Lexus GS
Encyclopedia
The Lexus GS is a series of mid-size luxury sports sedan
s / executive car
s sold by Lexus
since 1993. Designed to fill the gap between the ES
and LS
, and to provide Lexus with a performance sedan
to compete in the mid-luxury class
, three generations of the GS have been produced to date. The first incarnation of the GS was introduced in 1993 in the United States, Europe and selected markets in Asia. The second generation model premiered in 1998, using a new platform and adding a V8 version for the first time outside Japan. The current third generation GS, which premiered globally for the 2006 model year, comes in both V6, V8, and hybrid
versions, later known as the GS 450h performance hybrid. The third generation GS is also the first model to feature Lexus' own L-finesse styling upon its introduction.
In Japan, the equivalent Toyota Aristo (トヨタ・アリスト) was sold from its 1991 debut until the introduction of the Lexus marque and the third generation GS in 2005. Though largely identical in exterior and interior design, the first two generations of the GS and the Aristo differed in their engine and transmission combinations as well as equipment packages. The Aristo nameplate ("Aristo" is Greek for "the best") was discontinued following the debut of the Lexus marque and the third generation GS in Japan.
firm, and equipped with an independent, double-wishbone suspension setup, the Toyota Aristo was launched in October 1991, offering two inline-6 powered versions for the Japanese market: the 3.0Q and 3.0V. The Aristo 3.0Q (codename JZS147) featured a 2JZ-GE engine which produced 226 hp (169 kW), while the Aristo 3.0V (JZS147) was equipped with a 24-valve twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE engine which produced 276 hp (205 kW). This twin-turbo engine was the same as could be found in the Toyota Supra RZ (JZA80). In 1992, a third model, the V8-powered 4.0Zi-Four (codename UZS143), joined the Aristo lineup. This model came with standard four-wheel drive
and a 250 hp (186 kW) 1UZ-FE engine. This V8 had also been used in the first generation Lexus LS
and the Toyota Crown Majesta
. However, the only engine available for export markets was the 2JZ-GE inline-6.
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 Tahara production technology, with only eight spot welds
performed by hand. The rest, some 4,200 welds, were performed by robots. Italdesign Giugiaro's exterior styling blended elements of the original LS
flagship and SC
performance coupe in a rounded, aerodynamic shape, complementing the rest of the Lexus lineup. The vehicle adopted a wedge-like shape with high rear decklid, and longer and wider proportions than competing vehicles. The exterior shape of the original GS produced a drag coefficient of 0.31 Cd. Offered color schemes included single-tone bumper and body finishes, along with dual-tone schemes.
As Lexus' first rear-wheel drive sports sedan
, the GS was placed above the front-wheel drive
ES
luxury sedan with its superior drivetrain setup, power and available amenities. The 3.0-liter 2JZ-GE inline-6 producing up to 226 hp (169 kW) and 210 lbft of torque served as the powerplant. According to reviewer testing, 0–60 acceleration times for the GS 300 were clocked at slightly over nine seconds.
For the interior, the GS 300 featured walnut wood trim on the center console
, leather seating, an automatic tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and the option of a Nakamichi
premium stereo system. Driver and front passenger airbags were standard. A moonroof, remote 12-CD auto changer, and traction control (TRAC - left hand drive vehicles only) were options.
The GS was intended to take the price position of the original LS 400 flagship, which had moved upmarket since its 1989 launch. By the time of the GS 300's debut, the $35,000 initial base price of the LS had climbed to $47,000. The GS 300 carried an initial manufacturer's suggested U.S. base price of $37,930 at its debut. However, sales of the GS 300 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 rivals. Additionally, more powerful V8 sport sedans provided stiff competition. By 1997, the price of the GS 300 had risen to $46,195. Production of the first generation GS sedan ended in 1996.
, previewing the design direction for the redesigned GS. In August 1997, the second generation Aristo was launched in Japan, codenamed JZS160 (S300 version) for models with the 2JZ-GE engines and JZS161 (V300 version) 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, stability control and an automatic
gearbox with a manual
sequential mode. No four-wheel drive models were offered.
The second generation sedans used a new front-engine, rear-wheel drive midsize platform, also featured in the Japanese-market Toyota Crown
. The new model's styling was produced in-house, and featured quadruple headlights in a fashion similar to the Lexus SC coupe. The drag coefficient was 0.30 Cd. Inside, electroluminescent Lexus Optitron gauges were offered for the first time, along with an upgraded stereo system. For export markets, the second generation GS began production in the JZS161 body style on August 4, 1997 and was officially launched in 1998.
The GS 300 was offered once again and featured a slightly revised version of the last generation's 3.0 L inline-6 now producing 228 hp (168 kW) and 225 ft·lbf
(305 N·m) of torque. The GS 300 was quoted with a 7.6 second 0–60 mph time by Edmunds. Answering customer requests for more power, the American market GS 400 (UZS160) was equipped with a UZ-series
V8 that produced 300 hp (224 kW) and 310 ft.lbf of torque
. Edmunds.com
reported a 0-60 mph (26.8 m/s) time of 5.4 seconds for the 3693 pound (1675 kg) sedan. Both models featured a 5-speed automatic with the GS 400 receiving steering wheel shift buttons, however the GS300 did not receive the steering wheel shift buttons until 2001. Again, no turbo models were offered outside Japan. The 0–60 mph time of the GS 400 prompted Lexus to claim that the GS was the world's fastest production sedan.
Lexus promoted the arrival of the second generation GS sedan with the tagline, "Something Wicked This Way Comes." Compared to its predecessor, the second generation GS sedan was a much bigger success, with sales reaching 30,622 vehicles in its first year, increasing in the second, and stabilizing at 28,079 vehicles by 2000. 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 eight years.
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. In IIHS frontal crash testing the 1999 and newer GS was given a "Good" overall score.
