As per Dubai Chapter promise we are going to show you some rides around. We'll be testing them and posting our comments.
Here, we tested a brand new Lexus GS300, and every one knows they are always full option. I'm not a professional or authority on automobiles, hence whatever you'll read below are all my observation, rather than some personal affiliation or dislike with any brand.
Some features and spex:
Engine is a 24 valve, 3.0 ltr producing 245bhp @6,200 RPM. Acceleration is somewhere near 7.0sec from 0-100km/h and 1/4 mile is 15.4sec. The top speed is limited at 143mph (230km/h).
9 airbags (SRS) are standard, with other features like Global Positioning System (GPS) with voice activation, Blue Tooth for Cellfone to connect it to sound system, Electronic Traction Control [Traction Control (TRAC)], Electronic Stability Control [Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)], Anti-Lock Braking (ABS) [4-sensor, 4-channel, integrated with VSC)], Braking Assist Brake Assist [Electronic Braking Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)], Pre-Collision System (PCS) Radar, Electronic Tire Pressure and much more to count on.
It also got state of the art sound system which make u spin in your chair supplied by Mark Levinson. Full color back up (reverse) camera and rear window sun-shade which goes down when gear put in reverse, dynamic autoleveling HID headlamps, which also rotates according to road bend while driving called Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS).
Rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers. Power-adjustable, Electrochromic (auto-dimming) outside mirrors with defoggers and auto tilt-down in reverse. Not to mention the 17 inch wheels with 225/50 rubbers.
The list is so long that to remember all those thing, my mind is hurting more than my typing fingers are.
The test drive was courtesy of Racef1 team which they arranged on a tight schedule. I took my notes and impressions after taking the car to its subtle and extreme proportion, later I had to sit with Ishtiaq Bhai for a spin as he was not satisfied with my extreme driving. He stirred my soul for good. I thought he only knows how to drive an EVO to the limits but he taught me that GS300 is no exception to his driving skills. I thank him for giving us all and specially me, the opportunity to reveal whats hidden beneath the pros and cons of autombiles around.
On word, who'd have thought in the early and mid seventies that the Japs can have perfection. They truly are giving the other side of the world a big jolt by providing such "statements" (cars).
How it Drives like?
Well, I was a little bit disappointed as to what this brand actually promises and what it came out to be. Lexus is known to be luxury at its heart with perfection but the ride is a little stiff and I can feel the road. But then again, its a Sports Sedan, not a Luxury.
How it Handles?
Here is the culprit who took the luxury out out of it. To make it better handling and to compete against the odds of BMW and Infiniti, they had to make it ride hard and handle it to perfection. It handles really perfectly for such a big sedan.
Hows the Interior?
Perfect! Although it still needs a little improvement but its by far much more better than the BMW.
Hows the Engine?
No question about it. So smooth that all you feel is the push in seat of the pants and without any noise, vibration
or harshness, it swooshes by through the road. To check if the engine is running, u really need to look at the idling tacho, else you'll never notice if its there or not.
My feelings
The GS is for sure one grand sedan, it is Relentless Pursuit of Perfection but still, if I've to buy Lexus, I think that I'm going to pursue the LS430 instead.
Agression!
