A Dramatic Change

THE NEW LEXUS GS 450h AND GS 350AWD*

The new Lexus GS 450h full hybrid makes its world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The show also marks the European premiere of the new GS 350AWD.

The introduction of the new GS 450h and GS 350AWD marks the start of a period of further expansion for the GS model range in the near future with additional variants.

The GS features an all-new exterior and interior reflecting a further development of Lexus’ unique, L-finesse design philosophy. Its new bold and dynamic exterior design including a more aggressive frontal treatment gives the new GS the powerful, commanding road presence appropriate to a Lexus performance sedan.

The new GS interior represents a continuation of the next generation Lexus interior design theme. An ergonomically designed, driver-focused cockpit with advanced Human Machine Interface technologies enables customers to remain alert and comfortable over long periods of time.

Several highly innovative technologies make a first appearance in the new GS model range. A new, energy saving air-conditioning system with S-Flow and ‘nanoe’ technologies; a second generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) linked to the world’s largest on-board multi-information display screen; and a choice of audio systems offering unparalleled power and clarity.

The GS 450h is the world’s first premium performance sedan to be equipped with a V6 Atkinson cycle petrol engine with a two-motor hybrid system, in a front engine rear-wheel drive vehicle.

Its second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system features improvements to every aspect of its full hybrid powertrain, combining significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO₂, NOx and PM emissions, with performance on a par with comparable V8 powered rivals.

The new GS 350AWD also benefits from powertrain revisions, both delivering more power and improved efficiency.

The new, fourth generation GS model range has been designed to offer customers an engaging driving experience. It combines sharp, accurate steering and excellent body control with outstanding high speed stability and all the ride comfort appropriate to a Lexus performance sedan.

The significant improvements to its driving dynamics have been achieved through a re-engineered bodyshell, new suspension, more powerful brakes and leading-edge technologies such as Active Variable Suspension (AVS) and Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS).

The GS 450h can also be equipped with the Lexus Dynamic Handling system; the world’s first integration of AVS, Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS), Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and Step 5 of Lexus’unique Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, to coordinate every aspect of front and rear wheel control and provide agile, sharp and confident driving behaviour with a more direct response to the driver’s actions.

The new Lexus GS is comprehensively equipped with the most technologically advanced active safety and driver assistance systems available on the market today. VDIM Step 5 now integrates the newly developed Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) system. An Advanced Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS) incorporates a Driver Monitor Camera, and a complementary Adaptive Cruise Control system (ACC), which on the GS 450h, now functions at all speeds down to 0km/h.

Additional active safety features include a Lane-Keep Assist (LKA) system, a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) system, the Lexus Night View system, and a Head-Up Display (HUD) with an expanded content menu.

* This press information refers to europe specification vehicle; specification and equipment vary by market.

DESIGN & PACKAGING

1. Next generation L-finesse design with Lexus trademark ‘spindle’ grille for a powerful, commanding road presence
2. Future Lexus Interior design combines driver-focused cockpit with advanced Human Machine Interface technologies
3. Increased head and legroom for all vehicle occupants, and increased luggage space
4. Elegant, contemporary interior design with superb, hand-crafted quality feel
5. The world’s largest (12.3″) on-board multi-information display screen and the second generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI)
6. New, energy saving air-conditioning system with S-Flow and ‘nanoe’ technologies

EXTERIOR DESIGN

The fourth generation GS features an all-new exterior reflecting a further development of Lexus’ unique, L-finesse design philosophy making the car look bolder and more dynamic.

Though remaining the same length, the new GS has a 10mm shorter front overhang, a 10mm longer rear overhang and is 30mm higher than its predecessor. Improving high speed stability, the front track has been increased by 40mm and the rear track by 50mm. Overall vehicle width has increased by 20mm.

Key to the new design is a more aggressive frontal treatment which gives the new GS the powerful, commanding road presence appropriate to a Lexus sports sedan.

In a further evolution of a styling cue first developed on the CT 200h, the inverted trapezoid upper grille and slanted lower grille have been combined and integrated into a single element, bridging the bumper midsection to create a prominent ‘spindle’ shape. The brake cooling ducts at either side of the spindle grille combine a distinctive style and engineering functionality.

This bold, elegant and highly individual grille treatment makes the GS instantly recognisable as a Lexus at first glance, and will be adopted throughout the brand to strengthen the Lexus family identity between model ranges.

