Lexus GS: talking performance and technology; Lexus is redescribing and redefining itself—or, said another way, it is launching vehicles that will be distinctively, visually "Lexus." The first articulation is with the GS sport sedan

Automotive Design & Production, April, 2005 by Gary S. Vasilash

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

One more thing. All of this tech notwithstanding, there's wood. Real wood trim. Bird's eye maple or walnut. This is not entirely surprising, but what is is that all of the wood in any given GS comes from the same tree. The appearance must be consistent.

These guys are serious. Now with the launch of the GS and what Denny Clements promises will be an array of additional products, their level of determination will do nothing but heighten.

*Shigetoshi Miyoshi, Lexus GS chief engineer: "We call this language L-Finesse, and the new GS marks the first practical application of its core values. Simplicity, contrast and dynamism are all you need to know about the styling and design, inside and out, of the new GS." According to Miyoshi, there are two fundamental ways the design of the GS veers from the practice of most sport sedan designs. Instead of hawing a low beltline, it is higher on the GS to provide contrast between the upper and lower portions of the body. Second, rather than having short overhangs, they're using "longer, less politically correct overhangs." He explains, "By moving the front bumper overhang outward, designers were able to achieve a simpler, rounder and more sculpted profile. We weren't just thinking outside of the box. We were trying to eliminate the box altogether."

**The GS will become the most technologically advanced once again in 2006. Why? Because, Denny Clements explains, "The GS will become the second vehicle in the Lexus lineup to offer a high-performance hybrid gas-electric powertrain. The GS 450h will be powered by an all-new V6 hybrid powertrain. It will not only be the first luxury hybrid sedan on the market, it will be the first rear-drive hybrid ever offered."

By Gary S. Vasilash, Editor-In Chief