2007 Lexus GS 430

Power and Grace

The Lexus GS 430 luxury sedan gets minor updates, accentuating its seductive styling, top technology and a smooth-but-sporty character.

The Lexus GS 430 gets some new standard equipment and new options, since getting a new, “more passionate” styling direction from Lexus in a major redesign for the 2006 model year.

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Formerly optional, the GS 430 gets a power moonroof and rear side-impact airbags standard. New options include the Lexus Link communications/safety system, similar to GM’s OnStar, and the latest version of the automaker’s navigation system. The system includes a higher-resolution screen and improved voice-command technology.

A smooth V8 engine drives the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission that includes a quick-to-react, sequential-shift, manual mode. An upgraded V6 in the less-expensive GS 350 actually produces a bit more power than the GS 430, so it would not be surprising to see the Lexus GS 430 soon get a version of the new, 4.6-liter V8 from Lexus that debuted in the 2007 LS 460.

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The sophisticated suspension in the GS 430 delivers good road feel, ride comfort and cornering. An active stabilizer system is optional, which counteracts body sway for additional vehicle control and quicker handling. The GS 430 also includes an Adaptive Variable Suspension that allows motorists to stiffen up the car’s ride and handling characteristics in Sport mode when the road begins to twist and turn. A sophisticated Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system intelligently operates and coordinates the car’s variable-ratio electronic power steering, stability control and electronic brake system, which includes antilock functionality, brake assist and brakeforce distribution. A cutoff switch is newly included for the VDIM and stability systems to afford more-tenacious cornering.

From the outside, the Lexus GS 430 has flowing lines with a long hood, a short rear deck and a futuristic-looking front-end treatment. A handsome interior is trimmed in metal, wood and leather. Several little-used switches reside behind a panel to the left side of the steering wheel to cut down on clutter, but it also makes them difficult to access while driving. A tall center stack houses a touch-screen video monitor that doubles as a navigation display as well as a control center for the audio system and other features. However, it’s more difficult to operate than a simple series of buttons and switches. The instrument panel skips the traditional Lexus electroluminescent gauges for a more-mechanical look.

Lexus GS 430 Vehicle Summary

Seating is comfortable overall, though taller riders may not find enough backseat legroom and front-seat headroom. Shorter riders might find that the car’s high dashboard and windowsills hamper outward visibility. Standard features are generous, while a short options list includes items like an audiophile-grade Mark Levinson audio system and a Pre-Collision System tied to the adaptive cruise control that anticipates when a crash is imminent and reacts accordingly. It can even apply the brakes at full force if the driver does not react quickly enough.

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In addition to the Lexus GS 350 and GS 430, the line includes a hybrid gasoline/electric-powered version, the GS 450h.