In 2001, Lexus also added a limited production GS 300 "SportDesign" edition, featuring the sport suspension from the GS 430, wider 225/55VR-16 Michelin
Pilot HX tires, and polished alloy wheels. The SportDesign interior added perforated leather upholstery along with brushed aluminum and dark stained walnut trim. For summer 2001, production of the GS 300 SportDesign was limited to a run of 3,300 units (vs. 25,000 annual GS sales annually). Production of the limited model occurred through 2004.
in Detroit. Production of the third generation began on January 24, 2005, with the equivalent Aristo not released as Toyota had introduced the Lexus channel to Japan and sought to align all world markets using Lexus as their luxury brand worldwide. The third generation GS was the introductory Lexus model for the marque's new L-finesse design philosophy, indicating the future direction of the Lexus lineup; it featured a fastback
profile, more muscular styling, retained quad headlights, LED
tailamps, and one-piece bumpers. The drag coefficient on the third generation GS design reached 0.27 Cd, and the model used a newly designed midsize platform later shared with the second generation IS.
In September 2005, the GS 350 (GRS191) and GS 430 (UZS190) went on sale in Japan; the GS 350 using a 3.5-liter 2GR-FSE engine with D4-S direct injection, while the GS 430 used the same 4.3-liter 3UZ-FE
V8 used in the previous model. U.S. sales began in March 2006, with the initial U.S. model lineup including the GS 300 (GRS190), featuring a ULEV certified 3.0-liter 3GR-FSE V6 engine, and the GS 430. All GS models at launch featured a new 6-speed automatic sequential shift gearbox. An all-wheel drive
system was made available in the GS 300. Also new to the GS line was an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, and both the V8 and hybrid models featured a Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) system and Electronically Controlled Brake
(ECB) a type of brake-by-wire
system. V8 and hybrid models also featured an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system that individually altered suspension damper
firmness. Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management
(VDIM) was standard on the GS 430/460/450h models and coupled to VGRS, with which it could alter steering gear ratios.
Unveiled at the 2005 New York International Auto Show
, the hybrid GS 450h (GWS191) joined the GS line in 2006 for the 2007 model year. It was the first mass-production rear-wheel drive luxury hybrid car, featuring a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter 2GR-FSE V6 engine mated to an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission
. This powertrain made use of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system of integrating electric and gasoline engine motors, giving the GS 450h a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) emissions rating, and total output of 253 kW, allowing the GS to accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.2 seconds, according to manufacturer data.
Standard safety features on the GS ranged from multiple airbags, including knee airbags and front row side torso airbags, to adaptive headlights, anti-lock braking, electronic brakeforce distribution
, brake assist
and Vehicle Stability Control. The radar-based Pre-Collision System (PCS) with a Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system was optional. The GS 450h was among the first vehicles to receive the infrared
Driver Monitoring System
for driver attentiveness. For the 2007 model year, the GS 350 replaced the GS 300 in the U.S. and other export markets.
The GS interior was available with leather bird's-eye maple or walnut trim.
Major standard features ranged from a 10-way driver and front passenger power and heated seats with three-position Lexus Memory System, SmartAccess keyless system with push-button start, a driver-side hidden drop-down panel for infrequently used controls, standard 7-inch touchscreen display, and LED lighting in the cabin. Unique to the Lexus GS series was a three-pod instrument cluster with machined aluminum facings and an electrochromic feature. Optional features ranged from a power moonroof to a discrete 5.1 surround sound 14-speaker 330 watt Mark Levinson
premium sound system, XM-satellite radio and DVD-based navigation
with backup camera
and Bluetooth
technology. Competitors to the Lexus GS included the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class
, Volvo S80
, Audi A6
, Jaguar XF
, Infiniti M
, and Acura RL
.
The GS 460 (URS191) replaced the GS 430 in 2007 for the 2008 model year, featuring a new 4.6 liter 1UR-FSE V8 engine generating 342 hp (with 339 ft.lbf. of torque) and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Lexus reported a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds for the GS 460. Along with the hybrid GS 450h and previous GS 430 models, the V8-powered GS 460 offered the Active Stabilizer Suspension System
for improved handling. The GS 450h retains its position as the most expensive in the GS lineup, and has faster acceleration than the GS 460, though the GS 460 is lighter and has a higher top speed.
Along with the introduction of the GS 460, the GS lineup received a mid-cycle styling refresh, including a revised front bumper, headlights and grille, turn signals
added to the side mirrors, and new wheel options and exterior colors. The interior received a redesigned steering wheel, revised instrument cluster
gauges, and different trim pieces.
has revealed what the fourth generation Lexus GS will look like.
The fourth generation was shown at the August 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
in California. It is expected to enter the UK market in 2012.
series competition in 1998, beginning with two GS 400 race vehicles driven by Team Lexus in its inaugural season. For 1999, Team Lexus achieved its first victory with the GS 400 in its sixth race at Road Atlanta
. The GS 400 was raced until 2001, when Team Lexus switched to the IS 300. In the mid 2000s, the GS 400 was entered in the V8Star Series
touring car racing season, with Ronny Melkus competing in the V8 GS in 2003.
In 2006, Sigma Advanced Racing Development
and Lexus entered a GS 450h performance hybrid sedan in the 24 Hours of Tokachi race in Hokkaido
, Japan, the first time that a hybrid vehicle was introduced. In 2007, Lexus Canada also entered the GS 450h in the Targa Newfoundland
event. In 2009, the GS 450h was used as a safety car
at the Muscle Car Masters event held at Eastern Creek Raceway
, Eastern Creek, New South Wales, Australia.
In 2008, Manabu "Max" Orido
used a second generation JZS161 Aristo in Formula D
competition. Orido has several second generation models with different equipment used for drifting
events, some with prototype suspension, and fitted with parts from the export Lexus GS 300.
As of 2010, the GS has been outsold nearly two to one by the flagship LS
.
