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Michael Wong Cambridge PR Group 617-500-2302 |
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Automaker to Debut Sportier GS as Lexus IS Receives J.D. Power and Associates Award
Online PR News – 04-August-2011 –WESTPORT, Conn. - Lexus is looking to inject more sport into its lineup with the debut of the all-new 2012 Lexus GS at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 18, an event that will also be broadcast live on Lexus’ Facebook page (www.facebook.com/lexus). The luxury automaker hopes the GS will build upon other sporty models like the 2011 Lexus IS, which itself was recently named the top vehicle in the Entry Premium Car category in J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Automotive Performance Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.
An all-new Lexus GS may be the shot in the arm Lexus needs to conquer chief competitors like BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi when it comes to sporty appeal. The GS will come in several trims, including a well-equipped F-Sport model, a hybrid and an all-wheel-drive version that will draw in Connecticut drivers looking for fun in the snow. Lexus says the 2012 GS will start arriving at Lexus dealerships sometime in early 2012.
“The new GS represents a fundamental change in direction for Lexus,” said Eric Brennan, general manager of Connecticut Lexus dealer New Country Lexus of Westport. “Lexus has always done sophisticated luxury very well, but now they’re adding some healthy aggression to their vehicles and trying to connect with drivers on an emotional level.”
With an interior style that draws from the sleek leather styling inside the Lexus LFA supercar, the Lexus GS will also forgo its signature “waterfall” center console for a sharp 12.3-inch screen that will display navigation and audio information. Drivers will be able to adjust their riding style based on their mood and road conditions with a drive-mode select knob offering eco, normal, sport S, or sport S+ modes.
The redesigned Lexus GS will take many of its new performance cues from the 2011 Lexus IS, which beat out the BMW 3 Series and Volkswagen CC to lead its category in J.D. Power and Associates APEAL Study. The study judged vehicles on how gratifying they were to own and drive with a survey that asked owners to weigh in on more than 80 different attributes. Lexus as a brand finished with an 827 on the 1000-point scale, much higher than the industry average of 781.
Featuring an engine similar to the unit slated for the 2012 Lexus GS, an all-aluminum 3.5-liter V6 runs under the hood of the 2011 Lexus IS 350. The powerplant puts out 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, which is then channeled to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shifters. The IS 250 comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 204 horsepower capable of netting 27 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city. In 2008, Lexus introduced the IS F to power junkies, and the current IS F engine puts out an impressive 416 horsepower through a 5.0-liter V8.
“The Lexus IS is a prime example of a great luxury car that can get the hairs on the back of your neck standing up,” added Brennan. “Its owners don’t need any evidence of its superiority, but the J.D. Power and Associates APEAL Study provides some to those drivers out there who haven’t experienced the IS’s appeal firsthand.”
About New Country Lexus of Westport:
Connecticut Lexus owners look to New Country Lexus of Westport when it comes to sales and service. Whether customers are seeking a new CT 200h or a used RX 350, New Country Lexus of Westport has a wide selection of new and used Lexus models to choose from, and their expert service department will follow up any purchase with excellent maintenance and repairs. Part of the New Country Motor Group family of dealerships, New Country Lexus of Westport is located at 1317 Post Road East in Westport, Conn. and can be found online at www.newcountrylexusofwestport.com. For more information, visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NewCountryLexusWestport or call them at 888-789-1318.
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