New Lexus GS features digital radio as standard

By Derek Fung | February 1, 2012

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Derek Fung

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CNET Editor

Derek loves nothing more than punching a remote location into a GPS, queuing up some music and heading out on a long drive, so it's a good thing he's in charge of CNET Australia's Car Tech channel.

The new Lexus GS will be the first model range to feature digital radio reception as standard when it goes on sale in the second quarter of 2012.

(Credit: Lexus)

Every model in the new GS range, from the entry-level GS250 through to the regular GS350 and top-of-the-range hybrid GS450h, will feature digital radio connectivity. The new GS will still feature good ol' analog wireless for when you venture out of digital radio range — currently digital radio is only available in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and Darwin.

Also standard across the board are the now de rigueur features: Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming, and a USB port with iPod compatibility. Voice control will also be present and can, according to Lexus, be used to control music selection on an iPod/iPhone.

A number of sound systems will be offered to GS buyers, including a 299W Pioneer 12-speaker unit and a range-topping 835W Mark Levinson 17-speaker system. These will be controlled via an updated Remote Touch controller paired with either an 8-inch or an enormous 12.3-inch screen.

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