Lexus GS

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Lexus GS

Manufacturer	Toyota Motor Corporation
Production	1991–present
Assembly	Tahara, Aichi, Japan
Class	Mid-size luxury sports sedan Executive car
Body style	4-door sedan
Platform	S-Series
Related	Toyota Crown Lexus LS
Similar	Mercedes-Benz E-Class Infiniti M Jaguar S-Type

The Lexus GS is a series of mid-size luxury sports sedans / executive cars sold by Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota. The first GS, based on the platform and running gear of the Toyota Crown, was introduced in 1991 in Japan and two years later in the United States, Europe and selected markets in Asia. The GS was designed to fill the gap between the ES and LS and to provide Lexus with a sports sedan that could compete with the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The second generation model premiered in 1998.

The GS design was sold as the Toyota Aristo in Japan until 2006, when the Lexus marque was introduced in that country, which also meant for the Toyota Aristo to be discontinued for the 2005 model year. Though essentially identical, GS and the Aristo differed in their engine and transmission combinations as well as equipment packages. The current third generation GS comes in both V6, V8, and hybrid versions.

1 First generation (1991-1997)
2 Second generation (1998-2005)
3 Third generation (2006-present)
- 3.1 GS 450h
4 Awards
5 References
6 See also
7 External links

[edit] First generation (1991-1997)

First generation

Production	1991–1996
Layout	FR layout
Engine	R6 3.0, 24-valve, 276 hp (205 kW) twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE 3.0Q, 226 hp (169 kW) 2JZ-GE
Transmission	4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	109.4 in
Length	194.9 in
Width	70.7 in
Height	55.1 in
Fuel capacity	21.1 US gal.

With a body styled by the famous Italdesign Giugiaro firm, the Aristo was launched in October 1991, offering two versions: the R6 3.0 (3.0V) with a 24-valve, 276 hp (205 kW) twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE engine, and the 3.0Q with a 226 hp (169 kW) 2JZ-GE engine. A third model, the 4.0Zi-Four joined the Aristo lineup in 1992 and given the chassis code UZS143. This model came with the 1UZ-FE engine also found in the Toyota Celsior/Lexus LS and the Toyota Crown Majesta and standard four wheel drive. The only engine available for the export markets was the 2JZ-GE. The first generation Aristos were fitted with a 3.0L twin-turbo engine the same that can be found in the mark IV Toyota Supra. The vehicles were also designed with monocoque body structures and featured an independent, double-wishbone suspension setup.^[1]

Production of the Lexus GS 300 (JZS147) began on February 22, 1993 at the Tahara, Japan assembly plant. At the time, the GS represented the latest advancement of Lexus production technology, with only eight spot welds performed by hand. The rest, some 4,200 welds, were performed by robots.^[2] The GS 300's exterior styling blended elements of the original LS flagship and SC performance coupe. On the interior, the first generation GS featured walnut wood trim on the center console, leather seating, and the option of a Nakamichi premium stereo system. A moonroof, remote 12-CD auto changer, and traction control (TRAC) were options.

Sales of the first generation Lexus GS were modest, with 1993 seeing the greatest sales at 19,164 sold that year. Sales dropped in later years as the Japanese yen rose in value against the dollar and made the vehicle more expensive than its competitors.^[2] Initial manufacturer's suggested U.S. base price was $37,930 at the vehicle's debut; by 1997, the price had risen to $46,195.

[edit] Second generation (1998-2005)

Second generation

Production	1997–2005
Layout	FR layout
Engine	2JZ-GE (JZS160) 2JZ-GTE (JZS161)
Transmission	5-speed automatic (A650E), 4-speed automatic for JZS161 (A341E)
Wheelbase	110.2 in
Length	189.2 in
Width	70.9 in
Height	55.9 in
Fuel capacity	19.8 US gal.

The second generation Aristo was launched in Japan, codenamed JZS160 for cars with the 2JZ-GE engines and JZS161 for those with the 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo engines. VVT-i was now standard, resulting in a bump in torque. The twin-turbo version was available with electronic four-wheel steering, VDC and an automatic gearbox with a manual sequential mode. No 4WD models were offered.

The GS began production in the JZS160 body style on August 4, 1997 and was launched in 1998. The American market GS 400 was equipped with a UZ-series V8 that produced 300 hp and 310 ft·lbf of torque. Edmunds.com reported a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds for the 3693-pound sedan. The GS 300 was also offered once again and featured a slightly revised version of the last generation's 3.0L inline 6 now producing 225hp and 225 ft·lbf of torque. The GS 300 was quoted with a 7.6 0-60 time. Both models featured a 5-speed automatic with the GS 400 receiving steering wheel shift buttons. Again, no turbo models were offered outside Japan. The second generation GS offered electroluminiscent Optitron gauges for the first time, and featured quadruple headlights in a fashion similar to the SC coupe.

Lexus promoted the arrival of the second generation GS sedan with the tagline, "Something Wicked This Way Comes," and claimed that the GS 400 was the world's fastest sedan at the time. Compared to its predecessor, the second generation GS sedan was a bigger success, with sales reaching 30,622 vehicles in its first year, increasing in the second, and stabilizing at 28,079 vehicles by 2000.^[2] The U.S. base price for the GS 300 and GS 430 averaged approximately $38,000 and $47,000 respectively. The success of the GS sedan prompted Lexus to keep the vehicle in its lineup for over eight years.

