Lexus decided that the current GS has a an old and unattractive design, so he decided to apply a facelift during this year Pebble Beach Concours dElegance. So the current GS receives a new design treatment, that makes him look like its smaller brother, the Lexus IS. It looks like even Lexus is following in the footsteps of its German rivals, that use the same design lines for all the models in range.
A new front bumper and rocker panel design, revised taillights, revised rear trim and new 18- and 19-inch machine-finish wheel assure a more sporty feel. The 2016 GS offers new Matador Red Mica, Nightfall Mica and Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 colours among other choices. The mica colors use a complex multi-layered, twice-baked process previously used only for concept vehicles or custom cars.
The 2016 Lexus GS presents a modern interpretation—exemplified by new interior trim selections including laser cut wood, Matte Walnut, Linear 3D and for the F SPORT, Naguri aluminum. New interior and leather colors include Chateau and Noble Brown, while the F SPORT adds Rioja Red to available choices. The analog clock located in the center of the dash is housed in a single ingot of aluminum and uses LED indicators. It adds new GPS functionality for adjusting the time zone.
The engine line-up will include three options. Two of them are already popular, but the rear-wheel drive GS 200t, joins the line with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine delivers 241 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. The GS 200t has a Lexus fuel economy estimate of 33 mpg highway.
In the GS 350, a more muscular 3.5-liter V6 produces 311 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque (vs. 306 hp and 277 lb.-ft. in the 2015 model) and is also paired with the eight-speed automatic.
Leading the GS lineup is the GS 450h, a high-performing hybrid. Its Lexus Hybrid Drive system combines output from an Atkinson cycle 3.5-liter V6 engine and a water-cooled permanent-magnet electric motor for 338 horsepower, channeled through a planetary-type continuously variable transmission. Few might expect 5.6-second zero-to-60 mph acceleration performance from a car that also has EPA estimated 29 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined fuel economy ratings.
The 2016 Lexus GS is also all about safety with its structure and 10 standard airbags. New and optional for 2016 is Lexus Safety System + which combines Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam (IHB) and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control works at a range of speeds. It tracks the speed of the vehicle traveling ahead and can adjust the speed setting accordingly to help maintain a preset distance. It’s sophisticated enough to smoothly adjust acceleration and deceleration when a vehicle enters or exits the lane or highway ahead.
Lexus gave the GS models new multimedia for 2015, and now for 2016, the available 12.3-inch screen gains full-screen map capability when equipped with navigation. Other multimedia changes include enhanced voice recognition and graphics.The screen can split into two sections to show different functions, such as navigation, audio and climate control information. For GS 350 and GS 450h models, navigation is now standard.
