Autoblog

2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport

Michael Harley — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Lexus, New Car Reviews

Quickly Closing In On The Benchmark

The Lexus GS has been chasing the BMW 5 Series for more than two decades. This year, it may have finally leapfrogged its benchmark prey.

Rewind your clock back to the late 1980s, when the midsize four-door sport sedan segment was dominated by BMW. The Bavarian automaker was selling rear-wheel-drive sedans (with manual transmissions, no less) that were every bit as powerful and agile as they were luxurious and comfortable - the best of both worlds, felt many buyers. Of course, it didn't take long for other automakers to get in on the action.

Lexus made its first legitimate attempt at the segment in 1998, with the introduction of its second-generation GS sedan. Despite many accolades, the sporty four-door arrived just in time to compete against BMW's E39, a 5 Series platform that was arguably one of its all-time best. Even after the third-generation GS (2006-2011) went head-to-head with BMW's Bangle-styled E60, the Lexus was still playing catch-up despite its strong performance and loads of new and innovative technology.

But today things are very different. There are now a handful of genuine players in the segment, including very capable sport sedans from Audi, Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz. BMW recently released its sixth-generation F10 5 Series, but the applause has been notably muted. Will that automaker's arguable misstep allow the all-new third-generation Lexus GS to capture the lead? We spent a week with the Japanese sport sedan to find out.

Continue reading 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport

2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #299

Dan Roth — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Chevrolet, GM, Honda, Lexus, Porsche, Volkswagen, Opel, Tesla

2013 Honda Accord, Volkswagen CUV, GM and Opel, Autoblog talks to Elon Musk

Episode #299 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about the 2013 Honda Accord, the suggestion by Morgan Stanley for GM to unload Opel, Autoblog Green's chat with Elon Musk, and the possibility of Volkswagen reviving the Microbus with a compact CUV. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #299:

Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Porsche Boxster S
2013 Lexus GS 350
2012 Chevrolet Sonic

Hosts: Dan Roth, Jeff Ross, Zach Bowman

Runtime: 01:24:33

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #299

Autoblog Podcast #299 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus GS coupe slated to arrive in 2013

Chris Shunk — Wed, 30 May 2012 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Lexus, Luxury

The SC 430 wasn't exactly a hot ticket item, but it was the only Lexus model available with two doors until the model was discontinued in 2010. That could change for the 2014 model year, as Inside Line reports that Lexus is primed to unleash a coupe version of the all-new GS.

While Lexus hasn't officially announced that a two-door GS is forthcoming, IL points out that there are plenty of signs that point towards a performance coupe. For instance, Lexus Boss Mark Templin reportedly stated that he was interested in a sport coupe in the $60,000 to $70,000 range. Further, Lexus planning chief Karl Schlicht reportedly told Automotive News earlier in the year that the brand needed a coupe to round out its lineup of sedans and utility vehicles. Certainly not a confirmation of a sleek new coupe, but the puzzle pieces appear to be coming together.

One small glitch is that the GS sedan starts out at $46,900, which is a far cry from $60,000. The pricing difference could come in the form of a high-performance F-Sport engine or perhaps a more performance-oriented hybrid.

Chances are if Lexus does add a sporty coupe to its lineup, we're going to hear about it by the time the Los Angeles Auto Show rolls around this fall. We're more than okay with more GS variants, and a performance coupe always sounds like a good idea to us.

Lexus GS coupe slated to arrive in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2012 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota recalling 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport over faulty ECU

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Recalls, Safety, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus has announced a voluntary recall of roughly 650 2013 GS 350 F Sport models over a potential issue with one of the electronic control units.

When the vehicle is parked with the steering wheel turned, the calibration of the ECU for the Variable Gear Ratio Steering can cause the steering wheel to "become off-centered" if the car is immediately restarted.

Lexus will be notifying owners in early June, at which time they can take their cars to the dealer to have the ECU recalibrated free of charge. Scroll down for the press release.

Continue reading Toyota recalling 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport over faulty ECU

Toyota recalling 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport over faulty ECU originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Lexus GS earns IIHS Top Safety Pick

Chris Shunk — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Lexus, Luxury

The 2013 GS is the new face of the Lexus brand, and as it turns out, that spindle-grilled mug can take a serious punch. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has named the GS a Top Safety Pick after the reshaped Lexus sedan held strong in front, side and rollover crash testing.

To earn a Top Safety Pick designation, a car, truck or utility vehicle must achieve a top score of "Good" in front, side and rear impact crash tests. The IIHS test features taller cement crash barriers to simulate a collision with a larger vehicle and the front impact test is conducted at a speed of 40 miles per hour. The vehicle must also feature stability control and a roof that maintains integrity even at a weight equal to or greater than four times that of the vehicle. The IIHS reports that the GS could withstand 4.88 times its 3,715 pound weight.

