Lexus models for the test drive in Doha. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros, the sole distributor for Lexus in Qatar, organised a test drive event where journalists had the opportunity to test-drive a wide range of the latest Lexus models such as the Hybrid vehicles RX 450h &GS 450h, the sports vehicles RCF & GSF & the IS 350 Sedan.
Media representatives got the chance to learn more about the different Lexus models and the advanced technology used which made the test drive experience exciting and fun at the same time.
The test drive route started from Abdullah Al Abdulghani Tower to The-Pearl Qatar. While driving, each media person was accompanied by a Lexus team member to explain the latest technology introduced that made the driving experience rich and full of performance and comfort while taking advantage of the luxurious means introduced in the latest Lexus models.
Lexus team showed interest in listening to the views of media representatives about their driving experience of every Lexus model. Many of them praised the development and the high performance of Lexus cars in terms of both the external and internal designs that provide a state of luxury and taste befitting lovers of this luxury brand.
GS 450h
Lexus GS is an executive saloon that offers owners the economy benefits of a full hybrid powertrain combined with the comfort and quality expected in a premium sector sedan car.
The most important advancement for the GS came with the launch of the GS 450h in 2006. This was the first hybrid model ever marketed by Lexus, effectively launching Lexus Hybrid Drive to the world, and it marked the world’s first mass-produced rear-wheel drive luxury hybrid vehicle.
Although the engine at the heart of the GS 450h was the same 3.5-litre V6 powering the GS 350, it was assisted by a high output, permanent magnet electric motor that endowed the car with sports car-like performance combined fuel economy typical of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder saloon, and unfeasibly low emission levels.
RX 450h
A paragon of efficiency with plentiful power when needed, the completely reengineered 3.5-litre direct-injected V6 hybrid engine (2GR-FXS) is an evolution of the base six-cylinder drivetrain and produces a combined system output of 308 hp at 6,300 rpm with 34.2kg-m of torque at 4,600 rpm.
The RX 450h also features newly shaped intake ports and combustion chambers that generate a high degree of tumble inside the cylinders and improve combustion.
The hybrid-powered drivetrain in the all-new Lexus RX is the latest, most advanced iteration of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system.
Lexus IS 350
The IS looks fast and powerful, even standing still. From the front, the unique, trademark spindle grille is elegant but aggressive and powerful. From the side, the lines of the car flow smoothly from the door sill up to the tail-lights in the rear which are angled down and out, with the rear spoiler now integrated into the trunk lid’s trailing edge. This car is definitely sportier.
Lexus RC F
The Lexus RC F was designed for optimum grip and handling agility, taking full advantage of FR vehicle characteristics. All aspects were considered, from the vehicle’s footprint on the road and body rigidity, to aerodynamics, suspension hardware, brakes, electric power-assisted steering calibration and chassis electronics. The RC F has an all-new 5.0-liter 32-valve V8 engine that provides maximum power at higher engine revolutions than previously possible. A uniquely tuned 8-speed Sports Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission improves linear response to accelerator-pedal operation, letting the driver feel more immersed in the torque and power as it is applied.
Lexus GS F
The GSF has a 5.0-liter 32-valve V8 engine that provides maximum power at higher engine revolutions than previously possible. The engine is Lexus’ most powerful V8 engine, with 12 per cent more power than the IS F engine on which it is based. All-new cylinder heads and lighter moving parts have increased the maximum power of the engine by 54HP to 471HP, with maximum revolutions increased from 6800 to 7300 rpm. The compression ratio has been raised to 12.3:1, to boost torque across the entire revolution range.
