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Lexus rolls out 2013 GS luxury sports sedan

The newest incarnation of the Lexus GS is unveiled Wednesday, when company executives announced its local availability.

After revolutionizing the luxury car segment for more than 20 years with quality and technologically-superior vehicles, Puerto Rico Lexus executives unveiled Wednesday the future of the brand with the launch of the next-generation GS model.

Available in “Premium,” “Luxury,” “F Sport” and “Hybrid,” models, the 2013 GS represents a new beginning for Lexus in terms of engineering, design and performance, company officials said during a presentation of the vehicle that is available in Puerto Rico as of this month.

With its elegant grille, redesigned chassis, a more spacious interior, advanced technology, and a bold design, the 2013 GS offers a preview of some elements that Lexus will  incorporate in its line of vehicles in the near future.

This new sedan “applies the lessons learned from our ‘super car’, the LF-A, and the ultra sporty IS-F, and incorporates them into a vehicle that expresses the new image of Lexus’ elegant power,” said Mario Dávila, president of Lexus Puerto Rico. “It’s impeccable presentation, with an extensive array of standard equipment, advanced technologies and first-class security features, it reaffirms Lexus as a pioneer brand that has never been afraid to experiment with new things or to challenge the boundaries of innovation.”

The fourth generation of the GS — which made its debut in Puerto Rico in 1993 — is powered by an advanced 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 306 horsepower in the GS 350 model. Additional gears in each of these high performance sedans provide enhanced acceleration changes as required, which are virtually unnoticeable.

For the first time since rolling into the market, the GS line is offering four driving options, which allow the owner to personalize the quality of the ride: the “eco” mode optimizes the transmission for better fuel economy; the “normal” mode adjusts the engine for routine trips; the SPORT S mode revises throttle mapping and transmission shifting priorities to fully exploit the capabilities of the powertrain. In “Sport S+” mode, which is available in certain models, the system adjusts the suspension and stability control systems to offer a “true sports driving experience.”

Updated hybrid model in the lineup
Included in its GS portfolio is the latest version of the 450h model, which was the first hybrid-powered luxury sport sedan to enter the market when it was originally introduced for the 2007 model year.

The 2013 GS 450h incorporates improvements to its hybrid powertrain and is equipped with a second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system to achieve better gas mileage and lower emissions. With a total system power output of 338 horsepower, the GS 450h will accelerate effortlessly from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds.

The new GS 450h is a full hybrid capable of operating in gas-only or electric-only modes, as well as a combination of both.

Author Details
Author Details
Business reporter with 30 years of experience writing for weekly and daily newspapers, as well as trade publications in Puerto Rico. My list of former employers includes Caribbean Business, The San Juan Star, and the Puerto Rico Daily Sun, among others. My areas of expertise include telecommunications, technology, retail, agriculture, tourism, banking and most other segments of Puerto Rico’s economy.
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