The grille is flanked by headlamp clusters clearly positioned on a higher plane than the grille itself. This is a unique characteristic of Lexus models, focusing the eye at the very apex of the vehicle to give the design a resolute look and strengthen the impression of speed and agility.

The headlamps themselves are underscored by newly developed, integral LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) which form the L-finesse arrowhead motif, further reinforcing the unique visual signature of the new GS.

Exclusive to the hybrid GS 450h, a unique three-lamp design aligns the turn signal and Lexus-first high and low beam LED lamps in a single horizontal row. The improved illumination and beam range provided by LED lamps offers significantly superior visibility even under low beam driving conditions.

Integrating sharply sculpted front foglamp housings, the deep front bumper forms a wide, trapezoid shape which anchors muscular front wings and flared wheel arches, reinforcing the new GS's wider front track, broad stance and powerful road presence.

In profile, the new GS shares its predecessor’s long, elegant cabin proportions, but a new, 15mm higher, roofline highlights the increase in rear passenger accommodation and boot space whilst providing optimum aerodynamic performance for a drag coefficient of Cd 0.26.

To the rear, the new design narrows behind the flared wheel arches, exposing the lower portion of the rear tyre to emphasise the vehicle’s wide rear track. LED lamp clusters feature aero-stabilising fins to enhance the aerodynamic efficiency and driving stability of the car. Uniquely, the rear bumper of the GS 450h covers the exhaust pipe apertures.

In addition to its new headlamp design, the new GS 450h may be further identified by hybrid-specific, front rear and side blue badging.

The GS will feature three colours that are new to the Lexus colour palette: Crimson Red, Meteor Blue and Sonic Silver. Vehicles in Crimson Red will benefit from glass flakes incorporated into the coating that adds a high level of brilliance to the paint. Lexus engineers developed a new advanced coating process for Sonic Silver exteriors. The new GS will be the first Lexus to adopt this new coating technology. Vehicles with the Sonic Silver exterior will appear more radiant as an additional metallic texture gives both strong shading and defined, sharp highlights. This metallic effect makes subtle and defined bodylines more noticeable and the surface appear finely polished.

INTERIOR DESIGN

An ergonomically designed, driver-focused cockpit enabling customers to remain alert and comfortable over long periods of time is an essential requirement of a sports sedan.

The new GS interior represents a continuation of the next generation Lexus interior design theme first seen in the CT 200h. With all functional driving components consolidated in the driver’s seat surroundings, it combines outstanding ergonomics with advanced Human Machine Interface technologies.

Driver Focused Cockpit

A clean, elegant dashboard design forms a wide horizontal plane, emphasising the overall roominess of the interior, whilst the door and centre console trim support the driver and front passenger in a secure, cocooned environment.

The dashboard is divided into two distinct zones: an upper Display Zone, with the largest, ultra-wide, 12.3 inch, LCD multi-display screen yet installed in a production car, located at an ideal distance for at-a-glance viewing, and a lower Operation Zone, which allows access to system controls such as the second generation of Lexus’ award winning, computer mouse-style Remote Touch Interface (RTI).

Every aspect of the driving position has been carefully considered to create the ideal placement of controls, maximise comfort and minimise driver distraction and fatigue

A new front seat features a lower hip point, placing the driver closer to the GS’s centre of gravity, and combines optimum holding ability with superlative comfort. An extended seat sliding range caters for the widest possible cross-section of occupants. As well as a new mid seat back folding adjustment, multiple adjustment mechanisms include a butterfly headrest, shoulder support, side support, 4-way lumbar support, and an adjustable cushion length.

Soft padded, tactile finishes to the centre console arm rest, knee pads and door arm rests further enhance the long-distance comfort of the driving position.

The steering wheel features an enlarged, 50mm telescopic reach to bring it closer to the driver, and has been set at low angle to facilitate large steering inputs without the need for the driver to move their body unnecessarily through over-reaching. Even the cross-section has been painstakingly analysed; no longer uniform throughout the entire circumference of the wheel, its varying profile allows for a relaxing grip and smooth steering inputs.

Brake pedal operability has been optimised with a new pedal shape and surface angle, and the footrest size increased to 300mm for greater comfort.

The driver’s instrument binnacle incorporates high-visibility, large diameter Optitron dials. Minimising the driver’s eye movement from the road ahead, a new Head-Up Display (HUD) relays essential driving information such as shift position, tachometer and navigation instructions to the windscreen base within the driver’s line of sight.

