2013 Lexus GS350 Owner's Manual

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GS350_U (OM30C34U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
Sport mode
An acceleration response suitable for sports driving is provided by con-
trolling steering response and transmission. Suitable for when precise
handling is desirable, for example when driving on mountain roads.
When the driving mode select switch is turned right, the “SPORT” indicator
comes on in the instrument cluster.
Also, on vehicles equipped with a
12.3-inch display, the driving mode is
also automatically displayed on the
“Side Display”. (→P. 3 0 8 )
3

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4
Driving
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.
Ve h i c l e s w i t h AV S
1
2

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GS350_U (OM30C34U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
Sport mode• SPORT S mode
Improves acceleration response by controlling the transmission.
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 instru-
ment cluster.
Also, on vehicles equipped with a
12.3-inch display, the driving mode
is also automatically displayed on
the “Side Display”. ( →P. 3 0 8 )
• SPORT S+ mode
Improves steering performance and driving stability by simulta-
neously 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 displayed on
the “Side Display”. ( →P. 3 0 8 )
3

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2674-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■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. To improve air conditioning perfor-
mance, adjust the fan speed or turn off Eco drive mode. ( →P. 3 4 5 )
■Automatic operation of the seat heater during Eco drive mode
If the driving mode select switch is switched to Eco drive mode in cold temperatures,
the seat heater will be automatically operated to assist heating performance.
■Sport mode automatic deactivation
Sport mode is automatically deactivated if the engine switch is turned off after driv-
ing in sport mode.

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GS350_U (OM30C34U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
Driving assist systems
◆ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, 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
◆Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road
surfaces by controlling steering performance.
◆TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spin-
ning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆Hill-start assist control
→ P. 2 76
◆VGRS (Variable Gear Rati o Steering) (if equipped)
Adjusts the front wheel turning angle in accordance with the vehicle
speed and steering wheel movement
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems
operate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be
aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and should not
be relied upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.

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4
Driving
◆DRS (Dynamic Rear Steering) (if equipped)
Contributes to the turning characteristics and responsiveness of the
vehicle by slightly adjusting the rear wheel angle of the vehicle in accor-
dance with steering wheel movement.
◆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 driving conditions,
this system combines riding comfort with superior steering stability, and
ensures good vehicle posture. ( →P. 263)
◆LDH (Lexus Dynamic Handling system) (if equipped)
Provides independent control of the VGRS, DRS and EPS. Contributes
to turning characteristics at low speeds, responsiveness at medium
speeds and safety at high speeds by controlling the steering angle of
the front and rear wheels in accordance with the steering wheel opera-
tion and vehicle speed.
◆VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC, hill-
start assist control, EPS, VGRS (if equipped) and DRS (if equipped)
systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling the brakes, engine output, steering assist, and
steering ratio
◆PCS (Pre-Collision System) (if equipped)
→ P. 2 7 8

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The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRAC/VSC systems are
operating.
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRAC/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 TRAC system only
To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release the but-
ton.
The “TRAC OFF” will be shown on
the multi-information display. Press
the button again to turn the system
back on.
When the TRAC/VSC systems are operating
Disabling the TRAC/VSC systems

GS350_U (OM30C34U)
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4
Driving
■Turning off both TRAC/VSC systems
To turn the TRAC/VSC systems
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 “TRAC OFF” will
be shown on the multi-information
display.
Press the button again to turn the
systems back on.