More Horsepower - Better Brakes
Incongruities can be thought provoking. Such is the case with the 2007 line of GS performance sedans from Lexus. Of these, the less expensive GS 350 is powered by a V6 engine producing more horsepower and obtaining better fuel economy than the V8 engine in the more expensive GS 430. Head scratch. Aha, the V8 in the GS 430 produces more torque, and at a lower rpm to boot. Fair enough I say, but I'll still take the silken V6 in the GS 350 and pocket the residual.
07 Brings Fortified V6 Power and Heftier Brakes
For 2007, Lexus increased the size and output of the GS's V6. The extra displacement accounts for the name change from GS 300 to GS 350, in recognition of the 3.5 litres of displacement now under the hood. The extra cubes enable the production of 303 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm and 274 pound-feet of torque @ 3,600 rpm. Power is appropriately sent to the rear wheels unless the all-wheel-drive (AWD) option is chosen. (For those still wondering, the 4.3 litre V8 in the GS 430 develops 290 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 319 pound-feet of twist @ 3,400 rpm).
Nothing visually noteworthy has befallen the GS 350 for 2007. It remains one of the most beautifully proportioned, emotionally stirring sedans in the segment. Despite retaining its sheet metal for '07, Lexus wisely decided to complement the vehicle's increased horsepower with improved braking ability; the larger, high friction front discs now in place are equivalent to the binders fronting the GS 430.
Requisite Lexus Quality
My GS 350 tester exhibited the sensational craftsmanship and excellent assembly that Lexus is renowned for. Doors closed with a European-like "whump," while switches and controls actuated with fluid precision and perfect balance. It's characteristics such as these that impart a sense of premium quality, and the GS 350 has it in spades; except for tire noise, which I thought to be slightly excessive for this class. I'm certain most of the dull tire drone is attributable to the stiff sidewalls of the low profile P225/50R17 rubber footing the GS 350.
Incongruities can be thought provoking. Such is the case with the 2007 line of GS performance sedans from Lexus. Of these, the less expensive GS 350 is powered by a V6 engine producing more horsepower and obtaining better fuel economy than the V8 engine in the more expensive GS 430. Head scratch. Aha, the V8 in the GS 430 produces more torque, and at a lower rpm to boot. Fair enough I say, but I'll still take the silken V6 in the GS 350 and pocket the residual.
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| The GS 350 is a sleek looking luxury sedan to say the least. |
07 Brings Fortified V6 Power and Heftier Brakes
For 2007, Lexus increased the size and output of the GS's V6. The extra displacement accounts for the name change from GS 300 to GS 350, in recognition of the 3.5 litres of displacement now under the hood. The extra cubes enable the production of 303 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm and 274 pound-feet of torque @ 3,600 rpm. Power is appropriately sent to the rear wheels unless the all-wheel-drive (AWD) option is chosen. (For those still wondering, the 4.3 litre V8 in the GS 430 develops 290 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 319 pound-feet of twist @ 3,400 rpm).
Nothing visually noteworthy has befallen the GS 350 for 2007. It remains one of the most beautifully proportioned, emotionally stirring sedans in the segment. Despite retaining its sheet metal for '07, Lexus wisely decided to complement the vehicle's increased horsepower with improved braking ability; the larger, high friction front discs now in place are equivalent to the binders fronting the GS 430.
Requisite Lexus Quality
My GS 350 tester exhibited the sensational craftsmanship and excellent assembly that Lexus is renowned for. Doors closed with a European-like "whump," while switches and controls actuated with fluid precision and perfect balance. It's characteristics such as these that impart a sense of premium quality, and the GS 350 has it in spades; except for tire noise, which I thought to be slightly excessive for this class. I'm certain most of the dull tire drone is attributable to the stiff sidewalls of the low profile P225/50R17 rubber footing the GS 350.
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| As with all Lexus products fit and finish is exceptional. |