|
 
February
2nd - 5th |
|
Thurs, Feb. 2nd
[3 pm - 9 pm] |
Fri,
Feb. 3rd
[11 am - 9 pm] |
Sat,
Feb. 4th
[10 am- 9 pm] |
Sun,
Feb 5th
[11 am - 5 pm] |
|
Seagate Convention Centre - Downtown Toledo,
OH
|
Lexus
2006 Lexus GS 300
Base List Price: $42,900
Lexus redesigned the GS 300 sport sedan and its more powerful GS 430 companion for 2006. Both sedans went on sale in February 2005.
All-wheel drive is available for the first time in the GS 300. Rather than using the previous inline-six-cylinder engine, the restyled GS 300 holds a new 245-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6. The automaker says this engine pushes the car from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. A new six-speed-automatic transmission incorporates a manual-shift provision.
Lexus expects that 42 percent of its GS 300 sedans will be equipped with all-wheel drive. Hydraulic controls in the all-wheel-drive system vary the front/rear torque split from 30/70 to 50/50 and provide what Lexus calls the performance advantages of rear-wheel drive with the confident traction of all-wheel drive. The related V-8-powered GS 430 sedan comes only with rear-wheel drive.
An all-new suspension is installed. The car features new dynamic and safety technology. An option group includes adaptive laser cruise control and a pre-collision system that helps determine if a crash is imminent and takes appropriate steps if it is. Other options include Intuitive Park Assist and adaptive headlights that swivel in accord with the front wheels.
2006 Lexus GS 430
Base List Price: $51,125
Lexus redesigned the GS 430 sport sedan and its GS 300 companion for 2006. The GS 430 gains a load of new technology, including a new six-speed-automatic transmission and Lexus’ Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system. This is the quickest Lexus ever produced — the company claims the car is capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.
Mike Wells, vice president of sales and dealer development, said that with all of its helpful technology, the GS 430 will change the conception of what a performance sedan is all about. Lexus used the BMW 5 Series sedan as a benchmark to develop the latest GS and acknowledged that BMW and Mercedes-Benz are the leaders in this category.
The GS 430 is substantially more aerodynamic than its predecessor and again comes with rear-wheel drive. A 4.3-liter V-8 resides under the GS 430’s hood. A new V-6 goes into the GS 300.
Wells said the VDIM system makes nearly invisible corrections to the vehicle. VDIM anticipates instability or skidding before it occurs, monitors actual versus intended action, and helps to correct problems using a mix of braking, throttle and steering control.
A new Smart Access and Start system includes a push-button starter to fire the engine. An option group couples adaptive laser cruise control with a pre-collision system that can take appropriate steps when sensors detect that a crash is imminent. Dealerships began receiving the GS 430 in February 2005.
2006 Lexus IS 350
Base List Price: TBA
The redesigned 2006 IS series of performance sedans debuted in 2005. The first-generation IS 300 was offered as a sedan or sport wagon, but the 2006 edition is available only as a sedan.
The restyled IS 350 has a 3.5-liter V-6 that whips up more than 300 horsepower. The automaker says that’s sufficient to yield a 0-to-60-mph acceleration time of less than 6 seconds. Lexus also offers an IS 250, which is powered by a 2.5-liter V-6.
Like so many redesigned models these days, the IS 350 is larger than the prior IS 300 in every dimension. A new six-speed-automatic transmission is standard. The automatic’s steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters give the driver extra involvement when desired.
Suspension, steering and braking systems are new for the 2006 IS 350, which also gets some underbody refinements. A Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management stability system is standard. Two front knee airbags and a twin-chamber front-passenger airbag are installed. A standard Smart Access keyless entry system features a push-button engine starter.
Sales begin in fall 2005. European customers can choose a diesel-powered IS 220, but Lexus doesn’t extend diesel availability to the U.S. market.
|
|
advertisement 
