Via numerous sensors, the Pre-Crash system computer monitors vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw rate inputs to help determine in advance whether an impending collision is unavoidable. In such an eventuality, the system pre-emptively activates the Pre-Crash seatbelt tensioners, retracting all slack from the front belts, and simultaneously adjusts the Emergency Brake Assist system for maximum braking force once the brake pedal is depressed.

In addition, at vehicle speeds in excess of 15 km/h (9 mph), PCS will also activate front seatbelt pretensioners in cases of severe under or oversteer, and during emergency braking. Moreover, operating in conjunction with the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), the new Lexus' PCS system also automatically regulates the suspension's shock absorber stiffness to minimise vehicle nose diving under emergency braking.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Complementary to the PCS system, the GS also features an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system. Capable of differentiating between vehicles directly ahead of the Lexus and those in an adjacent lane, the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control system employs the PCS millimetre-wave radar sensor, allied to constant speed, decelerator, follow-up and accelerator controls, to automatically slow the GS 450h, match the speed of the vehicle in front and, once the road is clear ahead, accelerate to the previously selected cruising speed.



PASSIVE SAFETY

Body Structure

The Lexus GS has been created with the express aim of achieving class-leading safety in terms of full-frontal, offset and side-on collisions.

The bodyshell features numerous structural reinforcements to enhance its energy absorption performance. This is achieved, for instance, through the comprehensive use of thickened cross members, whilst the frequent use of high-tensile steel promotes a high skeletal strength.

Under collision loading from the engine and transmission, the engine rear support member has been designed to separate from the floor panel during a frontal impact. This acts to suppress the intrusion of the engine into the cabin, reducing the risk of chest and foot injury to the front seat occupants.


Airbags

The Lexus GS 450h offers its passengers the most complete airbag protection in the segment. Besides two dual-stage frontal airbags, Lexus GS is also the first luxury E-segment car to offer SRS Knee Airbags to both front occupants. Besides the SRS Curtain Shield Airbags and front side airbags, rear side airbags can also be specified. In addition, each one of the four side airbags has an independent door sensor to provide a more accurate reading of the type of impact. This is further complemented by seatbelt pretensioners with force limiter on four seats.


Design and Refinement

Lexus GS 450h is the high performance flagship of the third generation GS model line up, a range which represents the first production vehicle presentation of the Lexus "L-finesse" design philosophy.

Integral to the Lexus' pursuit of perfection, L-finesse represents simple, bold, forward-looking, modern and deeply artistic design. It is a ground-breaking design rationale rooted in Japanese culture. The new design direction expresses three fundamental elements: "Incisive Simplicity" - perhaps best explained as purity, "Intriguing Elegance" - a sense of depth that appeals to the emotions, and "Seamless Anticipation" - inspired in the ancient tradition of Japanese hospitality, on which the most fundamental aspect for welcoming a guest is anticipating his needs.

Hence, L-finesse goes much beyond a pure design philosophy. It establishes a bridge between design and engineering, committing Lexus engineers to the development of advanced technical solutions that can anticipate occupants' requirements, covering areas so disperse as entertainment or safety.

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