New Lexus Gs300 Scores Five Stars In Euro Ncap

[Alex K]

New Lexus GS300 achieves five star Euro NCAP rating

The new Lexus GS has been awarded a best-in-class five star rating in the latest EuroNCAP crash test for adult occupant protection with 35 points. The new GS also received the maximum score for side impact, and a top-in-class result for the frontal impact test with 15 out of 16 points.

In addition, the new GS achieved a best-in-class result for pedestrian protection with a total of 18 points (two stars) and a rating of 41 points (four stars) for child protection.

These remarkable results make the new GS the safest car of the executive class for adult occupant protection and pedestrian protection.

The new Lexus GS is equipped with the most technologically advanced active and passive safety systems available. These include a new Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) system that automatically prepares front seatbelt and emergency braking to help reduce collision damage and injury. PCS works in conjunction with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which automatically controls the GS's speed in relation to that of the vehicle ahead.

The GS430 adopts the latest generation of Lexus's Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM). This integrates ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) active safety systems with the Electric Power Steering (EPS) and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) to give better performance, traction control and stability.

The GS is equipped with up to 12 airbags. Rear seatbelt pretensioners are fitted as standard, as is Adaptive Front-lighting (AFS), which improves visibility through bends. The car's front bumper, cowl and bonnet have been designed to offer better protection against pedestrian injuries in a collision.

The comprehensive use of thickened cross members allied to extensive bracing within the floor platform offers enhanced torsional rigidity to significantly improve both driving dynamics and impact safety for the new GS. The high durability of the crash box and front side member, together with the enlargement of bumper reinforcements, further enhance energy absorbing efficiency.

"The Lexus GS has been created with the express aim of achieving maximum safety," says Karl Schlicht, Vice-President of Lexus Europe. "Our target was not only to protect the cabin occupant when an accident occurs but also to develop innovative accident avoidance systems like Pre-Crash Safety and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management. We are delighted to see our efforts recognised by these outstanding EuroNCAP crash test results."

The new Lexus GS300 and GS430 go on sale in the UK from 15 April.

Pictures here:

http://www.testdriven.co.uk/news.cfm/new_l...uro_ncap_rating