Sports sedan
A sports sedan or a sports saloon is a descriptive term applied to a sedan automobile that is designed to look and feel "sporty", offering the motorist more connection with the driving experience, while providing the comfort and amenities expected of a luxury sedan. A wider definition that includes...
s / executive car
Executive car
Executive car is a British term that refers to a car's size and is used to describe an automobile larger than a large family car. In official use, the term is adopted by EuroNCAP, a European organisation founded to test car safety.- History :...
s sold by Lexus
Lexus
is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation. First introduced in 1989 in the United States, Lexus is now sold globally and has become Japan's largest-selling make of premium cars. The Lexus marque is marketed in over 70 countries and territories worldwide, and has...
since 1993. Designed to fill the gap between the ES
Lexus ES
The Lexus ES series is a family of mid-size luxury sedans sold by Lexus since 1989. Now in its fifth generation, the series has been consistently built on the Toyota Camry platform with a V6 engine, automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive...
and LS
Lexus LS
The Lexus LS is a full-size luxury sedan that serves as the flagship model of Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota. Four generations of the sedan have been produced, all equipped with V8 engines and rear-wheel drive, although since 2006 all-wheel drive, hybrid, and long-wheelbase variants have also...
, and to provide Lexus with a performance sedan
Sports sedan
A sports sedan or a sports saloon is a descriptive term applied to a sedan automobile that is designed to look and feel "sporty", offering the motorist more connection with the driving experience, while providing the comfort and amenities expected of a luxury sedan. A wider definition that includes...
to compete in the mid-luxury class
Executive car
Executive car is a British term that refers to a car's size and is used to describe an automobile larger than a large family car. In official use, the term is adopted by EuroNCAP, a European organisation founded to test car safety.- History :...
, three generations of the GS have been produced to date. The first incarnation of the GS was introduced in 1993 in the United States, Europe and selected markets in Asia. The second generation model premiered in 1998, using a new platform and adding a V8 version for the first time outside Japan. The current third generation GS, which premiered globally for the 2006 model year, comes in both V6, V8, and hybrid
Hybrid vehicle
A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle. The term most commonly refers to hybrid electric vehicles , which combine an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors.-Power:...
versions, later known as the GS 450h performance hybrid. The third generation GS is also the first model to feature Lexus' own L-finesse styling upon its introduction.
In Japan, the equivalent Toyota Aristo (トヨタ・アリスト) was sold from its 1991 debut until the introduction of the Lexus marque and the third generation GS in 2005. Though largely identical in exterior and interior design, the first two generations of the GS and the Aristo differed in their engine and transmission combinations as well as equipment packages. The Aristo nameplate ("Aristo" is Greek for "the best") was discontinued following the debut of the Lexus marque and the third generation GS in Japan.
1991–1996
Styled by the famous Italdesign GiugiaroItaldesign Giugiaro
Italdesign-Giugiaro S.p.A is an automobile design and engineering company based in Moncalieri, Italy founded in 1968 by Giorgetto Giugiaro and Aldo Mantovani as Studi Italiani Realizzazione Prototipi S.p.A...
firm, and equipped with an independent, double-wishbone suspension setup, the Toyota Aristo was launched in October 1991, offering two inline-6 powered versions for the Japanese market: the 3.0Q and 3.0V. The Aristo 3.0Q (codename JZS147) featured a 2JZ-GE engine which produced 226 hp (169 kW), while the Aristo 3.0V (JZS147) was equipped with a 24-valve twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE engine which produced 276 hp (205 kW). This twin-turbo engine was the same as could be found in the Toyota Supra RZ (JZA80). In 1992, a third model, the V8-powered 4.0Zi-Four (codename UZS143), joined the Aristo lineup. This model came with standard four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
and a 250 hp (186 kW) 1UZ-FE engine. This V8 had also been used in the first generation Lexus LS
Lexus LS
The Lexus LS is a full-size luxury sedan that serves as the flagship model of Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota. Four generations of the sedan have been produced, all equipped with V8 engines and rear-wheel drive, although since 2006 all-wheel drive, hybrid, and long-wheelbase variants have also...
and the Toyota Crown Majesta
Toyota Crown Majesta
The Toyota Crown Majesta is a full-size premium luxury automobile. The Toyota Crown Majesta shares a stretched variant of the UZS platform series from the smaller Toyota Crown and Lexus GS/Toyota Aristo, however, it is not just a upper trim level of the Crown sedan, the Majesta is a separate car...
. However, the only engine available for export markets was the 2JZ-GE inline-6.
Tahara, Aichi
is a city located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. As of August 2011, the city had an estimated population of 63,886 and a population density of 338 persons per km². The total area was 188.81 km².-Geography:...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
assembly plant. At the time, the GS represented the latest advancement of Tahara production technology, with only eight spot welds
Welding
Welding is a fabrication or sculptural process that joins materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, by causing coalescence. This is often done by melting the workpieces and adding a filler material to form a pool of molten material that cools to become a strong joint, with pressure sometimes...
performed by hand. The rest, some 4,200 welds, were performed by robots. Italdesign Giugiaro's exterior styling blended elements of the original LS
Lexus LS
The Lexus LS is a full-size luxury sedan that serves as the flagship model of Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota. Four generations of the sedan have been produced, all equipped with V8 engines and rear-wheel drive, although since 2006 all-wheel drive, hybrid, and long-wheelbase variants have also...
flagship and SC
Lexus SC
The Lexus SC is a personal luxury coupé that was retailed by Lexus, and built from 1991 through 2010. It features a front engine, rear-wheel drive design and seating for up to four passengers. The first generation SC debuted as the V8-powered SC 400 in 1991, and the I6-powered SC 300 was added in...
performance coupe in a rounded, aerodynamic shape, complementing the rest of the Lexus lineup. The vehicle adopted a wedge-like shape with high rear decklid, and longer and wider proportions than competing vehicles. The exterior shape of the original GS produced a drag coefficient of 0.31 Cd. Offered color schemes included single-tone bumper and body finishes, along with dual-tone schemes.
Sports sedan
A sports sedan or a sports saloon is a descriptive term applied to a sedan automobile that is designed to look and feel "sporty", offering the motorist more connection with the driving experience, while providing the comfort and amenities expected of a luxury sedan. A wider definition that includes...
