2010 Lexus GS

Overview
The Lexus GS is a midsize premium luxury sedan. It is offered with a choice of gasoline engines, as well as a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain. The Lexus GS competes against the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and the Infiniti M-Class, to name just a few.

History/Genealogy
The first Lexus GS debuted in North America in 1993. Lexus needed a model to fill the price bracket vacated by the flagship LS sedan, which was moving upmarket, so they rebadged a vehicle that had been on sale in Japan since 1991 (sold there as the Toyota Aristo). The U.S. market received a rear-wheel-drive model with a standard 6-cylinder engine (shared with the Toyota Supra), styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro, and loaded with luxury features. The second-generation model, which debuted in 1998, was also offered with an 8-cylinder engine to keep it competitive with its European competition.

The third-generation GS, the current body style, arrived in 2006. In addition to 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder engines, it would eventually be offered with a gasoline-electric hybrid powerplant. Furthermore, it was the first Lexus model to be available with all-wheel drive. The next-generation Lexus GS is expected to arrive for the 2012 model year.

Dimensions and Interior Room

Model	4-Door
Length	190.7 inches
Width	71.7 inches
Height	56.1 inches
Weight	3,704 pounds
Passenger Volume	109.1 cubic feet
Cargo Volume	15.2 cubic feet

Features and Options
The 2010 Lexus GS is offered in four different models: GS 350 RWD, GS 350 AWD, GS 460 RWD, and the hybrid GS 450h. The GS 350 is available in rear- or all-wheel-drive (RWD or AWD) variants, while the GS 460 and GS 450h are offered in rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configurations only.

As a premium luxury sedan, all Lexus GS models are substantially equipped for their mission. Leather upholstery, wood trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, a full complement of power accessories, and more are all standard. Upgrading to the GS 460 brings a more powerful 8-cylinder engine, adaptive suspension, upgraded wheels, electric power steering, a power rear sunshade, and more.

The GS 450h is a full gasoline-electric hybrid. It is capable of operating in gas-only, electric-only, or a combination of both drive modes. In addition to the standard equipment listed for all GS models, the hybrid has special 18-inch light-alloy wheels, a regenerative braking system, a power meter replacing the tachometer, and more. Standard on the GS 450h, but optional on both GS 350 models, are heated and ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, headlamp washers, a power-operated trunk closer, and more.

Options are limited to packages including items such as navigation, integrated backup camera, rain-sensing wipers, a rear spoiler, and more. Lexus has also introduced a full line of "F Sport" equipment that is tailored towards high-performance driving. The accessories include items such as a performance exhaust, upgraded brakes, forged alloy wheels, and more.

The 2010 Lexus GS 350 models feature a 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine rated at 300 horsepower and 274 lb.-ft. of torque mated to a standard 6-speed automatic transmission. The GS 460 models are fitted with a 4.6-liter 8-cylinder engine rated at 343 horsepower and 339 lb.-ft. of torque and mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The gasoline-electric hybrid GS 450h features a 3.5-liter 6-cylinder gasoline engine and a high-output electric motor (for combined system power of 340 horsepower) mated to an electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission (ECVT). The EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Lexus GS ranges between 17 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Safety and Crash Testing

NHTSA	Model	4-Door
	Front Driver	Not Tested
	Front Passenger	Not Tested
	Side Driver	Not Tested
	Side Rear Passenger	Not Tested
	Rollover 2WD	Not Tested
	Rollover 4WD	Not Tested
IIHS	** TOP SAFETY PICK **
	Frontal Offset	Good
	Side Impact	Good
	Roof Strength	Not Tested

Study Results

2010 IQS	Highest ranked in segment
2010 VDS	-
2009 APEAL	-

To learn more visit:
2010 Lexus GS Model Page