The 2009 Lexus GS series performance luxury sedans deliver dynamic performance and advanced safety technologies with the luxurious design of L-finesse

(TORONTO) – Whether they’re accelerating up the onramp or resting at curb side, Canadian drivers know the GSseries from Lexus epitomizes luxury performance. With the choice of two engines, two drivetrains, and the influence of L-finesse design language, performance, luxury and safety can co-exist, creating bold and dramatic driving moments.

“The Lexus GSseries symbolizes the winding road. Intelligently engineered and emotionally charged, it delivers maximum moments of inspired driving,” said Tony Wearing, Managing Director of Lexus of Canada. “Every aspect of this vehicle has been meticulously planned and subsequently scrutinized to exceed the owner’s expectations, and we’re delighted to offer three distinct models, all generously equipped with performance, safety, convenience and luxury features.”

Power and poise are the watchwords for the rear-wheel-drive GS350. Additional traction and control in varied weather conditions can be found in the GS350 AWD. And with its larger engine and remarkable eight-speed transmission, the GS460 delivers truly intelligent, effortless performance and unsurpassed luxury. All GS models offer the security of standard active and passive safety features and technologies, such as: Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System (VDIM), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), TRAC (Traction Control), Hill-Start Assist (HAC), and eight airbags. A range of available upgrade packages enables Canadian drivers to create a GSperformance luxury sedan that surpasses their needs and desires.

The 2009 Lexus GSseries is now on sale at Lexus dealers across Canada. The suggested retail price starts at $52,450 for the GS350. The sure-footed Lexus GS350 AWD starts at a suggested $54,450, while the outstanding performance of the GS460 can be enjoyed starting at a manufacturer’s suggested price of $63,850.

2009 LEXUS GS350 + GS460 – PRODUCT DETAIL 

Pick your passion

The 2009 Lexus GSseries performance luxury sedan is available in three models, as follows:

Inspiring performance

The Lexus GS350 performance luxury sedan is poised and powerful, drawing on ample horsepower and torque generated by a 3.5L V6 mated to a six-speed automatic Super Electronically Controlled Transmission (Super ECT). The result is a highly responsive performance vehicle that also delivers the refinement and elegance of a true luxury sedan. For added control, Canadians may enjoy the same stunning performance in the sure-footed GS350 AWD.

For truly inspired driving, Canadians turn to the GS460, featuring an exhilarating 342-horsepower V8 mated to an eight-speed automatic Super Electronically Controlled Transmission. Designed and engineered for power and agility, the GS460 epitomizes intelligent, effortless performance.

Handling and control

Whether it’s a winding road or the open highway, the GSseries boasts some big performance technologies to keep it moving solidly on target. The state of the art Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system is standard fitted to all GS models, and backstopped by Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) technologies, plus Hill Start Assist Control (HAC). Those looking for maximum control in all weather can opt for the GS350 all wheel drive edition.

Highly responsive electric power steering is fitted to all models, while the more powerful GS460’s electric power steering is enhanced with a variable gear ratio to improve its drivability during rapid acceleration.

All GSseries models feature an independent double-wishbone suspension up front, and multi-link control arm suspension at the rear, with stabilizer bars fitted to both. The GS460’s handling and control is further enhanced with the Lexus Adaptive Variable Suspension system fitted front and rear.

Active and passive safety systems

The 2009 Lexus GSseries seats five adults in comfort and style. But it also incorporates many active and passive safety systems to help protect them. In addition to VDIM, VSC, TRAC and other active handling and control design decisions, the GS features a tire-pressure monitoring system and a generous suite of braking systems. These include power assisted ventilated disc brakes at all four corners, including larger diameter front ventilated disc brakes on the more powerful GS460. All models are enhanced with the Lexus Antilock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) as standard equipment.

Inside the GSseries performance luxury sedans, standard safety systems include dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, front seat mounted side airbags, and front and rear head/side curtain airbags. The GS350 may also be fitted with two additional airbags – rear seat side mounted. Three-point lap and shoulder seatbelts are fitted in all five passenger positions, and include adjustable “B” pillar shoulder belt anchors plus front and rear seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters. Younger passengers are protected with anchor points for child restraint seats and child protector rear door locks. And because safety is important even when a GSseries performance luxury sedan is parked, all models are also equipped with an anti-theft system, engine immobilizer, first aid kit and a tool kit.

Customization

Buyers may personalize their 2009 Lexus GSseries performance luxury sedan on the Lexus of Canada web site (www.lexus.ca) or by visiting any Lexus Dealer across Canada.

