2006 Lexus GS Spotted at Nürburgring!

The 1UZFE EGR Delete Kit is available for sale here.
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We've just introduced the car at the Detroit auto show this morning. Here is the press release

Lexus introduced the new GS luxury sport sedan today at a press conference at the North American International Auto Show. The all-new, more powerful GS utilizes the latest in advanced technology to improve both performance and handling and is the first in a new wave of Lexus products to reflect a new, more passionate direction in styling.

"From a technology standpoint, the GS employs a sophisticated array of advanced safety, comfort and convenience features that will cause even the most enthusiastic driver to take notice," said Denny Clements, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "From a design standpoint, the new GS will be the first vehicle in our lineup to benefit from a new, more passionate direction in styling."

First All-Wheel Drive Model
Significantly, the new GS will feature all-wheel-drive, the first such application in any Lexus car, and offer the performance enhancements and advanced vehicle control of the Lexus Vehicle Dynamic Management (VDM) system. Monitoring a variety of sensors, the system is capable of anticipating the onset of a vehicle skid or slide and then helps correct the situation with a combination of braking and throttle control. The new VDM system is less obtrusive than conventional VSC but ultimately more effective.

Performance Optimized
Joining the potent and refined 4.3-liter V8 will be an all-new 245-horsepower V6 engine replacing the current inline six. Both the powerful V6 and V8 engines benefit from an all-new close-ratio 6-speed automatic transmission with a sequential manual-shifting mode. The combination provides faster and substantially smoother acceleration for even better performance and, surprisingly, improved fuel economy. A new Adaptive Variable Suspension allows the driver to fine-tune suspension damping with four settings ranging from normal-mode for everyday driving to a sport-mode for a tighter, more precise feel.

New Lexus Design Direction
From an architectural standpoint, the GS marks a move towards a more sculptural direction... that is artistic, dynamic, simple... yet intriguing. A two-inch longer wheelbase and short overhangs on the new GS creates a wide, powerful stance. A long hood, pulled-back cabin and slingshot windows recall classic sports car proportions and the vertical grille surrounded by four independent headlamps connects the new GS with the outgoing model, but with a futuristic look. The front also features an aggressive lower valence with integrated fog lamps. Dynamic 18-inch wheels on the V8 model help tie the muscular yet elegant look together.

The creation of a unique spatial feeling in the passenger compartment is central to the new Lexus design direction. The interior of the new GS has a precision, luxury feel with ultra-premium wood, polished metal and leather accents. Everything inside the GS is designed and styled to create a haven for peaceful comfort and relaxation, from contoured and supportive front seats with optional climate control to the standard 10-speaker audio system with simple steering wheel controls.

New Intelligent Luxury Sport Sedan
In addition to a new look and feel, the new GS also improves upon the increasingly complex nature of automotive technology. The GS offers numerous standard features, such as a keyless SmartAccess that allows the driver to lock, unlock and start the car simply by touching the door handle (with a key fob in pocket) and then simply pressing a push-button to start. An advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPM) can detect and notify the driver, via an indicator warning light, of a significant loss in pressure in one or more tires, a condition that could potentially lead to premature tire wear and loss of control. The GS will also feature the Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), which helps illuminate a turn or curve as the driver steers into it.

A rear back-up camera is also added for 2006, providing an extra margin of confidence when reversing the vehicle. Available in conjunction with the optional navigation system, it automatically projects an image of what the camera lens can detect behind the vehicle onto the navigation screen when the vehicle is in the reverse gear.

"With the new GS we took all that was good in terms of technology and found ways to make it more intuitive, more intelligent and more relevant to the needs of its driver," said Clements.

Advanced Safety Features
The GS will also offer an optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) that can help reduce collision injury and damage. The system uses a millimeter-wave radar sensor to detect obstacles in front of the car and a pre-collision system computer with vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw rate inputs that help to determine in advance whether a collision is unavoidable. The system then preemptively retracts front seat belts and prepares Brake Assist for increased braking force to help reduce collision speed.

In addition, the new GS gains new knee airbags for the driver and front passenger as well as front and rear side curtain airbags as standard equipment. The Supplemental Restraint System in the new GS also includes variable-force front airbags for both driver and front passenger. Sensors determine the severity of the accident and in turn the force with which to deploy the front airbags, helping to provide the appropriate level of occupant restraint.

"Nearly every feature on the GS makes this sports sedan more manageable and more engaging to drive," said Clements.