, the GS was placed above the front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive is a form of engine/transmission layout used in motor vehicles, where the engine drives the front wheels only. Most modern front-wheel drive vehicles feature a transverse engine, rather than the conventional longitudinal engine arrangement generally found in rear-wheel drive and...
ES
Lexus ES
The Lexus ES series is a family of mid-size luxury sedans sold by Lexus since 1989. Now in its fifth generation, the series has been consistently built on the Toyota Camry platform with a V6 engine, automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive...
luxury sedan with its superior drivetrain setup, power and available amenities. The 3.0-liter 2JZ-GE inline-6 producing up to 226 hp (169 kW) and 210 lbft of torque served as the powerplant. According to reviewer testing, 0–60 acceleration times for the GS 300 were clocked at slightly over nine seconds.
For the interior, the GS 300 featured walnut wood trim on the center console
Center console (automobile)
The center console in an automobile refers to the control-bearing surfaces in the center of the front of the vehicle interior...
, leather seating, an automatic tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and the option of a Nakamichi
Nakamichi
is an historic Japanese high end audio company most famous for its innovative and very high quality audio cassette decks.In 1972, Nakamichi launched its first Nakamichi-brand products, home audio gear that included the world's first three-head cassette deck...
premium stereo system. Driver and front passenger airbags were standard. A moonroof, remote 12-CD auto changer, and traction control (TRAC - left hand drive vehicles only) were options.
The GS was intended to take the price position of the original LS 400 flagship, which had moved upmarket since its 1989 launch. By the time of the GS 300's debut, the $35,000 initial base price of the LS had climbed to $47,000. The GS 300 carried an initial manufacturer's suggested U.S. base price of $37,930 at its debut. However, sales of the GS 300 were modest, with 1993 seeing the greatest sales at 19,164 sold that year. Sales dropped in later years as the Japanese yen
Japanese yen
The is the official currency of Japan. It is the third most traded currency in the foreign exchange market after the United States dollar and the euro. It is also widely used as a reserve currency after the U.S. dollar, the euro and the pound sterling...
rose in value against the dollar and made the vehicle more expensive than its rivals. Additionally, more powerful V8 sport sedans provided stiff competition. By 1997, the price of the GS 300 had risen to $46,195. Production of the first generation GS sedan ended in 1996.
1997–2000
In February 1997, Lexus debuted the "High Performance Sedan" (HPS) concept at the Chicago Auto ShowChicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is held annually in February at Chicago's McCormick Placeconvention complex. It is among the largest auto shows in North America....
, previewing the design direction for the redesigned GS. In August 1997, the second generation Aristo was launched in Japan, codenamed JZS160 (S300 version) for models with the 2JZ-GE engines and JZS161 (V300 version) for those with the 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo engines. VVT-i
VVT-i
VVT-i, or Variable Valve Timing with intelligence, is an automobile variable valve timing technology developed by Toyota, similar in performance to the BMW's VANOS. The Toyota VVT-i system replaces the Toyota VVT offered starting in 24 December 1991 on the 5-valve per cylinder 4A-GE engine. The...
was now standard, resulting in a bump in torque. The twin-turbo version was available with electronic four-wheel steering, stability control and an automatic
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
gearbox with a manual
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
sequential mode. No four-wheel drive models were offered.
The second generation sedans used a new front-engine, rear-wheel drive midsize platform, also featured in the Japanese-market Toyota Crown
Toyota Crown
The Toyota Crown is a line of full-size luxury sedans by Toyota. The range was primarily available in Japan and some other Asian countries, originally designed to serve as a taxi...
. The new model's styling was produced in-house, and featured quadruple headlights in a fashion similar to the Lexus SC coupe. The drag coefficient was 0.30 Cd. Inside, electroluminescent Lexus Optitron gauges were offered for the first time, along with an upgraded stereo system. For export markets, the second generation GS began production in the JZS161 body style on August 4, 1997 and was officially launched in 1998.
The GS 300 was offered once again and featured a slightly revised version of the last generation's 3.0 L inline-6 now producing 228 hp (168 kW) and 225 ft·lbf
Foot-pound force
The foot-pound force, or simply foot-pound is a unit of work or energy in the Engineering and Gravitational Systems in United States customary and Imperial units of measure. It is the energy transferred on applying a force of 1 pound-force through a displacement of 1 foot...
(305 N·m) of torque. The GS 300 was quoted with a 7.6 second 0–60 mph time by Edmunds. Answering customer requests for more power, the American market GS 400 (UZS160) was equipped with a UZ-series
Toyota UZ engine
The Toyota UZ engine family is a 32-valve quad-camshaft V8 piston engine series used in Toyota's luxury offerings and sport utility vehicles. Three basic versions have been produced, the 1UZ-FE, 2UZ-FE, and 3UZ-FE...
V8 that produced 300 hp (224 kW) and 310 ft.lbf of torque
Torque
Torque, moment or moment of force , is the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis, fulcrum, or pivot. Just as a force is a push or a pull, a torque can be thought of as a twist....
. Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com is a provider of automotive information via Web sites, books, and other media. The company is headquartered in Santa Monica, California and maintains an office outside of Detroit, Michigan...
reported a 0-60 mph (26.8 m/s) time of 5.4 seconds for the 3693 pound (1675 kg) sedan. Both models featured a 5-speed automatic with the GS 400 receiving steering wheel shift buttons, however the GS300 did not receive the steering wheel shift buttons until 2001. Again, no turbo models were offered outside Japan. The 0–60 mph time of the GS 400 prompted Lexus to claim that the GS was the world's fastest production sedan.
