Lexus has shown off its new 2016 GS range. In addition to the existing GS 350 and GS 450h models, a new GS 200t has been added to the line. As well as updated styling, the new GS models feature a number of intelligent safety features.
For 2016, the GS features a redesigned front-end with new Bi-LED headlights, revised tail lamps, front and rear bumper refinements and new 18- and 19-in wheel designs. The hybrid GS 450h now produces 338 hp from its 3.5-liter V6 engine and water-cooled permanent-magnet electric motor combination. The 3.5-liter V6 GS350, meanwhile, produces 311 hp and has a new all-weather drive system that automatically adjusts the front/rear torque ratio based on driving conditions to optimize traction.
The newly introduced rear-wheel drive GS 200t has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It produces 241 hp and 258 lb ft (350 Nm) of torque, with an estimated highway fuel consumption of 33 mpg (14 km/l).
Each of the new models features 10 airbags as standard for occupant protection and the Lexus Safety System +. This includes the firm's Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Traffic Sign Recognition.
The Pre-Collision System uses radar and a front-facing camera to detect vehicles and pedestrians. It can warn the driver of a possible collision and brake automatically if necessary. The Lane Departure Alert system provides audio, visual and haptic alerts if the vehicle begins to deviate from its lane. With Steering Assist enabled, the vehicle's course can also be automatically corrected.
The Intelligent High Beam lighting system senses oncoming traffic and the taillights of vehicles traveling in front to automatically adjust high- and low-beam illumination, while the All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control tracks the speed of a vehicle ahead and adjusts its own speed accordingly to maintain a preset distance. The Traffic Sign Recognition function recognizes upcoming road signs and presents the information on the vehicle's head-up display in front of the driver.
Elsewhere, new GS models feature 12.3-in screens for displaying multimedia and mapping, as well as enhanced voice recognition and graphics. iPhone users can use Siri Eyes Free Mode to make calls, select songs and control navigation through Apple Maps.
The 2016 Lexus GS models were introduced at the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance in California recently.
Source: Lexus