The driver’s forward visibility has also been maximised - slim A pillars and a taller windscreen creating a wider field of view. And even the bonnet visibility range has been tailored to allow the driver to readily establish the vehicle extremities, making it easier to place when manoeuvring in confined spaces.

Comfort, Convenience and Contemporary Craftsmanship

Despite having an identical wheelbase length to that of its predecessor, the new GS offers increased space and comfort to all vehicle occupants. Both front and rear door openings have been designed for maximum ease of ingress and egress, with a particular focus on head clearance.

Front cabin occupants benefit from a new seat back design which is more comfortable for taller passengers. A greater seat sliding range and seat height adjustment give an increase in legroom and up to 30mm of extra headroom.

Rear seat passengers benefit from new seats with a revised seat back angle and redesigned cushion shape for greater comfort. A thin front seat design improves knee room by 10mm, and headroom has been increased by 20mm.

Allied to a new, more compact rear suspension layout, a wider opening, increased deck length and reduced deck height combine to make the new GS’s luggage space more practical, and significantly increase its volume to 530 litres (23% increase versus current GS 350). The repackaging of the hybrid battery into a stacked format also increased the GS 450h’s luggage capacity to 465 litres (55% increase versus current GS 450h).

Throughout the interior, high-quality materials and finishes convey a contemporary, premium look and feel, with a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail for which Lexus is globally renowned.

A new interior colour scheme replaces the traditional two-tone design with a more versatile pallet. The dashboard, floor and steering wheel are uniformly black to create a sporting, luxurious feel. And the leather instrument panel features coloured stitching - available in grey and ivory depending on the interior tone- to enhance the premium quality of the cabin environment.

Matching seat and door upholstery will be available in a choice of five colours - black, ivory, grey, saddle tan and topaz brown. In addition to Ebony, Walnut and Bamboo wood finishes, a newly developed Black gloss brings a contemporary, artistic look and feel to the interior ornamentation.

A world first, the steering wheel of the GS 450h will be available in a real bamboo finish, symbolising the innovative spirit and environmental credentials of its Lexus Hybrid Drive system.

The GS interior has an air of sophistication and luxury is reinforced through Lexus’ painstaking attention to detail throughout. It incorporates exquisitely crafted details such as satin metal trim, high quality stitching, the brushed aluminium knobs of the audio system. A new analogue clock with LED indicators, carved from an ingot, adds a unique touch.

This beautifully crafted interior is complimented by an all-white LED interior lighting system which creates an atmosphere appropriate to a premium performance sedan. Reinforcing the GS’s highly refined onboard ambience, elements of the LED lighting illuminate to greet the occupants as they approach the car, even before it is unlocked, activating and fading thereafter in sequence with the vehicle starting procedure.

INNOVATIVE ON-BOARD TECHNOLOGIES

Several highly innovative technologies make a first appearance in the new GS model range, including a new, energy saving air-conditioning system with S-Flow and ‘nanoe’ technologies, a second generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) linked to the world’s largest on-board multi-information display screen, and a choice of audio systems offering unparalleled power and clarity.

Second Generation RTI with 12.3″ Multimedia Display

The second generation Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) multi-function control device has been enhanced for increased user-friendliness and ease of operation.

It now features a planar slide-type controller that is much like a computer mouse, and the ENTER command is now accomplished by simply pushing the controller. Usability has also been improved by minimising the difference in height between the RTI controller and the armrest.

RTI allows users to manipulate the cursor quickly and easily across the world’s largest on-board multimedia display; a 12.3 inch, full colour, LED screen with an ultra-wide, 24:9 format. The screen’s size allows for the permanent display of two types of information simultaneously, such as map/audio, night view/map and navigation input/incoming call.

S-Flow Air Conditioning with Nanoe Technology

Ten times more powerful than the previous system, the new air-conditioning features S-Flow technology to maintain optimum occupant comfort whilst significantly reducing power consumption. Using sensors to determine which seats are occupied, the system will automatically close all vents serving unoccupied front passenger or rear seats to maximise system efficiency.

The HVAC airflow route has been divided into two: External air is blown from the windscreen vents for anti-fogging, while internal air is recirculated in the lower cabin areas to reduce ventilation losses.

