Lexus has announced some improvements to the GS range. There are noticeable exterior and interior design changes across the range. The GS 300 equipment specification is now enhanced with Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). The cars can be specified with a new Active Stabiliser system and run flat tyres.

The Lexus GS range has been upgraded some external and internal style changes. Prices start at €67,950 plus delivery charges for the GS 300 model.

The Lexus GS 450h’s status as the high-performance flagship of the model range has been reinforced. In addition to blue detailing to the grille and trunk Lexus brand logos, the GS 450h is further differentiated by ‘hybrid’ logos with a blue background located at the base of the rear doors, and further blue detailing to the front and rear lamp clusters. Bolstering the standard model range colour choice, the GS 450h is also available in a bespoke Black Opal finish, an exterior paint finish unique to vehicles in the Lexus hybrid range.

Lexus has added a new Executive grade in the GS 450h. This grade caters for those drivers who do not require the multimedia package, wooden steering wheel and adaptive cruise control however this superior specification includes heated leather seats, 18” alloys and smart, keyless entry.

The new GS 300now comes standard with Active Variable Suspension (AVS). Lexus claims that AVS allows the driver to adjust the GS 300’s ride characteristics with a choice of two damper settings: ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’ for improved handling and body control. In either mode, AVS automatically and continuously adjusts the suspension’s performance at all four wheels independently.

The GS 300 is also equipped, as standard, with Lexus’ state-of-the-art Vehicle Dynamics

Integrated Management (VDIM) system to give enhanced performance, traction control and vehicle stability.  This system uses data provided by sensors throughout the vehicle, to integrate Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) active safety systems with the Electronic Power Steering (EPS).

The new GS460 replaces the GS 430. It uses a new 4,608cc V8 engine offering better performance and fuel efficiency. With a maximum power output of 255kW/347bhp, the new engine develops 23% more power than its predecessor, reducing the 0-100 km/h acceleration time by 0.3 seconds to just 5.8 seconds. Conversely, the new engine offers lower emissions than that of the GS 430, with CO2 reduced by 11 g/km to 258 g/km.

The new V8 features an over-the-engine, dual pipe intake system with compact air filter elements and an Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) to optimise fuel/air mixture.

A D-4S (Direct 2/2 injection 4-stroke Superior version) stoichiometric direct injection system, the world’s only automotive injection system to adopt two injectors per cylinder, is combined with Lexus’ Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing – intelligent). Combining the strengths of both port injection and direct injection, D-4S realises higher engine output and lower emissions.

The optimised, low pressure loss, variable intake and exhaust valve timing system incorporates VVT-iE, the world’s first electrically operated variable valve timing system to the intake camshafts. It operates across the full engine revolution and temperature spectrum to further improve engine performance.

To fully exploit its performance potential, the new V8 is mated to the world’s only 8-speed automatic transmission. Within a remarkably light, compact casing, Lexus claims that this gives an unprecedented combination of performance and fuel economy.

Due to a new, hydraulic control system, gear change is now significantly quicker, yet remains virtually imperceptible, whilst significant reductions in noise and vibration make the new gearbox the smoothest, quietest transmission ever developed by Lexus.

Currently sales of the Lexus 450h represent over 40% of total European GS sales. Irish customers have bought 709 GS since 2005 with 25% of those being hybrid.

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