2008 Lexus GS 300 – Serious Contender for the Luxury Sedan Market

2008 Lexus GS 300 – Serious Contender for the Luxury Sedan Market

by -

Lexus, the luxurious car division of Toyota Motor Corporation, which started almost two decades ago, was set up to build a series of luxurious cars to compete in the premium sedan market. Lexus took the top brands in the market, went through them with a fine tooth comb, and designed cars to be equal to or better than its competitors. As such, only the best materials and the latest technologies went into the Lexus line of cars. Even things that are not apparent to the eye of the customer, like for example, the steel panels used in building of the cars, were put under scrutiny. This is why, even in the early days, Lexus had very quiet cars, thanks to their in-house development of a process that layered the steel panels, similar to what Japanese craftsmen used to do when making the samurai sword.

Today, the Lexus GS 300 needs no further introduction; in its third generation, the GS 300, originally dubbed the ‘baby’ Lexus, continues to underline the attention to detail and quality befitting the luxury line of Toyota.

As it is with most luxury brands, changes from year to year are almost subtle, and the 2008 model is almost indistinguishable from its predecessor, unless you put the two side by side. New lines in the front bumper and lights that are recessed further back, plus a restyled rear bumper are the main changes, in addition to reshaped and larger door mirrors with integrated LED units for the turn signals.

In addition to the cosmetics, there has been some work done to the underbody to smoothen out the airflow beneath the car, and reduce lift, giving it a drag coefficient of 0.27 Cd. On the inside, there are more subtle changes; the attention to detail has prompted even the switching the font type used on the dashboard to what will be the new Lexus standard insofar as fonts are concerned. Additional metal trim adds a touch of elegance, while two switches have been relocated as a result of customer feedback. Wood grain is available in maple or walnut, along with soft leather upholstery. For 2008, a light gray leather colour is available.

Designed to be easy on the eyes, Optitron meters which employ an Electronic Chromatic Device (ECD), and an Electronic Multi Vision (EMV) display unit are used. Essential information is displayed on a 7-inch VGA LCD panel that is visible under any lighting condition. This same screen also serves to display what the reverse camera sees, activated when reverse gear is engaged. Also new for 2008 is a 3-spoke steering that has a better feel and grip.

The Lexus GS 300 is all about pampering its occupants. If you are carrying the key with you, the doors unlock as you approach, and when you open the doors, intelligent lighting subtly guides each occupant to the seats. The very comfortable front seats have 8-way power adjustments, and there is provision for personal settings to be logged in for up to three persons. A Smart Entry and Start system allows the driver to start and stop the engine without actually using the key.

The air-conditioner system is the ‘climate control’ type, and features a Clean Air Filter with a Pollen Removal Mode, good for those who are sensitive to pollen. The audio system is a 330-watt, 14-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround system that impresses even a non-audio buff like me. Also included is an in-dash 6-CD/DVD player to make the system comparable to a home entertainment system.

Mechanically, the Lexus GS 300 comes with a 3.0 litre 3GR-FE V6 petrol powered engine with VVT-i. The variable valve timing acts on both the inlet and exhaust valves, giving enhanced performance over a wide RPM range, resulting is a flat torque curve; translated into driving dynamics, the effect is crisp throttle response and quick acceleration at virtually any engine speed, as well as providing good fuel efficiency. With 4 valves per cylinder, the DOHC engine (technically a Quad-cam arrangement due to its V6 configuration) produces 228 bhp at 6,200 RPM and 300 Nm of torque at 4,400 RPM. Coupled to an electronically controlled 6-speed, close ratio automatic gearbox with sequential shift (6-speed ECT), the Lexus GS 300 has a potent performance despite its size.

In addition, the transmission has a lock-up clutch from third through to sixth gear, and deceleration downshift control, which, translated to layman language, implies smoothness, minimal transmission slip, and therefore, a quieter operation and better fuel efficiency. The transmission also features Artificial Intelligence-SHIFT control that automatically changes the shifting schedule according to road conditions and driving style. The system promotes a comfortable drive by avoiding unnecessary up-shifts while traveling uphill, and automatically downshifts to provide engine braking while traveling downhill. The driver has a choice of selecting POWER mode, which moves the gear change points, or ‘S’ mode, which allows the driver to do manual shifts.

In terms of safety features, nothing has been spared. The body is a rigid, continuous laser-welded structure, and weight is minimised through the use of aluminium in the bonnet and in the front and rear suspension members. The main frame itself has different dimensional thicknesses in critical joints and areas, in addition to braces in key places to spread impact. Front and rear modules are designed as crash boxes, and these are detachable for easy replacement. For active safety, ABS, with Brake Assist is standard, as is EBD and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control. For cornering, the Active Headlight System predicts where the car will be three seconds later round a corner, and points the headlights in that direction, up to a range of 15 degrees.

New for the 2008 model is Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) which integrates and manages a host of handling technologies much quicker than previous technologies to make the entire system more effective.

The Lexus GS 300 can be a mean machine if you so wish it to be. The drive train is so flexible that you can drive very smoothly at any speed, including elegant cruising around town, or let down your hair and open up the throttle. The four-wheel independent suspension, made up of double wishbones at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear is set on the comfortable side of firm. It will take you wherever you want to go in great style and comfort, but when push gets to shove, it will give a good account of itself. I did both, and come away very impressed.

Built at Tahara plant in Japan, one of the most advanced plants in the world, where only the best is acceptable insofar as quality is concerned, the Lexus GS 300 is imported by Lexus Malaysia and offered as a CBU (fully imported) for RM 408,800 (price on-the-road without insurance).

1 COMMENT

Leave a Reply