The GS was Motor Trend
Motor Trend
Motor Trend is an American automobile magazine. It first appeared in September 1949, issued by Petersen Publishing Company in Los Angeles, and bearing the tag line "The Magazine for a Motoring World". Petersen Publishing was sold to British publisher EMAP in 1998, who sold the former Petersen...
s Import Car of the Year
Car of the Year
Car of the Year is a phrase usually considered to have been invented by Motor Trend magazine in the 1950s for their annual award for best American automobile...
for 1998. It also made Car and Driver
Car and Driver
Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. Its total circulation is 1.31 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011...
magazine's Ten Best list
Car and Driver Ten Best
Car and Driver magazine annually nominates a list of what it considers the Ten Best cars and Five Best trucks.All production vehicles for sale in that calendar year are considered with these restrictions:# The vehicle must be on sale by January...
for 1998 through 2000. In IIHS frontal crash testing the 1999 and newer GS was given a "Good" overall score.
2000–2005
The 2000 model facelift, first sold in the 2001 model year in North America, was the only year with any major changes in the second generation GS. New clear tail lights with turn signal indicators were added to the trunk area, as well as a slightly revised grille and very subtly tinted headlights on the front end. Xenon high-intensity discharge headlights were now standard on the V8 and optional on the I6. Inside, more wood trim was added, and steering wheel shift buttons were now also featured on the GS 300. The V8 engine also received a 0.3-liter bump in displacement and the model was renamed GS 430 (UZS161). Peak horsepower was unchanged, but torque increased to 325 lbft.In 2001, Lexus also added a limited production GS 300 "SportDesign" edition, featuring the sport suspension from the GS 430, wider 225/55VR-16 Michelin
Michelin
Michelin is a tyre manufacturer based in Clermont-Ferrand in the Auvergne région of France. It is one of the two largest tyre manufacturers in the world along with Bridgestone. In addition to the Michelin brand, it also owns the BFGoodrich, Kleber, Riken, Kormoran and Uniroyal tyre brands...
Pilot HX tires, and polished alloy wheels. The SportDesign interior added perforated leather upholstery along with brushed aluminum and dark stained walnut trim. For summer 2001, production of the GS 300 SportDesign was limited to a run of 3,300 units (vs. 25,000 annual GS sales annually). Production of the limited model occurred through 2004.
2005–2007
In October 2003, Lexus premiered the LF-S (Lexus Future Sedan), a concept car which previewed the design of the upcoming GS. The third generation GS first appeared as a pre-production vehicle at the 2004 Geneva Auto Show, with the production version shown at the 2005 North American International Auto ShowNorth American International Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan at Cobo Center, usually in January. It is among the largest auto shows in North America.-History:...
in Detroit. Production of the third generation began on January 24, 2005, with the equivalent Aristo not released as Toyota had introduced the Lexus channel to Japan and sought to align all world markets using Lexus as their luxury brand worldwide. The third generation GS was the introductory Lexus model for the marque's new L-finesse design philosophy, indicating the future direction of the Lexus lineup; it featured a fastback
Fastback
A fastback is a car body style whose roofline slopes continuously down at the back. The word can also designate the car itself. The style is seen on two-door coupés as well as four-door sedans.-History:...
profile, more muscular styling, retained quad headlights, LED
LEd
LEd is a TeX/LaTeX editing software working under Microsoft Windows. It is a freeware product....
tailamps, and one-piece bumpers. The drag coefficient on the third generation GS design reached 0.27 Cd, and the model used a newly designed midsize platform later shared with the second generation IS.
In September 2005, the GS 350 (GRS191) and GS 430 (UZS190) went on sale in Japan; the GS 350 using a 3.5-liter 2GR-FSE engine with D4-S direct injection, while the GS 430 used the same 4.3-liter 3UZ-FE
Toyota UZ engine
The Toyota UZ engine family is a 32-valve quad-camshaft V8 piston engine series used in Toyota's luxury offerings and sport utility vehicles. Three basic versions have been produced, the 1UZ-FE, 2UZ-FE, and 3UZ-FE...
V8 used in the previous model. U.S. sales began in March 2006, with the initial U.S. model lineup including the GS 300 (GRS190), featuring a ULEV certified 3.0-liter 3GR-FSE V6 engine, and the GS 430. All GS models at launch featured a new 6-speed automatic sequential shift gearbox. An all-wheel drive
Four Wheel Drive
The Four Wheel Drive Auto Company, more often known as Four Wheel Drive or just FWD, was founded in 1909 in Clintonville, Wisconsin, as the Badger Four-Wheel Drive Auto Company by Otto Zachow and William Besserdich.-History:...
system was made available in the GS 300. Also new to the GS line was an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, and both the V8 and hybrid models featured a Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) system and Electronically Controlled Brake
Electronically Controlled Brake
Electronically Controlled Brake developed by Toyota Motor Corporation initially for its hybrid and Lexus models, is the world's first production brake-by-wire braking system. The ECB went on sale in Japan in June 2001, first appearing on the Toyota Estima hybrid , and making its North American...
(ECB) a type of brake-by-wire
Brake-by-wire
Drive-by-wire technology in automotive industry replaces the traditional mechanical and hydraulic control systems with electronic control systems using electromechanical actuators and human-machine interfaces such as pedal and steering feel emulators...
system. V8 and hybrid models also featured an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system that individually altered suspension damper
Shock absorber
A shock absorber is a mechanical device designed to smooth out or damp shock impulse, and dissipate kinetic energy. It is a type of dashpot.-Nomenclature:...
firmness. Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management
Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management
Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management is an integrated vehicle handling and software control system developed by Toyota. It involves an omnibus computer linkage of traction control, electronic stability control, electronic steering, and other systems, with the intent of improving responsiveness...
(VDIM) was standard on the GS 430/460/450h models and coupled to VGRS, with which it could alter steering gear ratios.
Unveiled at the 2005 New York International Auto Show
New York International Auto Show
The New York International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in New York City in late March or early April. It is usually held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. It usually opens on or just before Easter weekend and closes on the first Sunday after Easter...
, the hybrid GS 450h (GWS191) joined the GS line in 2006 for the 2007 model year. It was the first mass-production rear-wheel drive luxury hybrid car, featuring a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter 2GR-FSE V6 engine mated to an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission
Continuously variable transmission
A continuously variable transmission is a transmission that can change steplessly through an infinite number of effective gear ratios between maximum and minimum values. This contrasts with other mechanical transmissions that offer a fixed number of gear ratios...
