Lexus GS

The Lexus GS is a rear-wheel drive, luxury sports sedan manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corp. for its Lexus division. The first two generations were sold as the Toyota Aristo in Japan, until the introduction of Lexus in that country in 2005. 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 model was designed to fill the gap between the Lexus ES and Lexus LS and to provide Lexus with a sports sedan that could compete with the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. For most of its life, the GS had a longer wheelbase than the ES, and was shorter than the ES in length. The third generation GS, designed using an all-new platform, premiered globally for 2006. A hybrid version, the GS 450h, arrived for the 2007 model year.

Though essentially identical, GS and the Aristo differed in their engine and transmission combinations as well as equipment packages.

See WikiCars' comprehensive Lexus GS Review.

Recent Changes

 * For 2010, the GS range (incl. the GS 450h hybrid) will receive a mid-cycle facelift set for debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.


 * The Lexus family's middle-child, the GS; wedged between the Lexus ES and the Lexus LS was completely redesigned for the 2006 model year.

It was given a sleek new exterior, a 245-horsepower V6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. This year the GS also borrows several high-tech options from the LS for the first time, like laser-adaptive cruise control, which maintains a constant distance from the car in front of it, headlights that swivel as you round a curve; and a precollision system that tightens seat belts, adjusts the throttle and brakes when it senses an impending crash. And even with these extras, the GS 300's $45,000 sticker price is still roughly $2,500 less than that of the second-place BMW 530i.

Styles and Major Options
The Lexus GS is available in 3 different trims:
 * GS 350 RWD
 * 3.5L, 303-horsepower V6 engine


 * GS 350 AWD
 * 3.0L, 303-horsepower V6 engine


 * GS 460 RWD
 * 4.6L, 342-horsepower V8 engine

Pricing
Today's actual prices for the Lexus GS 350,GS 460and the GS 450hcan be found at CarsDirect.com.

Gas Mileage
As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Engine and Transmission
350 3.5 liters (210 cubic inches) 60° V6, aluminum block and heads Four cam, four valves per cylinder, with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) ULEV II 460 4.6 liters (281 cubic inches) 90° V8, aluminum block and heads Four cam, four valves per cylinder, with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence and Electronic intake valve timing (VVT-iE) ULEV II 450 h 3.5 liters (210 cubic inches) 60° V6, aluminum block and heads Four cam, four valves per cylinder, with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) High-output, permanent-magnet electric-drive motor SULEV II

Performance
Please make sure to write information of the vehicle's performance in a third-person point of view. This section should include information about the car's acceleration figures, handling, braking, etc.

If using information gathered from Road Test articles from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.

Reliability
According to the 2007 Consumer Reports new car issue, the Lexus GS has an average rating in predicted reliability based on the first year models. The AWD version is below average (though just barely) due to power accessory and audio system problems, albeit minor ones.


 * RECALL ALERT: On Jan 17th 2009, Lexus, in conjunction with the NHTSA, issued a recall alert affecting 214,500 2006-2008 GS300/350, IS250/350 and LS460/460L sedans over potentially faulty fuel delivery pipes which can corrode and leak due to certain ethanol fuels with low moisture content that can lead to rust, occasionally triggering a dashboard indicator lamp indicating a system malfunction. Lexus will be contacting owners of affected vehicles via email and Lexus dealers will replace parts at no cost.

Safety
The Lexus GS employs several safety features, including:
 * Eight Airbags
 * Front and rear side curtain airbags
 * Front side airbags protect occupants in certain types of severe side-impact collisions.
 * Driver's and front passenger's knee airbags provide additional protection in certain types of severe frontal collisions.
 * Vehicle Stability Features
 * Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system
 * Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
 * Traction Control (TRAC) systems
 * Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
 * Brake Assist
 * Electronic Brake-force Distribution
 * Lexus Tire Pressure Monitor System
 * Run-Flat Tires, allowing the driver to drive up to a maximum speed of 55 mph for approximately 100 miles (comes standard on the GS 300 AWD, but optional on the RWD GS 300 and RWD GS 430.)
 * Pre-Collision Safety (PCS) System, which uses radar to detect possible obstacles ahead. Sensors then determine in advance whether a crash is unavoidable.
 * A steel-reinforced unibody structure with specific crumple zones in the front and rear that are designed to compress at a controlled rate to help absorb impact energy.
 * Three-Point Seatbelts with front pretensioners
 * Theft-deterrent and engine immobilizer system
 * Daytime Running Lights

