2013 Lexus GS 350 to start at $47,775

The 2013 Lexus GS sedan, which will arrive in dealerships in early February, will carry a price of $47,775, including an $875 destination charge.

The GS 350 has a redesigned chassis and a wider stance than previous models. The width adds more interior space for driver and passenger comfort.

Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 306 hp with both port and direct injection. The twin-cam unit will be more responsive and return better fuel economy than in previous years, according to Lexus. The GS 350 will have EPA numbers of 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Sprint time from 0 to 60 mph takes 5.7 seconds.

A six-speed automatic is the only transmission offered. It comes with paddle shifters on the steering wheel and programming from the IS-F performance sedan. It will have faster shifts, earlier torque-converter lockup and downshift throttle blips. The GS will operate in four modes--eco, normal, sport S and the optional sport S+--with the new Lexus Drive Mode Selector.

The Premium package adds $1,400 and includes rain-sensing wipers, heated and ventilated front seats and a power rear sunshade. The Luxury package includes all of that and adds adaptive suspension, adaptive front lighting, 18-way power front seats, seat-position memory and 18-inch wheels, among other things, for $5,750.

The GS F Sport, which we saw at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, will have an MSRP of $53,465, including destination. The F Sport gets the go-fast treatment on the body, bigger wheels and a tuned adaptive suspension. Rear-wheel-drive models will have staggered-width wheels, larger front brakes and a variable steering-ratio setup that uses rear-wheel steering to help get the car around corners.

Navigation costs $1,735 and comes with a 12.3-inch screen with dual display. The option also gives access to the Lexus Enform Application, which leverages the driver's mobile phone to search Bing, make reservations with Open Table, get movie tickets or listen to Web radio.

By Jake Lingeman