The GS joins the RX and the CT 200h as the third Lexus model to net a Top Safety Pick.

2013 Lexus GS earns IIHS Top Safety Pick originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus launches TORI 500 iPhone app racing game [w/video]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:44:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Lexus, Toys/Games, Celebrities, Luxury

Apparently, being the Official Automotive Marketing partner of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit property was just the excuse Lexus needed to get in touch with swimsuit model Tori Praver. And we can hardly blame them.

But what could Praver's statuesque body and perfectly feminine features have to do with cars, you ask? That's a very good question, and it's one we're sure the Lexus marketing team spent hours considering. The answer, interestingly enough, is all in the curves.

Following up on the video Lexus brought us showing two racers drifting a 2013 Lexus GS F Sport around a makeshift track drawn around the gigantor-size body of Ms. Praver, the luxury wing of the Toyota conglomerate has delivered a video game of similar intent for Apple's ever-popular range of iDevices.

The TORI 500 racing app allows players to pilot GS sedans around digitized 3D renderings of Praver's body. Sounds... curvy. Check out the official press release after the break, where we've also reposted the video of Praver and the (real-life) racing drivers.

Continue reading Lexus launches TORI 500 iPhone app racing game [w/video]

Lexus launches TORI 500 iPhone app racing game [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Lexus GS unleashed in Super Bowl ad

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus has a redesigned GS that it truly believes can compete with the likes of the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. So it's going where the eyeballs are with its marketing, ponying up for the brand's first-ever Super Bowl ad. Lexus' commercial is just a 30-second spot, joining the likes of Acura, Audi, Cadillac and other brands buying time during the big game.

Lexus is calling its ad, "The Beast," which calls to mind both President Obama's limo and the 2009 documentary by Eric Bana. The actual spot, however, has a rather hackneyed sci-fi theme: A GS350 is locked up in a shipping container sized cage in a lab, and uses its new "Lexus spindle grille" to break free in a destructive orgy of CGI.

Click past the jump to watch the whole ad.

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2013 Lexus GS unleashed in Super Bowl ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Lexus Super Bowl ad to star 2013 GS

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Lexus, Luxury

Given a moment's thought, it's a little surprising that Lexus, a luxury brand that changed the game, has never run an ad during the Super Bowl. But the home of L-Finesse not only has nine new or updated cars coming out this year, led by the 2013 GS, it has a new attitude, which will be "uncontained" in a 30-second spot while ~~the Niners play the Patriots~~ the NFL champion is decided.

The ad will be supported by a campaign called "TweetDrive Engineered by Lexus," and those with a Twitter account and a bunch of correct answers will have a chance to win a trip to that Bowl of Superness. The spot arrives on February 5. For now, you can watch the teaser trailer and check out the press release and contest details after the jump.

Continue reading First Lexus Super Bowl ad to star 2013 GS

First Lexus Super Bowl ad to star 2013 GS originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LF-LC concept proves Lexus can do sexy sports coupes

Chris Shunk — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Lexus

The Lexus LF-LC concept has been leaking on the Internet longer than most Detroit-bound reveals, but that doesn't make the 2+2 coupe any less stunning. The concept clearly shows the design progression that started with the CT 200h and made real strides with the 2013 GS.

The hot-looking coupe was penned by Lexus' Calty design studio in Newport Beach, California. It comes as no surprise to us that this rolling design study also packs hybrid power, but Lexus claims that the sleek sports car will also deliver cutting-edge driving dynamics.

We're all for a Lexus with track aspirations, but this coupe is a design study that promises to further reveal the future of Lexus design. The LF-LC boldly displays Lexus' new spindle grill, while also mixing in sharp angles and elegant curves. The LF-LC also suggests to us that the LF-A may not be a one-and-done foray into the exotic sports coupe segment, but at the same time Lexus promises that the LF-LC could "remain within reach for premium buyers."

Outside of audacious LED headlamps and about two inches of ground clearance the exterior of the LF-LC looks production ready. The same cannot be said for the futuristic but still very cool cabin. the cabin is dominated by rich leather, tons of suede, thin yet elegant seats and more polished wood than a bowling alley. Actually, the center stack looks like it could spit out a 14-pound ball with three holes, and that's not a bad thing.

The tech story is equally impressive, as a pair of 12.3-inch screens that pull information and navigation duties, respectively. The impressive screen dominating the center stack is of the touch-sensitive variety, and it also controls audio, climate and navigation. The LF-LC also features a keyboard that helps the driver with more complex entries... hopefully for when this high-end Lexus remains in park. Lexus has gone further still with the touch tech, as doors, windows, mirrors, seats and entertainment systems are all manipulated through similar controls on the doors.

