The luxury performance sedan segment doesn’t have too much time to prepare for the arrival of the next star. Scheduled to hit showroom floors in February, 2012 is the newly revamped 2013 Lexus GS 350 sedan. The fourth generation of the 5-Series fighter was first revealed earlier this summer and now that Lexus has set a debut date, the car will soon be receiving its fair share of exposure. During this year’s Super Bowl, the luxury division of Toyota will showcase the car in its very first Super Bowl commercial. “The launch of the all-new Lexus GS is so big that nothing short of the Super Bowl and the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition would do it justice,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “We’ll also support the launch with a strong presence across all media, including a Consumer Performance Drive tour to encourage hands-on experience with the 2013 Lexus GS.”
The first run of GS cars will be powered by Toyota’s 3.5 liter DOHC V6. Producing 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, the 3,795 lb rear wheel drive sedan will hit 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. All wheel drive will be offered and both versions of the GS 350 will use a six speed automatic. Following the debut of the 350 will be the release of the 450h hybrid. Word is still out as to if and when the V8 version of the GS will hit, but chances are that one will make it to a Lexus dealer before 2012 is up.
Source: Lexus