Peace of mind

Buyers of any 2009 Lexus GSseries performance luxury sedan enjoy the peace of mind that comes with the industry-leading Lexus comprehensive warranty that covers the entire vehicle for four years/80,000 kilometres. Power train components are covered for six years/110,000 kilometres, major emission control components are covered for eight years/130,000 kilometres and corrosion perforation for six years with unlimited distance. Service adjustments - minor repairs not usually associated with the replacement of parts - are fully covered for one year/32,000 kilometres, while Lexus owners also enjoy the Tire Road Hazard Protection warranty and access to alternate transportation.

The four-year Lexus Roadside Assistance Program provides travel planning as well as the extra security and confidence of a dedicated toll-free telephone number and emergency service for towing - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The purchase of a new GS350 or GS460 also includes free membership in Club Lexus, an online convenience service that places important vehicle ownership information at the guest’s fingertips.

2009 Lexus GS350 + GS460 – features and specifications

2009 Lexus GSseries – Available upgrade packages

Premium Package

(GS350)

Includes: Rear seat side airbags; Heated driver and front passenger seats with ventilation fans; Wallet-sized smart card key; Clearance and backup sensor; Power rear window sunshade; Rain-sensing wipers; Adaptive Front Lighting system; Headlamp washers; DVD-based navigation system with back-up camera; Rear spoiler.

Premium Package

(GS350 AWD)

Includes: Rear seat side air bags; Heated driver and front passenger seats with ventilation fans; Wallet-sized smart card key; Clearance and backup sensor; Power rear window sunshade; DVD-based navigation system with back-up camera; Rear spoiler.

Ultra Premium Package

(GS350 AWD)

Includes: Rear seat side air bags; Heated driver and front passenger seats with ventilation fans; Wallet-sized smart card key; Clearance and backup sensor; Power rear window sunshade; DVD-based navigation system with back-up camera; Rear spoiler; Mark Levinson Audio system featuring AM/FM stereo/cassette, Compact Disc DVD auto-changer and 14 speakers; Wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Premium Package with Navigation

(GS460)

Includes: DVD-based navigation system with back-up camera; Rear spoiler.

2009 Lexus GSseries – Technical information

Engine: 3.5L V6

(GS350; GS350 AWD)

Horsepower: Up to 303 HP @ 6,200 RPM

Torque: Up to 274 lb-ft @ 4,800 RPM

Features: Aluminum alloy block; Dual overhead cams; 24 valves; Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i); Direct Ignition System; Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i); Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS); Stainless steel exhaust.

Emissions rating: Tier 2, Bin 5.

Engine: 4.6L V8

(GS460)

Horsepower: Up to 342 HP @ 6,400 RPM

Torque: Up to 339 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM

Features: Aluminum alloy block; Dual overhead cams; 32 valves; Variable Valve Timing with intelligence electrically-driven on intake cam (VVT-iE); Variable Valve Timing with intelligence on exhaust cam (VVT-i); Direct Injection System; Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i); Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS); Stainless steel exhaust.

Emissions rating: Tier 2, Bin 5.

Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence

(GS350; GS350 AWD)

Dual VVT-i is a Lexus engine system that independently varies the intake and exhaust valve timing on a continual basis to deliver optimal valve timing for a full range of driving conditions. It improves drivability, performance and fuel efficiency, and reduces emissions.

Variable Valve Timing with intelligence, electrically-driven intake cam

(GS460)

Unique to Lexus, VVT-iE provides the ideal air-fuel mixture for efficient combustion and optimum performance over a broad range of engine speeds. It increases torque at lower speeds and horsepower at higher speeds to improve engine performance and fuel economy, as well as help reduce emissions. The Engine Control Module receives data from a variety of sensors and signals the actuator to adjust the camshaft the amount needed to create perfect timing for engine speed and load at that exact moment. The exhaust cam is controlled by Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), a Lexus engine system that continually varies the exhaust valve timing to deliver optimal valve timing for a full range of driving conditions. It improves drivability, performance and fuel efficiency, and reduces emissions.

Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i)

(All models)

The principle behind ETCS-i – sometimes called “drive-by-wire” – is used on all modern racing cars. When the driver depresses the accelerator, the engine instantaneously receives an electronic signal demanding more power. By replacing the traditional, less-efficient cable link between pedal and engine, ETCS-i can provide better fuel efficiency, faster response and smoother acceleration. It also networks with the engine’s computer to co-ordinate with other control systems, as appropriate.