The LF-LC is clearly a concept vehicle, but it's definitely sexy enough to help improve the design forecast for the (still) visually underwhelming Lexus lineup. We're hoping to get more information on what the LF-LC has under the hood when it is officially unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show momentarily. Hit the jump to read over the Lexus press release and feel free to click through the high-resolution image gallery above.

Continue reading LF-LC concept proves Lexus can do sexy sports coupes

LF-LC concept proves Lexus can do sexy sports coupes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus holds steady on price for redesigned GS

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury

More proof that Lexus is a motivated seller when it comes to its 2013 GS 350: the base price of the rear-wheel drive model won't change from 2011. That means $46,900 (plus $875 handling) will put you into the comprehensively and vastly improved sedan - or, for any of you who might actually prefer the 2011, it means you can start licking your chops for a screaming deal. The all-wheel drive model, however, has gone up by a modest $600 to $49,450.

Underneath the redesigned styling of the 2013 GS 350 is a likewise redesigned chassis, suspension and interior that provide a much sportier ride and more room and luxury while enjoying it. Two packages called Premium and Luxury, as well as the F-Sport package, will fill it with further enhancements.

The price of the GS 450h will be revealed at a later date. For now, there's a press release with all the relevant info on the GS 350 after the jump.

Continue reading Lexus holds steady on price for redesigned GS

Lexus holds steady on price for redesigned GS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 GS 350 F Sport brings a little edge to Lexus' midsizer

Zach Bowman — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Sedan, Performance, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus pulled the sheets off of its 2013 GS 350 F Sport at SEMA 2011. The performance package helps give the luxury sedan some much-needed attitude with the addition of a more menacing front fascia. The changes aren't merely aesthetic, however. Lexus also substitute larger anti-roll bars for improved handling, as well as new bushings and bigger brakes up front. Toyota's luxury outpost has also equipped the 2013 GS 350 F Sport with variable steering on rear-wheel drive models. Stylish 19-inch staggered-width wheels help wrap up the package.

Don't expect to see any additional power from the GS 350 F Sport, however. The 3.5-liter V6 remains unchanged, which means buyers can expect to sink their teeth into 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Those aren't exactly numbers to write home about, but the base GS 350 is hardly a slouch in the 0-60 dash - Lexus says the F Sport can do the deed in 5.7 seconds. Prices have yet to be announced, but you can see more in our gallery and revisit the official press release after the jump.

Continue reading 2013 GS 350 F Sport brings a little edge to Lexus' midsizer

2013 GS 350 F Sport brings a little edge to Lexus' midsizer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Lexus GS leaks out ahead of Pebble Beach debut

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 17:26:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Lexus

It's weird for us to report on leaked photos of a car that we've already driven, but we still haven't seen the completely finished 2012 Lexus GS. The sedan will make its public debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance this coming weekend, but it appears that photos of the unwrapped prototype has already leaked onto the web.

Seen here in all-wheel-drive GS 350 guise, we must admit that the finished design is decidedly more sedate than what Lexus' teaser image led us to believe. Keep in mind, this car is the spawn of the attractive LF-Gh concept from the 2011 New York Auto Show, and while all cars lose a bit of sex appeal in the transformation from concept to production, the GS seems to have lost a bit more than we had expected, especially out back.

In any case, this looks to be the low-end of the range, not the F Sport or V8 model, and we'll hold our final judgments until we see the finished product in Monterey. Stay tuned for the full details this weekend.

2012 Lexus GS leaks out ahead of Pebble Beach debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus teases 2012 GS 350 ahead of Pebble Beach debut

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Lexus, Misc. Auto Shows, Design/Style, Luxury

We've already been behind the wheel of the 2012 Lexus GS sedan, and we've spied it lapping the Nürburgring under layers of camouflage. All that time, though, we've been forced to imagine what the finished product will look like under all those loose-fitting layers of clothing.

The wait is almost over. Lexus will officially unwrap the 2012 GS 350 at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on Thursday, August 18th at 4:15 PM (PDT). We'll be there, bringing you the goods live, but in the meantime, the Japanese automaker has decided it's high time to start teasing.

We know that the car's styling was foreshadowed by the LF-Gh Concept that was shown off at the 2011 New York Auto Show, and nowhere will that be more evident than in the shape of the car's grille. Lexus tells us that the new design philosophy that will debut with the 2012 GS will eventually spread through the rest of its lineup, so we're keenly interested in seeing how this car looks in the flesh.

Check out a high-resolution version of the teaser by clicking on the image above. We've also taken the liberty of adding a lightened version of the image for you, which may or may not help you pick out some interesting details. Lastly, feel free to check out the official press release after the break.

