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2006 Lexus GS Preview

An Evolutionary Approach to Perfection

For those expecting a slightly reworked version of Lexus gorgeous LF-S concept to show up as the next-generation GS sedan, there may have been disappointment when the Japanese luxury brand unveiled the real thing in Detroit on January 6th.

Its not that the 2006 production model is unattractive; in fact its quite the opposite. But the LF-S was such a stretch, such a bold move forward that those of us who like a little sensationalism mixed in with our near perfect build quality, stellar reliability, and first class dealership experience, got a little too excited. Just the same its always best to remember to dance with the one that you came with, and with that in mind the GS is real and the LF-S a fantasy.

All

Although the 2006 Lexus GS is attractive, its no where near as stunning as the gorgeous LF-S concept consumers were teased with. (Photo: Lexus)

said the new sport sedan is an improvement over the existing GS from every angle. Its shoulder lines surge downward in a wedge shape from a tall rear decklid to the cars sloping front fenders, culminating in very a familiar waterfall grille surrounded by quad-lens headlights.

From profile view the GS exhibits an extremely attractive C-pillar, forming a graceful quarter window arc compared to its predecessor that uses black plastic inserts to

The new sport sedan is an improvement over the existing GS from every angle. (Photo: Lexus)

create an oval illusion. Its raked rear window connects halfway through a stubby trunklid making it look part sport coupe part hatchback, accented by a tiny decklid spoiler and two subtly distinctive taillights.

While its a solid step forward theres nothing particularly groundbreaking about the GS design, which will probably be just fine with Lexus conservative clientele. Theyll be more interested in its previously mentioned attributes, as well as its state-of-the-art technology.

"From a technology standpoint, the GS employs

Theres nothing particularly groundbreaking about the GS design, which will probably be just fine with Lexus conservative clientele. (Photo: Lexus)

a sophisticated array of advanced safety, comfort and convenience features that will cause even the most enthusiastic driver to take notice," commented Denny Clements, Lexus group vice president and general manager.

The biggest change from the outgoing GS is Lexus move to all-wheel drive from rear-wheel drive. Its a bold step, as this move flies in the face of what is currently en vogue, what with upscale nameplates such as Cadillac and Chrysler now joining benchmark builders BMW and Mercedes-Benz with new rear-wheel drive sports sedans.

But Chrysler, for one, is offering all-wheel

The biggest change from the outgoing GS is Lexus move to all-wheel drive from rear-wheel drive. (Photo: Lexus)

drive only as an option, not as the standard and only drive system. BMW does likewise with its all-wheel 3-series Xi, while Infiniti has just introduced an optional AWD G35. Of course Audi has long been a purveyor of all-wheel drive cars, with only a handful of base models featuring front-wheel drive - the least alluring drive layout for a premium car. Acura looks to be following suit with an all-new AWD RL next year, a system that will most likely make its way to the new TL.

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