In addition, a new ECO mode, automatically activated when the ECO drive mode is selected, turns on the seat heaters to reduce the power consumption necessary to bring the cabin to a comfortable temperature for occupants.

The air conditioning system incorporates a new ‘nanoe’ technology system. This air cleaning technology operates automatically when the air conditioning is turned on. It releases 20 to 50Nm diameter nanoe particles -negatively charged ions wrapped in water molecules- into the cabin via the driver’s side dashboard air vent.

By attaching themselves to airborne particles and molecules, the nanoe ions have been said to have both an air purifying and odour eliminating effect. They also deodorise vehicle seats and ceiling to create a cleaner cabin environment.

In addition, because nanoe moisture content is approximately 1,000 times that of conventional ions, the emission of ions bonded to water molecules is said to have a moisturising effect on skin and hair, acting to enhance occupant well-being.

Audio Systems

The new GS range may be equipped with a choice of two audio systems.

The standard system represents the next generation of realism and clarity in Lexus sound. It features a fully digital Class-D amplifier capable of creating virtually distortion-free sound with minimal voltage losses. The natural sound dynamics and rich harmonies generated by the high definition amplification are faithfully reproduced by an enhanced, 12-speaker layout which features a new, front three-way system.

The new top of the range 17-speaker Mark Levinson® Premium Audio system creates sound based on the concepts of Effortless Dynamics and Effortless Transient Response, which combine natural dynamics with high response and tracking performance to offer sound quality equivalent to that of a live, concert hall performance.

It features a newly developed, Generation III ML5 amplifier. Far outstripping the performance of the current GS sound system, the new amplifier generates 125 Watts per channel and a total of 835 Watts (75W and 505W more power respectively than the current system), whilst consuming just 6.5 Amps -less than a quarter of the power consumed by the current generation system.

Developing twice the volume for the same power consumption, GreenEdge™ power-saving technology has been incorporated into each of the 17 speakers. GreenEdge™ technology covers a wider frequency band than conventional systems, giving an enhanced dynamic range.

The new Mark Levinson® system features five, newly-developed, 90mm GreenEdge™ Unity speakers with a coaxial structure which integrates mid- and high-range units within the same structure. The all-round cabin positioning of the five Unity speakers gives consistent timbre for both front and rear seat occupants, resulting in a whole new level of surround sound, definition, atmosphere and quality.

ENGINES AND TRANSMISSIONS

1. GS model range to further expand with in the near future with additional variants.
2. GS 450h with second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system
3. New Atkinson cycle V6 petrol
4. 18% reduction in fuel consumption to 6.3 l/100km and CO₂ emissions now below 145g/km
5. Revised GS 350AWD powertrain with more power and improved efficiency¹

The introduction of the new GS 450h and GS 350AWD marks the start of a period of further expansion for the GS model range in the near future with additional variants.

GS 450h

The new GS 450h is equipped with a second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system. Reinforcing the company’s commitment to the future of full hybrid drive technology.

Incorporating comprehensive improvements to every aspect of its full hybrid powertrain, the new GS 450h offers significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO₂, NOx and PM emissions, with no loss of performance.

With a total system power output of 252kW/343DIN hp and 345Nm of torque, the GS 450h will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds and has a maximum speed of 250km/h. Conversely, fuel consumption has been reduced by 18% to 6.3l/100 km, and CO₂ emissions have fallen to below 145g/km.

¹ This press information refers to europe specification vehicle; specification and equipment vary by market.

Lexus Hybrid Drive System Architecture

As with every Lexus hybrid vehicle, the new GS 450h is a full hybrid capable of operating in both petrol or electric modes alone, as well as a combination of both. Its Lexus Hybrid Drive system features an ultrasmooth running, 213kW/290DINhp, 3.5litre V6 petrol engine mated to a compact, high-output, water-cooled permanent magnet electric motor, the two powerplants driving the rear wheels both independently and in tandem, as appropriate.

In addition to the petrol engine and electric motor, the new GS 450h’s hybrid drive system further comprises a generator, a high-performance nickel-metal hydride battery, a power split device which, via planetary reduction gears, combines and re-allocates power from the engine, electric motor and generator according to operational requirements, and a compact power control unit to govern the high speed interaction of the system components.

