(continued from above)
Unique to the F SPORT package will be aggressive 19-inch wheels, F
SPORT-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), thicker anti-roll bars, bushing
changes, and new larger front brakes with high friction pads. In addition,
rear-wheel drive (RWD) models will be equipped with 19-inch staggered width
wheels and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS). Inside, the all-new package also
features a sporty attitude with a new 16-way power driver's sport seat, unique
interior design treatment and available F SPORT exclusive Cabernet Red leather
interior.
"The all-new GS 350 with F SPORT package will offer our customers more agility
and a sportier appearance," said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and
general manager. "The racing-inspired F SPORT components were precision engineered for this vehicle,
providing quality performance without compromise."
Lexus will reveal the all-new 2013 GS 350 mid-size luxury sedan with F SPORT
package at the 2011 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las
Vegas on November 1.
Exterior Design
The 2013 GS expresses a new generation of Lexus' design philosophy with its
precisely sculpted exterior and will lead the rest of the lineup in an entirely
new direction. When designers shaped the GS they visualized the flow of air
around it and, like the LFA supercar, maximized aerodynamic efficiency for low
coefficient of drag.
Following the inspirational design cues of the IS line-up and CT 200h, the F
SPORT package separates itself from the GS line-up with distinctive exterior
details. To display its aggressive attitude, the GS 350 with F SPORT package
will be outfitted with a sport front bumper and rear lower valence, rear lip
spoiler, unique F SPORT mesh grille inserts and F SPORT badging.
The GS fuses distinctive style with engineering functionality. The signature
spindle grille with its trapezoidal contours fully integrates into the
aggressive front bumper allowing for efficient airflow. Air inlets located on
the outer edges of the lower grille serve as cooling ducts. This distinctive
Lexus design feature combined with the deep-set, high-tech headlamps and
L-shaped LED daytime running lamps further express the vehicle's confident and
dynamic character. The headlamps use a projector beam design, adding a strong,
chiseled appearance and excellent illumination. Fins incorporated into the side
of the tail lamps and the design of the trunk area all help direct air over and
past the car. The rear bumper underbody area was designed for reduced wind
resistance to help keep the car firmly planted on the ground.
From the side, the GS projects the image of a spacious sport sedan with a
road-hugging wider stance. The tapered lower rocker panel and the short front
overhang give the vehicle a sense of motion. Width-enhancing front and rear
wheel arches add an athletic stance-enhancing the vehicle's dynamic presence.
The rear bumper features a distinctive exhaust diffuser and centered aero fins
to help control underbody airflow. Combined with the L-shaped LED tail lamps, a
Lexus design cue, these rear bumper features lend a high-performance appearance.
Overall, the new GS sheet metal represents a significant extension of the Lexus
L-finesse philosophy that is the core of all Lexus product design.
The GS 350 with F SPORT package will feature two new colors: Riviera Red and
Liquid Platinum, and also be available in Starfire Pearl, Nebula Gray Pearl and
Obsidian. Vehicles in Riviera Red will benefit from glass flakes incorporated
into the coating that adds a high level of brilliance to the paint. Lexus
engineers developed a new advanced coating process for Liquid Platinum
exteriors. The GS 350 will be the first Lexus to adopt this new coating
technology. Vehicles with the Liquid Platinum exterior will appear more radiant
as an additional metallic texture gives both strong shading and defined, sharp
highlights. This metallic effect makes subtle and defined bodylines more
noticeable and the surface appears finely polished.
Lexus GS 350 F Sport: Review (2/2)