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exterior design has been changed quite a bit. While LF-concept touches are most prominent in the headlights, subtle LF design
cues are carried throughout the vehicle. The new design language isn't all about the signature Lexus look. The new GS sedans
boast a .27 coefficient of drag.
While all the basics, like aerodynamics and powertrain were carefully considered, Lexus also kept its focus on offering
the luxury sedan buyer all the accoutrements they'd expect and a few more, just for good measure.
Among the litany of features for the GS is the Smart Access keyless entry/start, presumably akin to the system seen on
the Toyota Prius and Avalon. The driver needs only to have the key fob in their possession when approaching the car. Sensors
detect the driver's presence and unlocks the doors and start a lighting sequence that first, illuminates the side mirror and
area directly around the door. Once the door is opened, soft blue lights come on in the foot wells. The only thing missing
is a "sounds of nature" cd that could very easily be placed in the optional Mark Levinson premium surround sound
stereo system. The 5.1 surround sound audio system features 14 speakers, 330 total watts of power and, according to Levinson,
has less than 0.1 percent harmonic distortion.
Some of the other bells and whistles added to the GS have a lot more serious issues at heart. The Vehicle Dynamics Integrated
Management system is designed to integrate and manage the Electronically Brake Distribution system (EBD), Electronic Power
Steering (EPS), Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake
force Distribution (EBD) and engine torque via the electronically controlled throttle. The system collects data from all the
sensors and anticipates vehicle skids assisting the driver in controlling the vehicle. The use of throttle-by-wire and steering,
that is nearly "by-wire," lent itself to this process.
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