Lexus GS 350

Lexus GS 350

What is it? By all measures, the 2013 Lexus GS 350 is an update that promises further refinement and convenience features, but remains close to the established formula.
The new GS is the same size as the out-going model, with only the height having grown by an inch. Lexus claims the interior provides more passenger space and improved outward visibility. The trunk grows a reported 25 percent in volume, and access is improved through a larger opening.
The engine is again a 3.5-liter V6, with a 3-horsepower increase. The transmission promises faster shifts and four driving modes to better balance desired performance and efficiency. Lexus cites 0-60 mph times under six seconds.
As expected, the GS offers the company’s latest infotainment features, with available DVD Audio, surround sound, and large 12.3-inch split-screen for navigation and other functions. It will also use the next-generation Lexus Enform system that enables connectivity via a smart phone for Internet searches and streaming music.
The GS will include 10 air bags and anti-whiplash front seats, and it will be available with night vision, heads-up display, blind-spot monitor, and lane assist.
The last GS we tested had the stiff ride of a sports sedan without being sporty. Lexus has cited significant changes to the suspension and upgraded the brakes for the 2013.

New 2013 Toyota Verso

New 2013 Toyota Verso

The next generation of the Auris five-door hatchback in both regular and hybrid trims won't be alone at Toyota's Paris Motor Show stand as the automaker announced today that it will also introduce the station wagon and minivan variants of the new Auris family.

The estate model will be called Auris Tourer, or in some markets such as Germany, Auris Combi. This is the first time that Toyota has offered a station wagon body style to the Auris range.

It will launch together with the hatchback model with which it will share its entire engine range including, a 1.4-liter turbo diesel, 1.33-liter and 1.6-litre petrols and in a first for a C-segment estate model, a hybrid powertrain.

The latter uses the same setup as the Prius combining a 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle four cylinder gasoline to an electric motor and a nickel-metal hydride battery.

The Auris Touring is an important addition to Toyota's European lineup as station wagons account for around 25 percent of all compact / C-segment model sales in the region.

The third addition to the Auris family is the revamped 2013 Verso people carrier. From what we understand, this is a heavy facelift of the current model. As such, the compact minivan adopts Toyota’s new design language featuring the same, sharper front end styling, while the company notes that the interior has been upgraded as well.

Toyota pointed out that it has also re-engineered the Verso's 2.0-liter D-4D diesel engine "to give stronger performance with lower CO2 emissions", and its chassis to improve handling.

Visitors to Toyota's booth in Paris will also be able to see the 2013 Yaris Trend special edition that was recently announced for the UK market, a new line of TRD Performance accessories for the GT 86 Coupe, the Toyota Racing TS030 Hybrid WEC race car and the FCV-R fuel cell vehicle.