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GS430 versions have a pre-crash sensing system
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| PERFORMANCE RATING: |
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As with handling, the GS's performance is more than adequate but stops short of being inspirational. The GS300, which has direct injection and variable valve timing, plus an electronic drive-by-wire throttle, is laid-back in nature, with power and acceleration building smoothly and progressively; it'll never struggle, but equally, it won't blow you away. Official figures quote a top speed of 148mph and 0-60mph in 7.2 seconds. The GS430 (155mph, 0-60 in 6.1 seconds) is also biased towards refinement rather than aggressive tarmac-burning, and is an effortless cruiser at high speeds. Like the V6, it doesn't feel quite as fast as the on-paper numbers suggest, probably because it's just so refined, well-sound-proofed and well-mannered rather than having any actual power or torque deficit. The six-speed auto gearbox isn't the quickest-reacting of its type, either, though it is also smooth and it interjects seamlessly whatever mode it is in: 'power' mode allows for higher engine-revving and faster downshifts, and the sequential-shift facility gives a reasonably satisfying simulation of a manual gear-change, should you want it.
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