. This powertrain made use of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system of integrating electric and gasoline engine motors, giving the GS 450h a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) emissions rating, and total output of 253 kW, allowing the GS to accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.2 seconds, according to manufacturer data.
Standard safety features on the GS ranged from multiple airbags, including knee airbags and front row side torso airbags, to adaptive headlights, anti-lock braking, electronic brakeforce distribution
Electronic brakeforce distribution
Electronic brakeforce distribution ', Electronic brakeforce limitation ' is an automobile brake technology that automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle's brakes, based on road conditions, speed, loading, etc...
, brake assist
Brake assist
Brake Assist is a generic term for an automobile braking technology that increases braking pressure in an emergency situation. The first application was developed jointly by Daimler-Benz and TRW/LucasVarity...
and Vehicle Stability Control. The radar-based Pre-Collision System (PCS) with a Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system was optional. The GS 450h was among the first vehicles to receive the infrared
Infrared
Infrared light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength longer than that of visible light, measured from the nominal edge of visible red light at 0.74 micrometres , and extending conventionally to 300 µm...
Driver Monitoring System
Driver Monitoring System
Driver Monitoring System, also known as Driver Attention Monitor, is a vehicle safety system first developed by Toyota in 2006 for its and Lexus latest models. It was first offered on the GS 450h. The system's functions co-operate with the Pre-Collision System . The system uses infrared sensors to...
for driver attentiveness. For the 2007 model year, the GS 350 replaced the GS 300 in the U.S. and other export markets.
Major standard features ranged from a 10-way driver and front passenger power and heated seats with three-position Lexus Memory System, SmartAccess keyless system with push-button start, a driver-side hidden drop-down panel for infrequently used controls, standard 7-inch touchscreen display, and LED lighting in the cabin. Unique to the Lexus GS series was a three-pod instrument cluster with machined aluminum facings and an electrochromic feature. Optional features ranged from a power moonroof to a discrete 5.1 surround sound 14-speaker 330 watt Mark Levinson
Mark Levinson
The company Mark Levinson, now owned by Madrigal Audio Laboratories specializes in high-end digital audio processors, integrated amplifiers, power amplifiers, pre amplifiers, and CD players...
premium sound system, XM-satellite radio and DVD-based navigation
Automotive navigation system
An automotive navigation system is a satellite navigation system designed for use in automobiles. It typically uses a GPS navigation device to acquire position data to locate the user on a road in the unit's map database. Using the road database, the unit can give directions to other locations...
with backup camera
Backup camera
A backup camera is a special type of video camera that is produced specifically for the purpose of being attached to the rear of a vehicle to aid in backing up. Backup cameras are alternatively known as 'reversing cameras' or 'rear view cameras'....
and Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security...
technology. Competitors to the Lexus GS included the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a range of executive-size cars manufactured by Mercedes-Benz in various engine and body configurations. The E initially stood for Einspritzmotor, ; a new feature in volume production vehicles at the time that the E-Class first appeared, with the E as a suffix to the...
, Volvo S80
Volvo S80
The Volvo S80 is a mid-size executive saloon/sedan from Swedish automaker Volvo Cars, and was introduced in 1998 to take the place of the rear-wheel drive Volvo 960/S90 saloons in the model range. The Volvo S80 was built at the Torslanda Plant in Gothenburg, Sweden. Unlike most Volvo models, it...
, Audi A6
Audi A6
The Audi A6 is an executive car marketed by the German automaker Audi AG, now in its fourth generation. As the successor to the Audi 100, the A6 is manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany – and is available in saloon, and wagon configurations, the latter marketed by Audi as the Avant.All generations...
, Jaguar XF
Jaguar XF
The Jaguar XF The Jaguar XF The Jaguar XF (type (X250) is a mid-size luxury car / sports saloon produced by British car manufacturer Jaguar. The car, which replaced the Jaguar S-Type, was launched at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show following the public showing of the C-XF concept in January 2007 at...
, Infiniti M
Infiniti M
The "M" nameplate has been used on various mid-luxury cars from the Infiniti luxury division of Nissan.The first iteration was the M30 Coupe/Convertible, which were rebadged JDM Nissan Leopard....
, and Acura RL
Acura RL
The Acura RL is the flagship car for North American luxury brand Acura — marketed in Japan as the Honda Legend and manufactured in Saitama, Japan...
.
2007–present
Active Stabilizer Suspension System
Active Power Stabilizer Suspension System , also known as Active Power Stabilizer Suspension System, is an electric active suspension system developed by Toyota Motor Corporation for its high-end vehicles including Lexus models...
for improved handling. The GS 450h retains its position as the most expensive in the GS lineup, and has faster acceleration than the GS 460, though the GS 460 is lighter and has a higher top speed.
Along with the introduction of the GS 460, the GS lineup received a mid-cycle styling refresh, including a revised front bumper, headlights and grille, turn signals
Automotive lighting
The lighting system of a motor vehicle consists of lighting and signalling devices mounted or integrated to the front, sides, rear, and in some cases the top of the motor vehicle...
added to the side mirrors, and new wheel options and exterior colors. The interior received a redesigned steering wheel, revised instrument cluster
Dashboard
A dashboard is a control panel placed in front of the driver of an automobile, housing instrumentation and controls for operation of the vehicle....
gauges, and different trim pieces.
Fourth generation
The LF-Gh concept vehicle revealed at the April 2011 New York International Auto ShowNew York International Auto Show
The New York International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in New York City in late March or early April. It is usually held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. It usually opens on or just before Easter weekend and closes on the first Sunday after Easter...
has revealed what the fourth generation Lexus GS will look like.
The fourth generation was shown at the August 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is an automotive charitable event held each year on the Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California, considered the most prestigious event of its kind. It is the finale of a week long festival of classic cars events in the Monterey area every year...
in California. It is expected to enter the UK market in 2012.