Continue reading Lexus teases 2012 GS 350 ahead of Pebble Beach debut

Lexus teases 2012 GS 350 ahead of Pebble Beach debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus GS takes its turn on the 'Ring

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Lexus

Lexus GS spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Lexus LF-Gh Concept from this year's New York Auto Show is slowly making the journey from pure conceptual creation to full-on production car, albeit, in the form of the GS sedan. Our trusty spy photographers have caught a Lexus GS prototype out on the Nürburgring, and its LF-Gh-inspired cues are clearly in evidence despite heavy camouflage.

Up front, the LF-Gh's squared-off headlights have translated over to this GS test mule, complete with LED daytime running lamps. Even the "aggressive and bold spindle-shaped front grille" from the concept looks to be intact, as are the upward curving detail lines that form the outline of the lower side air intakes in the front fascia.

Mum's the word on what's under the hood, but we'd be shocked if it wasn't some sort of hybridized powertrain, perhaps similar to what's already found in the GS 450h. The production car likely won't debut until the end of 2011 or early 2012, so we'll keep our ears to the ground for more information until then.

Lexus GS takes its turn on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota recalls 2.17 million more vehicles over possible pedal entrapment

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Lexus, Toyota

Toyota has announced that it's voluntarily recalling approximately 2.17 million vehicles due to possible pedal entrapment issues. In case you've forgotten about Toyota's massive recall from last year, this new issue affects 2.17 million more vehicles where the driver's side floor mat can become a potential hazard. Uh oh.

In October of 2009, Toyota recalled nearly five million vehicles because of possible issues with the floor mats. In January of 2010, the automaker recalled an additional 2.3 million due to an issue with sticking accelerator pedals.

This latest rash of recalls pertains to:

2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner (603,000 units)
2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid (397,000 units)
2006-2010 Toyota RAV4 (761,000 units)
2008-2011 Lexus LX 570 (17,000 units)
2006-2007 Lexus GS 300 and 350 all-wheel-drive models (20,000 units)
2004-2007 Lexus RX 330, 350 and 400h (372,000 units)

Toyota will be sending out notices to vehicle owners by first-class mail, and dealerships will fix the issue with no cost to the owner. As of this writing, Toyota states that it is unaware of any accidents or injuries related to this new set of recalls. The automaker's official press release is available after the jump.

[Sources: Toyota, AOL Autos]

Continue reading Toyota recalls 2.17 million more vehicles over possible pedal entrapment

Toyota recalls 2.17 million more vehicles over possible pedal entrapment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Let there be victory: Hyundai Genesis trumps Lexus GS 350 in comparo

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, Lifestyle

InsideLine, no strangers to luxury, recently put the Hyundai Genesis up against the kind of competition the Korean automaker wants to be associated with: the Lexus GS 350. The GS 300 first came out in 1993 and had the luxury re-defining LS and ES for siblings; at the time, Hyundai was still making do with Excel, Sonata, and Scoupe, and parking any of them next to a Lexus would have laid bare the gulf. Now the marques are going head-to-head. This, ladies and gentlemen, is what we call progress.

Still, issues of cost -- and perception -- skew the comparison slightly. The V8 Hyundai goes up against a V6 Lexus, because adding two more cylinders to the Lexus would have meant a $12,000 difference. As it is, there's still almost $8,000 between them. And there's the fact that the Lexus and the Hyundai don't exactly compete with each other (we'd have thought an ES comparo would make more sense) in brief, either.

Nevertheless, it's not a bad bout, and it turns out to be one of the closest fights InsideLine has ever judged. The Lexus gets a win-by-a-nose for things like fit and finish and speed, while the Hyundai returns the favor in the highway performance and space issues. The flying H takes home the silverware by a mere two points, aided in part by the price advantage -- which, as far as Hyundai's concerned, is the point. Follow the link for the full story. Thanks for the tip, Charles!

[Source: Inside Line]

Let there be victory: Hyundai Genesis trumps Lexus GS 350 in comparo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus prices the 2007 GS

Erin Mays — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Lexus

Pricing is in for the Lexus GS!

Lexus is goin' for the gold with its GS 350, bulking up the power and perks without bulking up the price (much). The brand's GS 350 model, with its 303 hp V6, is more powerful than even the outgoing V8 model by 13 hp and beats out its predecessor by 58 hp. It also sports the more powerful brakes of its V8-packed big brother as well as the new navigation system seen in the IS lineup, which allows drivers to set locations through voice commands on the fly.

Moonroofs come standard with the 2007 GS lineup, and with that factored in, the price is the same as the outgoing model -- the GS 350 will go for $44,150, the GS 350 AWD will cost $46,100, and the GS 430 will MSRP at $52,375, an increase of 2.3 percent, 2.2 percent and 1.9 percent respectively.

Thanks to Eric for the tip.

[Source: Lexus]

Lexus prices the 2007 GS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Aug 2006 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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