Lexus GS430; Review

 

It's really only just dawned on me that, at 14, my son hasn't got that long to go before he's eligible to become a driver.

He's never really shown that much interest in cars over the years, but he has indicated he wants to drive as soon as he can. He's also surprised me a couple off times recently, throwing in the odd comment about car manufacture, the most recent was when I was discussing the handling attributes of the Lexus GS430, he suggested its balance was attributable to the body's low centre of gravity.

I've known Paul's physics and science results at school have been quite good, and he's right on the button with the Lexus GS430, it is a low, sleek coupe, albeit with four doors, and it is manufactured with an emphasis on handling dynamics as well as outright performance.

Take into account, too, that it also carries the Lexus concept of luxury, and you have a combination that tantalises the moderately sporty driver along with refinement and sophistication the buyers of cars with a $147,000 price tag expect.

Regular readers might remember my GS300 evaluation in these columns in October, the GS430 is much the same car but with a 4.3-litre V8 engine (courtesy of LS430) as opposed to the 3-litre V6. As much as I enjoyed the GS300, the GS430 is in a different league, its unstressed engine and mammoth power is invigorating.

The GS430 also gets a few extra electronic goodies that can only be aligned to V8's computer management system such as variable gear ratio steering and adjustable suspension settings. The latter part of the ingredient which keeps the body flat and controlled through the cornering process in the first instance, the phenomenon that Paul was quick to point out.

I searched out some roads I'd almost forgotten about when I was testing the GS430, the foothills of North Canterbury providing the ideal combination of corners and straights so that this brilliant touring car could breathe a little, as well as taking command over the cornering process. In sport suspension mode the ride is noticeably firmer, it doesn't abandon the Lexus quality ride, but it does stiffen the suspension so that handling stays purposeful.

Riding on wide, and low profile Yokohama Advan rubber (245/40 x 18in), the GS430 has grip in abundance and with traction and stability control, wayward cornering motion need not be considered. Luxury cars never offer perfect steering feel, but the electronic system in the GS430 has just the right amount of feel so that the car can be placed with confidence.

Very few V8 engines come out of Japan, but those that do are renowned for their strength and purity. Other than a little shuffle at idle and subdued burble out the exhaust pipes, the Lexus V8 delivers its verve smooth and sultry.

Lexus claim 208kW, and with a mammoth 417Nm of torque, mid- range strength is immensely satisfying. The outputs are delivered at 5600rpm and 3500rpm.

Consequently, it is an eager engine easily tamed by moderating the outputs through a three-mode, six-speed automatic gearbox. Power, economy, snow mode and sequential shifting system offer the driver different driving dynamics depending on conditions. In power mode the GS430 is decisive and constantly urgent, providing an 0-100kmh acceleration time of 6.5sec. It will also make 120kmh from 80kmh in 4.2sec.

As you would expect, the engine is a quad-camshaft type with 32-valves. It has crisp response to accelerator request, the sporty buyer would relate to its enthusiasm, yet at the same time enjoy its lazy behaviour which accounts for the majority of our driving.

It also offers reasonable fuel economy. At 100kmh in sixth gear, it returns 7.5 litres usage per 100km (engine speed 1700rpm). My test average of 13.2l/100km wasn't quite so favourable, but is an indication of how much I enjoyed the car on the open road and included work day commutes. These figures equate to 36mpg and 21mpg respectively.

The GS430 hustles from corner to corner with verve, the driver can draw confidence from the brilliance of the chassis, taking into account that rear-wheel-drive cars offer the purist handling sensation. Even in the soft suspension setting the GS430 still has dynamic handling. And, as you would expect from Lexus, the GS430 wants for little.

Its price tag reflects that, and is fitted for comfort and convenience with full leather trim, electric controls for almost everything, smart key system, Bluetooth, dual zone climate air, wood and leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel on tilt and reach-adjustable column, cruise control, and heated and vented seats. Sound quality through the Mark Levinson audio is as rich as its gets.

For safety there's the usual cluster of air bags, five overshoulder seat belts, ABS and a plethora of traction control devices.

The four-door GS series won't capture everybody's imagination, but what it does is offer the Lexus buyer extra individuality along with a driving feel that has be to experienced to be believed. Both variants have finesse, poise and glamour ? expect nothing less from Lexus.