Lexus has unveiled a minor model change for its GS series of luxury sedans. On top of the expected visual updates, a new turbocharged four-cylinder model will be added to the mix.
Starting with the big news, the 2016 Lexus lineup will be joined by a new model, the GS 200t. Powered by the same 2.0L turbo four that powers the IS 200t, the new entry-level GS will have 241hp and 258 lb-ft of torque on tap.
The GS 350 will get a power bump, albeit slight, from 306 to 311hp. Torque also creeps up, from 277 to 280 lb-ft, but the 3.5L V6 remains the same.
No mechanical changes are slated for the GS 450h, but all three cars get a noticeable visual revision in front. A yawning new spindle grille is the new prow, bringing the sedan further in line with the rest of the Lexus lineup. It is huge, it is jutting, and it is surrounded by a satin chrome finish. New bi-LED headlights and DRLs, as well as restyled foglamps, all seem to peel back to make way for the massive maw.
Out back, changes to the rear bumper and nested “L” taillights seem tame in comparison. The GS 200t receives a new 17-inch multi-spoke wheel design while the GS 350 gets 18-inch alloys standard. New multi-layered, twice-baked paints have been added to the palette as well.
The interior receives an enormous new 12.3-inch central display. The accompanying remote touch interface now has extra side “enter” buttons for ease of use, and navigation is now standard. A redesigned three-spoke steering wheel and larger 4.2-inch multi-information display are at the helm, and the analog clock can now recognize time zone changes thanks to GPS.
Lexus’s Safety System+ is available on the new GS, giving drivers the reassurance of a pre-collision warning system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alerts, intelligent high beams and dynamic cruise control.
Pricing and on-sale dates have yet to be announced.
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