3.5 Litre Atkinson cycle V6

Adapted specifically for the hybrid powertrain, the 3.5 litre, DOHC, V6 petrol engine benefits from several technical improvements. It adopts the Atkinson cycle to optimise the fuel-efficient benefits of Lexus Hybrid Drive.

With conventional four-cycle petrol engines, there are times when ‘fuel enrichment’ becomes necessary, cooling exhaust gases to prevent degradation or destruction of the catalytic converters. Because the intake valves close late in an Atkinson cycle engine, compression is delayed. This creates a high expansion ratio for less compression, reducing intake and exhaust energy losses and converting combustion energy to engine power more effectively. As a result, the exhaust temperature is lower than that of conventional engines.

Further reductions in fuel consumption have been achieved through a high physical compression ratio of 13:1, a new, mid-port intake tumble generator and the adoption of next generation D-4S direct injection technology.

D-4S is the latest evolution of Lexus’ stoichiometric, 4-stroke, direct injection technology. With one injector installed in the combustion chamber and a second mounted in the intake port, it combines the strengths of both direct and port injection, realising optimum engine efficiency throughout the power band and improving torque across the rev range, whilst minimising fuel consumption and emissions.

The new GS 450h’s next generation D-4S system features new slit-type injector nozzles with a modified port shape, a higher fuel pressure for more efficient combustion, and idle port injection for improved NHV characteristics.

Engine noise, vibration and friction has been lowered through the adoption of lightweight chain technology, a piston pin offset change and a reduction in the number of drive belt reinforcement ribs.

In addition, engine durability has been improved through the removal of all external oil lines, and environmental performance enhanced by a new-specification catalyst which contains greatly reduced levels of precious metal.

Additional Hybrid System Component Improvements

The cooling performance of the hybrid system’s Power Control Unit (PCU) has been improved through the adoption of dual cooling paths and a single-piece, integrated AC/DC converter.

System control has been enhanced. The PCU boosts motor drive voltage to a maximum 650V in SPORT S mode and limiting it to a maximum of 500V in ECO mode to provide a more environmentally-friendly driving performance.

The electric motor features lighter mounts and a reduction in friction. And the system’s regenerative braking operation range has been expanded, contribution to further improvements in fuel efficiency.

In addition, the battery layout has been redesigned; a new stacked configuration maximising luggage space.

GS 350AWD

The 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine of the new GS 350AWD has been revised to lower both fuel consumption and emissions.

The advanced V6 features direct and port injection, and Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) to both intake and exhaust camshafts, significantly enhancing engine performance.

It develops 233 kW/317DIN hp and 378Nm of torque, accelerating the GS 350AWD from 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds. Fuel consumption has been reduced to 10.2 l/100 km.

The ‘6 Super ECT’ close-ratio 6-speed automatic transmission features a sequential manual shifting mode. It incorporates numerous technologies including faster shift speeds, earlier torque converter lock-up and downshift throttle blips- to support the range of driving modes available through the Drive Mode Select system.

The GS 350AWD’s electronically controlled all-wheel drive system is designed to improve traction and grip by automatically varying frontto-rear torque balance from 50:50 to as much as 30:70, providing exceptional stability under all driving conditions.

DRIVING DYNAMICS

1. Rigid bodyshell and new suspension for optimum agility and stability with superb ride comfort
2. Active Variable Suspension (AVS) to further enhance ride quality, stability, body control and steering response.
3. Powerful brakes for enhanced stopping power and control
4. Drive Mode Select function for a choice of ECO, NORMAL, SPOR T S and SPOR T S+ driving modes, and manual paddle shift override
5. Newly developed Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) for sharper steering response and greater agility
6. GS 450h also available with Lexus Dynamic Handling system - the world’s first hybrid vehicle to feature an integrated four-wheel steering system.
7. Lexus Dynamic Handling system - the world’s first integration of Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS), Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and VDIM Step 5

The new GS has been designed to offer customers a much more engaging and pleasurable driving experience. It combines sharp, responsive steering and excellent body control with outstanding high speed stability and all the ride comfort expected from a Lexus performance sedan.

The significant improvements to the next generation GS’s driving dynamics have been achieved on three levels:

1. A re-engineered bodyshell and new suspension to promote optimum agility and stability whilst maintaining ride comfort, and more powerful brakes for enhanced stopping power and control.
2. Active Variable Suspension (AVS) to further enhance ride quality, stability, body control and steering response.
3. The Lexus Dynamic Handling system; leading edge platform technology which offers the world’s first integration of AVS, Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS), Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and Step 5 of Lexus’ unique Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), to coordinate every aspect of front and rear wheel control and provide agile, sharp and confident driving behaviour with a more direct response to the driver’s actions.