Motorsport
The Lexus GS was used in Motorola Cup North American Street Stock Championship touring carTouring car
A touring car, or tourer, is an open car seating five or more. Touring cars may have two or four doors. Often, the belt line is lowered in the front doors to give the car a more sportive character. They were often fitted with a folding roof and side curtains. Engines on early models were either in...
series competition in 1998, beginning with two GS 400 race vehicles driven by Team Lexus in its inaugural season. For 1999, Team Lexus achieved its first victory with the GS 400 in its sixth race at Road Atlanta
Road Atlanta
Road Atlanta is a 2.54-mile road course located just north of Braselton, Georgia, USA. The facility is utilized for a wide variety of events, including professional and amateur sports car and motorcycle races, racing and driving schools, corporate programs and testing for motorsports teams...
. The GS 400 was raced until 2001, when Team Lexus switched to the IS 300. In the mid 2000s, the GS 400 was entered in the V8Star Series
V8Star Series
The V8Star Series was a touring car racing series based in Germany. It ran from 2001 to 2003 and can be compared to the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters Series.-Cars:...
touring car racing season, with Ronny Melkus competing in the V8 GS in 2003.
In 2006, Sigma Advanced Racing Development
SARD
is a Japanese tuning company and racing team from Toyota, Aichi, mainly competing in the Super GT series and specialising in Toyota tuning parts.-History:...
and Lexus entered a GS 450h performance hybrid sedan in the 24 Hours of Tokachi race in Hokkaido
Hokkaido
, formerly known as Ezo, Yezo, Yeso, or Yesso, is Japan's second largest island; it is also the largest and northernmost of Japan's 47 prefectural-level subdivisions. The Tsugaru Strait separates Hokkaido from Honshu, although the two islands are connected by the underwater railway Seikan Tunnel...
, Japan, the first time that a hybrid vehicle was introduced. In 2007, Lexus Canada also entered the GS 450h in the Targa Newfoundland
Targa Newfoundland
Targa Newfoundland is an annual long road rally. It is held over a seven-day period in September of each year on the paved roads of the eastern and central parts of Newfoundland....
event. In 2009, the GS 450h was used as a safety car
Safety car
In motorsport, a safety car or pace car is a car which limits the speed of competing cars on a racetrack in the case of a caution period such as an obstruction on the track. During a caution period the safety car enters the track ahead of the leader...
at the Muscle Car Masters event held at Eastern Creek Raceway
Eastern Creek Raceway
Eastern Creek International Raceway is a motorsports circuit located on Brabham Drive, Eastern Creek , New South Wales, Australia, adjacent to the Western Sydney International Dragway. It was built and is owned by the New South Wales Government and is operated by the...
, Eastern Creek, New South Wales, Australia.
In 2008, Manabu "Max" Orido
Manabu Orido
is a Japanese racing driver who currently competes in the Super GT series for Toyota Team Tsuchiya in a Lexus SC 430 sponsored by Eclipse and AdvanOrido began his racing career as a street racer and then progressed to touge racing...
used a second generation JZS161 Aristo in Formula D
Formula D
Formula DRIFT or Formula D is the premier United States drifting series. Formula Drift, Inc. was co-founded by Jim Liaw and Ryan Sage in 2003 as a sister company to Slipstream Global Marketing, the same partnership that brought D1 Grand Prix to the United States. The new entity would solely own,...
competition. Orido has several second generation models with different equipment used for drifting
Drifting (motorsport)
Drifting refers to a driving technique and to a motorsport where the driver intentionally over steers, causing loss of traction in the rear wheels through turns, while maintaining vehicle control and a high exit speed...
events, some with prototype suspension, and fitted with parts from the export Lexus GS 300.
Sales and production
Sales data for Lexus GS generations are as follows. Sourced from manufacturer yearly data.| Generation (chassis code) | Model no(s). | Calendar year | Total sales, U.S., Japan | Total exports, production‡ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JZS147 | ||||
| GS 300 | 1993 | 19,164 | 18,450 | |
| 1994 | 13,939 | 12,905 | ||
| 1995 | 6,263 | 7,797 | ||
| 1996 | 2,044 | 2,500 | ||
| 1997 | 7,718 | 175 | ||
| JZS160/UZS160 | ||||
| GS 300/400 | 1998 | 30,622 | 26,705 | |
| 1999 | 30,326 | 30,326 | ||
| 2000 | 26,705 | 26,705 | ||
| JZS160/UZS161 | ||||
| GS 300/430 | 2001 | 24,461 | 29,715 | |
| 2002 | 17,246 | 17,710 | ||
| 2003 | 13,306 | 14,479 | ||
| 2004 | 8,262 | 9,681 | ||
| 2005 | 33,457, 5,843 | 3,000 | ||
| GRS190/GRS195/UZS190 | GS 300/350/430 | 2006 | 27,390, 9,145 | 51,290‡ |
| GRS191/GRS196/UZS190/GWS191 | GS 350/430/450h | 2007 | 23,381, 5,089 | 45,588‡ |
| GRS191/GRS196/URS191/GWS191 | GS 350/460/450h | 2008 | 15,759, 5,384 | 32,828‡ |
| 2009 | 7,430, 1,777 | 11,565‡ |
As of 2010, the GS has been outsold nearly two to one by the flagship LS
Lexus LS
The Lexus LS is a full-size luxury sedan that serves as the flagship model of Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota. Four generations of the sedan have been produced, all equipped with V8 engines and rear-wheel drive, although since 2006 all-wheel drive, hybrid, and long-wheelbase variants have also...
.