Acoustic Control Induction System

(All models)

ACIS increases the amount of air entering the engine by optimizing the length of the intake manifold under various driving conditions. The result is an increase in engine power and torque whenever the driver needs it most.

Transmission: 6-speed automatic Super ECT

(GS350; GS350 AWD)

Features: Overdrive; Sequential multi-mode shifter; Snow mode; Lock-up torque converter; Transmission cooler.

Fuel efficiency (GS350): 10.9 L/100km city; 7.4 L/100km highway.

Fuel efficiency (GS350 AWD): 11.6 L/100km city; 8.0 L/100km highway.

Transmission: 8-speed automatic Super ECT

(GS460)

Features: Overdrive; Sequential multi-mode shifter; Snow mode; Lock-up torque converter; Transmission cooler.

Fuel efficiency: 12.4 L/100km city; 8.1 L/100km highway.

Super Electronically Controlled Transmission (Super ECT)

Electronic control of Lexus automatic transmissions has delivered several breakthroughs in driving comfort and vehicle efficiency. Super ECT helps to ensure optimal gear change timing according to throttle position and vehicle load for maximum performance and fuel efficiency. It also networks with the engine’s computer to co-ordinate with other control systems, as appropriate.

Capabilities

Seating capacity: 5 adults

Cargo capacity: 0.360m³ (12.7ft³)

Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management

Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) is the most sophisticated handling and control system Lexus offers. Specially tuned for each vehicle on which it’s fitted, VDIM uses information from computer-linked sensors to compare actual vehicle performance to driver commands. In this way, it’s able to anticipate potential vehicle stability problems such as a skid or slide. VDIM then makes subtle interventions through a combination of braking, throttle, and steering – in most cases, invisible to the driver – to maximize control.

Vehicle Stability Control

The Lexus Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system is an active safety system that automatically helps to control a vehicle when it starts to slide – for example, when trying to turn at too high a speed. VSC compares driver braking and steering commands to the vehicle’s actual performance then activates individual brakes as needed and adjusts the throttle setting to help maintain stability and keep the vehicle on course.

Traction Control

The Lexus Traction Control (TRAC) system helps the vehicle maintain traction when accelerating in slippery conditions. It also engages when the available grip differs from one side of the vehicle to the other, such as when two wheels are on a gravel or grass verge. When drive wheels begin to slip, TRAC automatically adjusts engine power to keep the wheels from losing traction.

Hill Start Assist Control

Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) system works to minimize back-rolling when stopped on an uphill grade.

Adaptive Variable Suspension

(GS460)

This suspension system allows the vehicle to raise or lower itself quickly, depending on need. For example, when the vehicle stops the chassis lowers two inches for easier loading an unloading. When driving at highway speeds the chassis lowers one inch at the front and one-half inch at the rear for improved stability; and when the vehicle’s four-wheel drive system is shifted into the low range, the vehicle rises three inches for better ground clearance.

Antilock Braking System

The Lexus Antilock Braking System (ABS) uses sensors to monitor speed, traction, vehicle load and the driver’s applied brake force. The ABS then controls brake applications to minimize wheel lock-up, reducing the chance of the vehicle skidding. The result is shorter stopping distances on wet, gravel-covered, sandy or other surfaces where traction is questionable.

Brake Assist

The Lexus Brake Assist (BA) system is a system designed to assist the driver during emergency braking by supplementing the braking power applied if the driver has not pushed hard enough on the pedal in an emergency braking situation. It works in conjunction with ABS to minimize lock-up during emergency situations.

Electronic Brake Force Distribution

The Lexus Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system minimizes stopping distances by maximizing the braking power applied to those wheels that have the best grip. This system also automatically adjusts the fore/aft brake balance according to vehicle load, and the right/left brake balance if brakes are applied during cornering.

High-Intensity Discharge Headlamps

Powered by a Xenon gas bulb, these projector-beam HID headlamps use less power, last significantly longer and provide considerably more illumination than halogen bulbs.

Adaptive Front Lighting System

(Standard on GS350AWD, GS460; Available on GS350)

The Lexus Adaptive Front Lighting System pivots the driver-side headlamp up to 15 degrees to the left and the passenger-side headlamp up to five degrees to the right to help illuminate the road through turns.

Auto Levelling Headlamp System

For safer night driving, the Lexus Auto Levelling Headlamp System adjusts the lights to a pre-set height. This allows for better road illumination without blinding oncoming traffic.