Facelifted second generation Lexus GS

The 2001 model year was only year with any major changes in the second generation GS. New clear tail lights with moved turn signal indicators changed the rear-end as well as a very slightly revised grill on the front end and headlights which were now very subtly tinted. Xenon High-intensity discharge headlights were now standard on the V8 and optional on the V6. Inside, more wood trim was added as well as shift buttons now mounted on the GS 300s steering wheel. In 2001, the V8 engine received a 0.3 liter bump in displacement and the model was renamed GS 430. Peak horsepower was unchanged, but torque increased to 325 ft·lbf.

The GS was Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1998. It also made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1998 through 2000.

[edit] Third generation (2006-present)

Third generation

Production	2006–present
Layout	FR layout/All wheel drive
Engine	3.0 L 3GR-FSE V6 3.5 L 2GR-FSE V6 4.3 L 3UZ-FE V8
Transmission	6-speed automatic
Wheelbase	112.2 in
Length	190.0 in
Width	71.7 in
Height	56.1 in
Fuel capacity	18 US gal.

The third generation GS was first sold in 2005 as a 2006 model, with the chassis codename GRS190. The model lineup included the GS 300, with a 3.0 L V6 3GR-FSE engine, and the GS 430 with the same 4.3 L V8 used in the previous model. The GS 300 has a direct-injection engine for all markets except for Continental Asia. The 3.0 L engine is also found in the Toyota Mark X as well as the Zero Toyota Crown. A 4WD option was made available in the GS300 only.

A GS 350, using the 3.5L 2GR-FSE engine, replaced the GS 300 for the 2007 model year. Due to a change in SAE testing procedures, the 2007 GS 430 horsepower rating was changed to 290 (with 319 ft-lbs. of torque) , while the V6-powered GS 350 was rated at 303 horsepower (with 274 ft-lbs. of torque). Lexus reports 0-60 times of 5.7 seconds for both vehicles. A 4.6L GS 460 is expected to replace the 4.3L GS 430 by 2008. Production of the 3rd generation began on January 24, 2005.

The equivalent Aristo was not released as Toyota sought to align all world markets, including Japan, using Lexus as their premium brand worldwide.

The third generation GS was the first Lexus model to feature the marque's new L-Finesse design philosophy, characterized by swooping lines, a fastback profile, and more muscular styling. The slingshot cabin, which was previewed on the earlier Lexus LF-S concept, saw its first implementation on a production Lexus model with the new GS. The vehicle also premiered the latest generation of Lexus' SmartAccess keyless system--adding a push-button start for the first time. Other unique features included a driver-side hidden panel for infrequently used controls, a standard touchscreen display in the center console, LED lighting in the cabin, and Bluetooth technology.

In 2007, Consumer Reports dropped Lexus from 1st to 5th in their predicted reliability survey. The magazine blamed the 2006 first-year GS, which had problems in integrity, body hardware and sound system, as the sole reason for the slip. [1] Despite the reliability issues among 2006 GS models, the vehicle earned an "Recommend" rating from Consumer Reports for vehicle features and overall value. In the U.S., the GS 350 begins at $44,150, while the GS 430 retails at $52,375.

[edit] GS 450h

The Lexus GS 450h produces over 330 hp.

Unveiled at the 2005 New York International Auto Show, the hybrid GS 450h joined the GS line for the 2007 model year. It is the first mass-production rear-wheel drive luxury hybrid car. Its powertrain includes a naturally-aspirated 3.5 L 2GR-FSE V6 engine mated to an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission. The GS 450h has a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle emissions rating and an MSRP (including delivery) of $55,595. In some markets, however, the car can only be purchased with at least one option package, which raises the price by several thousand dollars. The rear-mounted battery also consumes significant trunk space. The GS 450h is among the first Lexus vehicles to receive the Driver Monitoring System in some markets. This safety system features an infrared steering wheel-mounted camera which monitors driver attentiveness, sounding an alarm if danger ahead is detected and the driver is not paying attention.

The GS 450h weighs 4134 lb (1875 kg), but the combined hybrid powertrain produces 339 hp (253 kW), allowing the GS to accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.2 seconds [2], compared to the GS 430's 5.7 seconds [3]. EPA-rated highway fuel economy is 28 mpg (8.4 l/100 km), while the city fuel economy is rated at 25 mpg, which is slightly unusual for hybrid vehicles of this type (as they normally have higher city fuel economy ratings).

75 Neiman Marcus Edition GS 450h sedans were offered as the annual holiday catalog car at a price of $65,000. All were sold in less than three hours on October 19, 2005 and were delivered around April 2006. The GS 450h went on sale in Japan on March 16, 2006.

[edit] Awards

J.D. Power and Associates named the GS series the best midsize luxury car in initial quality for 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005.^[3]^[4]
AAA named the third generation GS 300 the best car in its class for 2005.^[5]
Consumer Reports awarded the Lexus GS as the highest ranked vehicle in predicted reliability in the luxury car class in 2005.^[6]
German automotive magazine Auto Bild selected the GS 450h for its "Auto 1" award for best sedan in 2007.^[7]
Smart Money magazine named the Lexus GS the best luxury sedan for the 2003-2004 model year.^[8] In 2005, the magazine named the GS its Best New Car Value.
The GS series was named most appealing midsize luxury car by J.D. Power and Associates in 2001.^[9]
The first generation GS series was named to the Top Ten in Initial Quality list by J.D. Power and Associates in 1994.
Kelley Blue Book gave the GS series its Best to Hold Value Award in 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001.^[10]
The second generation GS was named Import Car of the Year by Motor Trend in 1998.
Car and Driver named the second generation GS to its Ten Best list in 1998, 1999, and 2000.