2012 Lexus GS350 Owner's Manual

3304-5. Using the driving support
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)Normal mode
For normal driving.
Press the switch to change the driving mode to normal mode when
selected to Eco mode or sport mode.
Eco drive mode
Use Eco mode to help achieve low fuel consumption during trips
that involve frequent accelerating.
When the driving mode select switch is turned left, the “ECO MODE”
indicator comes on in the multi-information display.
Vehicles with AVS
1
2

331
4 4-5. Using the driving support
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)Sport mode
• SPORT S mode
Improves acceleration response by controlling the transmis-
sion. Suitable for when precise handling is desirable, for
example when driving on mountain roads.
When the driving mode select switch is turned right while a made other
than SPORT S mode is selected, the “SPORT S” indicator comes on in
the instrument cluster.
Also, on vehicles equipped with
a 12.3-inch display, the driving
mode is also automatically dis-
played on the “Side Display”.
(P. 370)
• SPORT S+ mode
Improves steering performance and driving stability by simul-
taneously controlling the steering and suspension in addition
to the transmission. Suitable for sporty driving.
When the driving mode select switch is turned right while SPORT S
mode is selected, the “SPORT S+” indicator comes on in the instrument
cluster.
Also, on vehicles equipped with
a 12.3-inch display, the driving
mode is also automatically dis-
played on the “Side Display”.
(P. 370)
3

3324-5. Using the driving support
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed of the
air conditioning system to enhance fuel efficiency (P. 409). To improve air
conditioning performance, adjust the fan speed or turn off Eco drive mode.
Automatic operation of the seat heater during Eco drive mode
If the driving mode select switch is switched to Eco drive mode in cold tem-
peratures, the seat heater will be automatically operated to assist heating per-
formance.
Sport mode automatic deactivation
Sport mode is automatically deactivated if the engine switch is turned off
after driving in sport mode.

3334-5. Using the driving support
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Driving assist systems
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied sud-
denly, or if the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery
road surface
Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake
pedal is depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or
turning on slippery road surfaces
VSC+ (Vehicle Stability Control+)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery
road surfaces by controlling steering performance.
TRC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from
spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery
roads
Hill-start assist control
P. 341
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following
systems operate automatically in response to various driving situa-
tions. Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary
and should not be relied upon too heavily when operating the vehi-
cle.

3344-5. Using the driving support
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed
to turn the steering wheel
AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension system) (if equipped)
By independently controlling the damping force of the shock
absorbers for each of the 4 wheels according to the road and driv-
ing conditions, this system combines riding comfort with supe-
rior steering stability, and ensures good vehicle posture. (P.
328)
VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRC, VSC,
hill-start assist control and EPS systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery
road surfaces by controlling the brakes, engine output, steering
assist, and steering ratio
PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system) (if equipped)
P. 343
Emergency brake signal
When the brakes are applied suddenly, the stop lights automati-
cally flash to alert the vehicle behind.

3354-5. Using the driving support
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRC/VSC systems are
operating.
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRC and VSC
systems may reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may
need to turn the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in
order to free it.
Turning off the TRC system only
To turn the TRC system off,
quickly press and release the
button.
The “TRC OFF” will be shown
on the multi-information dis-
play. Press the button again to
turn the system back on.
When the TRC/VSC systems are operating
Disabling the TRC/VSC systems

3364-5. Using the driving support
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Turning off both TRC and VSC systems
To turn the TRC and VSC sys-
tems off, press and hold the
button for more than 3 seconds
while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light
will come on and the “TRC
OFF” will be shown on the
multi-information display.
Press the button again to turn
the systems back on.

3374-5. Using the driving support
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
When the message is displayed on the multi-information display showing that
TRC has been disabled even if the VSC OFF switch has not been pressed
TRC cannot be operated. Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and TRC sys-
tems
A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate
that a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
Reactivation of the TRC/VSC systems
Even after the TRC/VSC systems have been turned off, turning the engine
off and then on again will automatically reactivate the TRC/VSC systems.