The 2013 Lexus GS 350 is a much-needed step in a new direction for Lexus. In an attempt to lure in younger buyers, the new GS is not only sportier than its predecessor (having spent much time going round Germany's Nurburgring), but also loaded with gadgets and gizmos that young techies are sure to love. While it might not be the giant leap forward we had hoped for, we're already sure that it is much more car than its oft-forgotten predecessor.


Under the hood, the 2013 GS 350 features the same 3.5-liter V-6 as the 2011 model, but with a slight power bump to 306 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. It remains mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic gearbox in rear-drive or all-wheel-drive configurations. Lexus claims a 0-60 mph time of around 5.7 seconds, which is just as fast as the current-generation GS. The electronically limited top speed gets a slight bump up to 142 mph, from 140 mph. Two other GS models will be unveiled by the time the 350 hits dealer showrooms in early 2012 -- a Hybrid, and an F-Sport. The Hybrid, which will be revealed at the upcoming Frankfurt auto show, is likely to retain the powertrain of the 2011 GS 450h, and Lexus released a teaser of photo a model bearing that name. The F-Sport will feature the same engine as the regular GS 350 but with 19-inch wheels, sticky tires, bigger brakes, variable-rate steering, and an adaptive suspension.Lexus officials indicated the V-8 model will be dropped from the lineup, with the hybrid serving as its de facto replacement. While that might cause much lament among enthusiasts, it's not all bad. Chief engineer Yoshihiko Kanamori says the 2013 GS 450h hybrid will outperform the current gen V-8-powered GS 460. For comparison's sake, the last eight-cylinder GS we tested went from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Lexus is currently mum on fuel economy ratings, other than saying they're improved from the old model's 19/26 mpg city/highway EPA rating.


Since Lexus didn't spend its whole development budget on engines for the GS, it had plenty of money to invest in making the new car more fun to drive. Key to the fun quotient are the GS' four selectable driving modes, two of which have sportiness in mind. In addition to Standard mode, the GS has an ECO mode that, Lexus says, "revises throttle mapping, seat heating, and climate control systems for better fuel economy." As an added bonus, in ECO mode the GS' gauge lighting changes to a cool blue. The next mode is SPORT S, which will increase throttle response and change the transmission's shift points to "fully exploit the capabilities of the powertrain." The last mode, SPORT S+, will only be available on certain models. SPORT S+ builds upon SPORT S by firming up the suspension, tightening up the steering, and remapping the stability control system to allow more aggressive driving. Both SPORT S and SPORTS S+ feature meter lighting in a fierce-looking red.