Reveals New Design Direction for Company

    DETROIT, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Lexus introduced the new GS luxury sport
sedan today at a press conference at the North American International Auto
Show.  The all-new, more powerful GS utilizes the latest in advanced
technology to improve both performance and handling and is the first in a new
wave of Lexus products to reflect a new, more passionate direction in styling.
    "From a technology standpoint, the GS employs a sophisticated array of
advanced safety, comfort and convenience features that will cause even the
most enthusiastic driver to take notice, " said Denny Clements, Lexus group
vice president and general manager.   "From a design standpoint, the new GS
will be the first vehicle in our lineup to benefit from a new, more passionate
direction in styling."

    First All-Wheel Drive Model
    Significantly, the new GS will feature all-wheel-drive, the first such
application in any Lexus car, and offer the performance enhancements and
advanced vehicle control of the Lexus Vehicle Dynamic Management (VDM) system.
Monitoring a variety of sensors, the system is capable of anticipating the
onset of a vehicle skid or slide and then helps correct the situation with a
combination of braking and throttle control.  The new VDM system is less
obtrusive than conventional VSC but ultimately more effective.

    Performance Optimized
    Joining the potent and refined 4.3-liter V8 will be an all-new 245-
horsepower V6 engine replacing the current inline six.  Both the powerful V6
and V8 engines benefit from an all-new close-ratio 6-speed automatic
transmission with a sequential manual-shifting mode.  The combination provides
faster and substantially smoother acceleration for even better performance
and, surprisingly, improved fuel economy.  A new Adaptive Variable Suspension
allows the driver to fine-tune suspension damping with four settings ranging
from normal-mode for everyday driving to a sport-mode for a tighter, more
precise feel.

    New Lexus Design Direction
    From an architectural standpoint, the GS marks a move towards a more
sculptural direction ... that is artistic, dynamic, simple ...  yet
intriguing.  A two-inch longer wheelbase and short overhangs on the new GS
creates a wide, powerful stance.  A long hood, pulled-back cabin and slingshot
windows recall classic sports car proportions and the vertical grille
surrounded by four independent headlamps connects the new GS with the outgoing
model, but with a futuristic look.  The front also features an aggressive
lower valence with integrated fog lamps.  Dynamic 18-inch wheels on the V8
model help tie the muscular yet elegant look together.
    The creation of a unique spatial feeling in the passenger compartment is
central to the new Lexus design direction.  The interior of the new GS has a
precision, luxury feel with ultra-premium wood, polished metal and leather
accents.  Everything inside the GS is designed and styled to create a haven
for peaceful comfort and relaxation, from contoured and supportive front seats
with optional climate control to the standard 10-speaker audio system with
simple steering wheel controls.

    New Intelligent Luxury Sport Sedan
    In addition to a new look and feel, the new GS also improves upon the
increasingly complex nature of automotive technology.   The GS offers numerous
standard features, such as a keyless SmartAccess that allows the driver to
lock, unlock and start the car simply by touching the door handle (with a key
fob in pocket) and then simply pressing a push-button to start.  An advanced
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPM) can detect and notify the driver, via an
indicator warning light, of a significant loss in pressure in one or more
tires, a condition that could potentially lead to premature tire wear and loss
of control.  The GS will also feature the Adaptive Front lighting System
(AFS), which helps illuminate a turn or curve as the driver steers into it.
    A rear back-up camera is also added for 2006, providing an extra margin of
confidence when reversing the vehicle.  Available in conjunction with the
optional navigation system, it automatically projects an image of what the
camera lens can detect behind the vehicle onto the navigation screen when the
vehicle is in the reverse gear.
    "With the new GS we took all that was good in terms of technology and
found ways to make it more intuitive, more intelligent and more relevant to
the needs of its driver," said Clements.

    Advanced Safety Features
    The GS will also offer an optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) that can
help reduce collision injury and damage.  The system uses a millimeter-wave
radar sensor to detect obstacles in front of the car and a pre-collision
system computer with vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw rate inputs that
help to determine in advance whether a collision is unavoidable.  The system
then preemptively retracts front seat belts and prepares Brake Assist for
increased braking force to help reduce collision speed.
    In addition, the new GS gains new knee airbags for the driver and front
passenger as well as front and rear side curtain airbags as standard
equipment.  The Supplemental Restraint System in the new GS also includes
variable-force front airbags for both driver and front passenger.  Sensors
determine the severity of the accident and in turn the force with which to
deploy the front airbags, helping to provide the appropriate level of occupant
restraint.
    "Nearly every feature on the GS makes this sports sedan more manageable
and more engaging to drive," said Clements.

     Preliminary Specifications
     Wheelbase:    112.2 in.
     Length:       189.8 in.
     Width:        71.7 in.
     Height:       56.1 in.
     Engines:      3.0 liter V6 - 245 hp; 228 lb.-ft. of torque
                   4.3 liter V8 - 300 hp; 325 lb.-ft. of torque
     Transmission: 6-speed sequential automatic

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