, three interior themes are offered: Ash leather with Black Bird's-eye maple trim, Cashmere leather with Brown Bird's-eye maple trim, and Black leather with walnut trim. Available interior appointments include a deodorizing dual-zone climate control system, a power rear sunshade, supportive 10-way power front seats, and available fan-driven ventilation for the seats. The standard ten-speaker sound system with six-disc changer is standard, but a 330-watt, 14-speaker Mark Levinson system with DVD viewer is available, as is a new-generation, DVD-based navigation system with built-in Bluetooth wireless for hands-free calls or transferring addresses from PDAs.
The new 2007 Lexus GS 350-with a more powerful, direct-injection 3.5L V6-replaces last year's GS 300. Also, available on the GS 430 and GS 450h, a new Active Stabilizer system helps improve handling response while allowing a compliant ride. see less