Technical specifications
| Model configurations by region | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chassis code | Model no. | Model year(s) | Drivetrain | Transmission | Engine type | Engine code | Region(s) |
| GRS190 | GS 300 | 2006– | RWD/AWD | 6-speed AT | 3.0 L petrol V6 | 3GR-FSE | Australia, China, Europe, Middle East |
| GRS191 | GS 350 | 2007– | 3.5 L petrol V6 | 2GR-FSE | Canada, Europe, Japan, United States | ||
| UZS190 | GS 430 | 2006– | RWD | 4.3 L petrol V8 | 3UZ-FE | Middle East | |
| GWS191 | GS 450h | 2007– | CVT | 3.5 L hybrid Hybrid electric vehicle A hybrid electric vehicle is a type of hybrid vehicle and electric vehicle which combines a conventional internal combustion engine propulsion system with an electric propulsion system. The presence of the electric powertrain is intended to achieve either better fuel economy than a conventional... V6 |
2GR-FSE | Canada, China, Europe, Japan, United States | |
| URS190 | GS 460 | 2008– | 8-speed AT | 4.6 L petrol V8 | 1UR-FE | Australia, Canada, China, Europe, Japan, United States | |
| Drivetrain specifications by generation | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model year(s) | Model no(s). | Chassis code(s) | Engine type | Engine code | Transmission(s) | Power | Torque | |
| 1993–1996 | GS 300 | JZS147 | 3.0 L inline-6 | 2JZ-GE | 4-speed AT | 168 kW | 280 N·m (206.5 ft·lbf) @4800 rpm | |
| 1998–2004 | GS 300 | JZS161 | 3.0 L inline-6 | 2JZ-GE | 4-speed AT | 168 kW | 300 N·m (221.3 ft·lbf) @4000 rpm | |
| 1998–2000 | GS 400 | UZS160 | 4.0 L V8 | 1UZ-FE | 5-speed AT | 224 kW | 420 N·m (309.8 ft·lbf) @4000 rpm | |
| 2001–2005 | GS 430 | UZS161 | 4.3 L V8 | 3UZ-FE | 5-speed AT | 224 kW | 441 N·m (325.3 ft·lbf) @4000 rpm | |
| 2006–2007 | GS 300 | GRS190 | 3.0 L V6 | 3GR-FSE | 6-speed AT | 188 kW | 310 N·m (228.6 ft·lbf) @3600 rpm | |
| 2006–2007 | GS 300 AWD | GRS195 | 3.0 L V6 | 3GR-FSE | 6-speed AT | 188 kW | 310 N·m (228.6 ft·lbf) @3600 rpm | |
| 2006–2007 | GS 430 | UZS190 | 4.3 L V8 | 3UZ-FE | 6-speed AT | 224 kW | 441 N·m (325.3 ft·lbf) @4000 rpm | |
| 2007– | GS 450h | GWS191 | 3.5 L V6 hybrid | 2GR-FSE | CVT | 253 kW | n/a | |
| 2008– | GS 350 | GRS191 | 3.5 L V6 | 2GR-FSE | 6-speed AT | 226 kW | 371 N·m (273.6 ft·lbf) @3600 rpm | |
| 2008– | GS 350 AWD | GRS196 | 3.5 L V6 | 2GR-FSE | 6-speed AT | 226 kW | 371 N·m (273.6 ft·lbf) @3600 rpm | |
| 2008– | GS 460 | URS190 | 4.6 L V8 | 1UR-FE | 8-speed AT | 255 kW | 460 N·m (339.3 ft·lbf) @3900 rpm | |
Awards
- J.D. Power and AssociatesJ.D. Power and AssociatesJ.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services firm founded in 1968 by James David Power III. The firm conducts surveys of customer satisfaction, product quality, and buyer behavior for industries ranging from cars to marketing and advertising firms. The firm is best known for...
named the GS series the best midsize luxury car in initial quality for 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005. - AAAAmerican Automobile AssociationAAA , formerly known as the American Automobile Association, is a federation of 51 independently operated motor clubs throughout North America. AAA is a not-for-profit member service organization with more than 51 million members. AAA provides services to its members such as travel, automotive,...
named the third generation GS 300 the best car in its class for 2005. - Consumer ReportsConsumer ReportsConsumer Reports is an American magazine published monthly by Consumers Union since 1936. It publishes reviews and comparisons of consumer products and services based on reporting and results from its in-house testing laboratory. It also publishes cleaning and general buying guides...
awarded the Lexus GS as the highest ranked vehicle in predicted reliability in the luxury car class in 2005. - The GS 450h's Lexus Hybrid Drive system was the recipient of the annual Paul Pietsch Prize for Advanced Technology in 2007, awarded by technical editors of Auto Motor Und Sport publications.
- The Lexus GS 450h was named the winner of the 2007 IF product design awardIF product design awardThe iF Product Design Award was introduced in 1954 and is annually conferred by the iF International Forum Design. Every year the iF attracts more than 2,000 product entries from around 37 nations, which are judged by renowned experts, with the best of them receiving an iF seal of outstanding...
from the International Forum DesignInternational Forum DesigniF International Forum Design GmbH is a Hanover-based organization providing design-related services. International Forum Design was launched in 2001 as the operative business arm of design promotion company iF Industrie Forum Design Hannover e.V....
group in Hannover, Germany. - German automotive magazine Auto BildAuto BildAuto Bild is a leading German automobile magazine. It is published by Axel Springer AG, and first appeared in 1986.AUTO BILD with its worldwide licensed editions, of which more than 7 million copies are sold every month, is published in 36 countries. Foreign editions include France's Auto Plus...
selected the GS 450h for its "Auto 1" award for best sedan in 2007. - Smart Money magazine named the Lexus GS the best luxury sedan for the 2003–2004 model year. 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 AssociatesJ.D. Power and AssociatesJ.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services firm founded in 1968 by James David Power III. The firm conducts surveys of customer satisfaction, product quality, and buyer behavior for industries ranging from cars to marketing and advertising firms. The firm is best known for...
in 2001. - The first generation GS series was named to the Top Ten in Initial Quality list by J.D. Power and AssociatesJ.D. Power and AssociatesJ.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services firm founded in 1968 by James David Power III. The firm conducts surveys of customer satisfaction, product quality, and buyer behavior for industries ranging from cars to marketing and advertising firms. The firm is best known for...
in 1994. - Kelley Blue BookKelley Blue BookKelley Blue Book, headquartered in Irvine, California, is the United States' largest automotive vehicle valuation company. The company's website is a source for new and used vehicle pricing and information...
gave the GS series its Best to Hold Value Award in 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001. - 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.