Body Rigidity

Extensive computer aided design has been used to optimise body rigidity, ensuring precise vehicle movement in response to steering input.

The next generation GS features new rear underbody, rear suspension member and front end module components. Increased spot or laser welding has improved rigidity to the door openings, rear under body and rear partition. Additional reinforcement or thicker gauge sheet metal has been employed in the cowl panel, front and rear underbody and rear partition. And the design of the front suspension member, front side member, rocker inner and dash panel has been made stronger.

In combination, these enhancements have increased bodyshell torsional rigidity by 14%, allowing the new GS to respond with much greater accuracy to the driver’s commands.

Aerodynamics

The new GS marks the introduction of a completely new approach to the management of airflow over the vehicle body - aerodynamic damping. The basic concept involves bringing the flow of air closer to the vehicle body, using it to help control the vehicle’s movement to enhance handling stability.

Allied to smooth, flowing bodywork boasting exceptionally narrow panel gaps and minimal protrusions, the addition of numerous aerodynamic under-body elements further promotes vehicle stability and helps reduce wind noise to a minimum.

Particular attention has been paid to rectification of the airflow along the vehicle sides to provide body movement damping. The smoothing of airflow in and around the front and rear wheel arches, and the reduction of air pressure within the wheel arch itself contribute to improved steering response, a flat ride and enhanced road holding. In addition, rear lamp clusters feature aero-stabilising fins to smooth the flow of air away from the vehicle.

Acting in combination, these elements give the new GS optimum aerodynamic performance, and a drag coefficient of only Cd 0.26.

Suspension

The new GS features double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension system which combines legendary Lexus ride comfort with excellent agility, optimum steering feel and a particular focus on rear stability.

The front, high-mount, double wishbone suspension set-up incorporates newly designed, unequal length upper and lower control arms in aluminium to both reduce system weight and improve ride comfort, a longer caster trail to enhance straight line stability and steering feel; enlarged lower bushing to minimise the transmission of vibrations.

To the rear, an advanced multilink set-up with toe control bars and an aluminium rear axle carrier has been completely redesigned. The spring and shock absorber have been separated to create a more compact design which improves the vehicle’s luggage capacity. Rear stability has been significantly improved through the addition of a rebound spring; increased stabiliser shock absorber arm ratios; the replacement of suspension ball joints with bush joints; the positioning of the toe control arm at the rear and the minimisation of toe change during the suspension stroke.

In addition to greatly increasing rear stability, these components also combine to improve the new GS’s roll posture, ride comfort and straight line stability, whilst reducing harshness. Ride comfort has been further improved by the adoption of low-friction oil in both front and rear shock absorbers.

Brakes

The GS’s braking system has been designed to offer drivers enhanced power and control, with improved pedal feel and a consistently fade-free performance. Simultaneously, tyre friction characteristics and ABS control have also been enhanced to minimise stopping distances.

Brake booster power has been increased, and the pedal shape, angle and ratio changed to provide instant response to changes in applied pedal force and greater controllability. Brake cooling performance has also been improved through an increase in ducted cooling airflow volume, minimising brake fade even under protracted use.

The GS 450h’s Electronically Controlled Braking (ECB) system characteristics have also been modified to provide greater responsiveness from the first touch of the pedal.

Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system

The Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system allows the driver to fine tune the GS’s ride characteristics with a choice of two damper settings; ‘Normal’ mode, for everyday driving comfort, and ‘Sport’ mode, for improved body control and precise responses to steering input whilst cornering.

In response to driving operation, vehicle body motion and road surface conditions, AVS automatically adjusts the performance of the suspension at all four wheels independently activates the adjustable damping force shock absorbers to fulfil a wide range of specific control functions.

Selecting the AVS system’s ‘Sport’ mode automatically increases the difference between inner and outer shock absorber damping through corners to further reduce vehicle roll. Simultaneously, VGRS automatically reduces the steering gear ratio by approximately 10% whilst the Electric Power Steering (EPS) increases steering assist torque by some 4%. These measures combine to minimise body roll, sharpen vehicle handling and optimise steering feel for the ultimate in sports sedan driving.