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About The skanner. (Portland, Or.) 1975-2014 | View Entire Issue (July 3, 2013)
Auto 2013 Lexus GS 350 AWD VEHICLE OF THE WEEK 2013 Lexus GS 450h Sedan By Frank S. Washington T here was more to the 2013 Lexus GS 350 AWD than just the spindle grille that is the new face of the brand. This all-wheel-drive sedan was smooth, quiet and rela- tively spacious for a midsize car; all attributes that are com- mon to any Lexus. But the Lexus GS 350 was also fun to drive. That’s somewhat new for Lexus. The car was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that made 306 horsepower and 277 foot-pounds of torque. The engine combined direct fuel injection and port injection. Though the combination of port and direct injection rep- resented the latest generation of Lexus’ engine DNA, the rudiments for the powerplant came from the company’s parts bin. However, platform technology for the car was new and it made a big difference in the driving dynamics of the GS 350 AWD. Power was put to all four wheels all the time with a rear-wheel-bias – 30 percent fore and 70 percent aft – all-wheel-drive system. It had the capability of a 50-50 torque split but it could not send power side-to-side. That was one of several areas where the Lexus GS could stand a little refinement. Still, the Lexus GS 350 AWD provided a great ride. There was even a little engine growl under assertive acceleration. Handling was precise, passing on two–lane rural high- ways was quick and accurate. It didn’t take long for the GS 350 AWD to get out and then around slow moving vehicles and then back into the lane. The car had four driving modes, Normal, ECO mode revised throttle mapping, seat heating, and the climate con- trol systems for better fuel economy, SPORT S mode revised throttle mapping and transmission shifting priorities to fully exploit the capabilities of the powertrain. In other words, the car held gears longer and shifted at higher Page 6 The Portland Skanner July 3, 2013 T he stylish new 2013 Lexus GS 450h Sedan – which starts at $59,450 – offers invigorating handling, next generation technology and unforgettable styling. The 450h’s 3.5 liter, Four Cam 24- valve V-6 Engine with Dual Variable Valve Timing delivers plenty of kick, going from 0-60 in 5.6 seconds. Lexus Enform with App Suite gives riders the ability to make din- ner reservations, order movie tickets and more on the fly using the indus- try’s first available 12.3 inch high resolution split-screen multimedia display. The responsive interior allows pas- sengers to control the audio system, rear-seat climate zone, power rear sunshade and heated outboard seats, all from the comfort of Cabernet Leather trim. With a class leading 10 standard airbag system, night view and driver attention monitor, the 450h also delivers innovative safety. From this smooth running hybrid forward, there is no going back. RPMs. The SPORT S+ mode, available with F SPORT and Lux- ury packages, engaged a sport setting comprised of the adaptive variable suspension, steering system and Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) together with the powertrain enhancements of SPORT S mode. In other words, the suspension became much stiffer, the electronic power steering reacted quicker to driver input and the shift points were at even higher RPMs. The luxury package that accompanied the SPORT S+ mode was See CAR on page 7
