Stats

ATLANTIC
Philadelphia 76ers
Boston Celtics
Charlotte Bobcats
Miami Heat
New Jersey Nets
New York Knicks
Orlando Magic
Washington Wizards

CENTRAL
Milwaukee Bucks
Chicago Bulls
Cleveland Cavaliers
Atlanta Hawks
New Orleans Hornets
Indiana Pacers
Detroit Pistons
Toronto Raptors

MIDWEST
Memphis Grizzlies
Utah Jazz
Dallas Mavericks
Denver Nuggets
Houston Rockets
San Antonio Spurs
Minnesota Timberwolves

PACIFIC
Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Lakers
Sacramento Kings
Phoenix Suns
Seattle Supersonics
Portland TrailBlazers
GoldenState Warri

New for the GS is an all-wheel-drive option, available on the GS 300, the first all-wheel-drive car produced by Lexus. The AWD system uses a wet-type multi-disc clutch along with a planetary gearset in the transfer case. The system also makes use of an electronic control strategy that collects information from wheel speed and yaw sensors as well as throttle angle and steering input. Hydraulic controls are used to vary the front/rear torque split from 30/70 to 50/50. The normal modus operandi is the 30/70 split, giving the car a rear-wheal-drive feel under normal circumstances with the 50/50 kicking in when loss of traction is detected.

Complementing the AWD system is Electronic Traction Control. When wheal slippage is detected, the system applies braking to the slipping wheel(s) and transfers the torque to the non-slipping wheel(s) on the same axle. Between traction control and the hydraulic torque split, Lexus has complete electronic control of the AWD system.

The AWD-optioned GS300 is aimed at the snow markets--particularly the Northeast. Lexus feels that, competing against Mercedes' 4matic and BMW's X-drive, the lack of an AWD system would limit sales in that region. Lexus expects 42 percent of V-6 buyers to opt for the $1,950 option, which also includes run flat tires.