Preliminary Specifications
Wheelbase: 112.2 in.
Length: 189.8 in.
Width: 71.7 in.
Height: 56.1 in.
Engines: 3.0 liter V6 - 245 hp; 228 lb.-ft. of torque
4.3 liter V8 - 300 hp; 325 lb.-ft. of torque
Transmission: 6-speed sequential automatic
 
NICE!!!!! Same powertrain as the previous generation. 3UZFE........ Who will be the first to do a Twin Turbo? Love the interior. What is the MSRP on that.

Since the new GS300 getting a V6 instead of Inline six. This would mean a lot hard to do turbo on the GS300. Unlike the earlier generation, go fast parts are bolt on. Do u have any engine pic?
 
Lextreme said:
NICE!!!!! Same powertrain as the previous generation. 3UZFE........ Who will be the first to do a Twin Turbo? Love the interior. What is the MSRP on that.

Since the new GS300 getting a V6 instead of Inline six. This would mean a lot hard to do turbo on the GS300. Unlike the earlier generation, go fast parts are bolt on. Do u have any engine pic?
Probably start at 40k for the GS300, 45k for the AWD GS 300, 49k for the GS 430 and near 60k loaded.
 
Lextreme said:
Sick,

The last time i talked to you in GA. You stated u have mild interest in the New GS.... Its time to take out the check book.
I've never bought a new car before. Depreciation hit initially. There is a 1st time for everything.
 
disappointed

the new GS looks a lot like the new Nissan/Infiniti M45 (and to a lesser extent the G35).
Lexus made a big mistake with their weak engine offerings. The competition offers 3.5L V6(Nissan/Infiniti and Honda/Acura) and 4.5L V8(Nissan/Infiniti). (The 4.0L V6 from the 4runner/Tacoma should have been chosen.) AWD is nice, but where's the manual transmission? It can't be a sports sedan without a stick!
As for turbo-ing the V6, probably not much different than boosting a Camry.

I think Lexus is relying too much on its brandname, rather than performance merits.
 
I was hoping that Lexus would come out a V6 Turbo/Twin AWD and compete with the STi and othe rally cars. Perhaps the IS330 will have that with 6 speed.
 
bloodypulp said:
the new GS looks a lot like the new Nissan/Infiniti M45 (and to a lesser extent the G35).
Lexus made a big mistake with their weak engine offerings. The competition offers 3.5L V6(Nissan/Infiniti and Honda/Acura) and 4.5L V8(Nissan/Infiniti). (The 4.0L V6 from the 4runner/Tacoma should have been chosen.) AWD is nice, but where's the manual transmission? It can't be a sports sedan without a stick!
As for turbo-ing the V6, probably not much different than boosting a Camry.

I think Lexus is relying too much on its brandname, rather than performance merits.

Actually you are wrong bloodypulp about Lexus engine.. for Infinity/Nissan is 3.5L V6 is 250-265hp (& Honda/Acura is 3.0L V6 w/ 240; 3.2 V6 w/ 270hp (front wheel); & new 3.5L V6 is 300hp (but front wheel too) compare that to the Lexus new 3.0L V6 w/ 245hp and AWD option is still pretty good competition. You have to compare and look at closely on the V8 output ratio; and the weight to hp ratio too. 4.3L V8 w/ 300hp is not bad compare w/ 4.5L V8 w/ 340hp.
 
the Honda 3.5L 300hp is also available with AWD.
the Nissan 3.5L has much more torque and hp than the Lexus 3.0L.(it will soon be upgraded to 290+ hp).
speaking of output comparison, if you've ever driven an Infiniti V8 compared to a Lexus V8, you'd see the Infiniti has more "grunt" mainly due to its torque curve, even with the extra weight.

the Honda 3.0L and 3.2L engines are in cars which are not direct competitors in the Lexus GS's market. whereas, the 3.5L and 4.5L engines are.

I like Toyotas, just like everyone else on this board. But Lexus needs to start innovating. Toyota has good cars, but lousy engine output. Nissan has good engines, but lousy cars. Just face it, Toyota is not a motor company. It's a car company. ...Honda is a motor company :(
 
I cant help but get involved with this.
I have to agree with bloody yulp with his summary,.
toyota are a great car company, but conservative with engine output.
if only honda made and rear wheel drive Legend v8, wouldnt that be a great engine to play with. Mind you i guess you have to look at the market that the GS430 is aimed at. Older slower drivers maybe.. But i would still love one.
Great styling, rare on the road and great quality.

Paul
 


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