Colors
Exterior
 * Blue Onyx Pearl
 * Matador Red Mica
 * Flint Mica
 * Cypress Pearl
 * Glacier Frost Mica
 * Chardonnay Pearl
 * Crystal White
 * Mercury Metallic
 * Quartz Shadow Metallic
 * Black Onyx

Interior
 * Cashmere Perforated Leather Trim with Golden Bird’s-Eye Maple Accent
 * Ash Perforated Leather Trim with Black Bird’s-Eye Maple Accent
 * Black Perforated Leather Trim with Red Walnut Accent

Main Competitors

 * Acura RL
 * Audi A6
 * BMW 5 Series
 * Infiniti M
 * Mercedes-Benz E-Class
 * Jaguar XF

Hybrid Models

 * Main article: Lexus GS 450h

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 3.5L 2GR-FSE V6 engine mated to an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission. The Lexus 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 another couple of thousand dollars.

The GS 450h weighs 4134 lbs. (1875 kg), but the combined hybrid powertrain produces 339-hp (253 kW), allowing the GS hybrid to accelerate to 60 MPH (97 km/h) in 5.2 seconds, compared to the GS430's 5.7 seconds. 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 Lexus GS 450h went on sale in Japan on March 16, 2006.

Unique Attributes

 * The Lexus GS Hybrid was the world's first hybrid luxury sedan.

Criticisms

 * The rear windows do not roll down all the way.
 * According to Car and Driver, the multi-use screen "seemed overengineered and complicated when employed for a simple function such as using the radio."

Third Generation (2005-present)
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 3.0L V6 3GR-FSE engine, and the GS 430 with the same 4.3L V8 used in the previous model. The GS 300 has a direct-injection engine for all markets except for Continental Asia. The 3.0L engine is also found in the Toyota Mark X as well as the Zero Toyota Crown. A 4WD option was made available in the GS 300 only.

A 3.5L GS 350 is expected to replace the GS 300 and a 4.6L GS 460 to replace the 4.3L GS 430 by 2008. In Japan, Lexus is already selling the GS 350. 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.

Second generation (1998-2004)
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·lbs of torque. Edmunds.com reported a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds for the 3693-lb. sedan. Again, no turbo models were offered outside Japan.

In 2001, the 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 Trends Import Car of the Year for 1998. It also made Car and Driver magazine's 10 Best list for 1998 through 2000.

First Generation/Origins (1991-1997)
With a body styled by the famous Ital Design firm, the Aristo was launched in October 1991, offering two versions: the R6 3.0 (3.0V) with a 24-valve, 276-hp (205kW) twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE engine, and the 3.0Q with a 226-hp (169kW) 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. Production of the Lexus GS 300 (JZS147) began on February 22, 1993 at the Tahara, Japan assembly plant. The only engine available for the export markets was the 2JZ-GE.

Worldwide
The first and second generation Lexus GS models were also known as the Toyota Aristo in other markets.

Design quirks and oddities
The third generation Lexus GS was the first Lexus model to receive the L-finesse styling treatment, one of the hallmarks of which was a fastback cabin design.

Awards
The Lexus GS has accumulated countless awards and accolades during its tenure, but here are a few of the noteworthy ones: (IQS).
 * The Lexus GS 300 was selected as the Best New Car Value by SmartMoney magazine in October 2005.
 * The 2006 GS 430 was the Highest Ranked Mid Luxury Car in Initial Quality (IQS) by J.D. Power and Associates in May 2005.
 * The 2006 GS 300 was also named the Highest Ranked Mid Luxury Car in Initial Quality (IQS) by J.D. Power and Associates in May 2005.
 * The 2005 GS 300 was named the Best Car $35,000 - $40,000 by AAA.
 * The 2004, 2003, and 2002 GS 300 and GS 430 were ALL ranked the Highest Ranked Mid Luxury Car in Initial Quality (IQS) by J.D. Power and Associates.
 * The 2001 GS 430 and GS 300 were named the Most Appealing Mid Luxury Car (APEAL) by J.D. Power and Associates.
 * The 2000 GS 400 and the 1999 GS 400 were named one of Car and Drivers 10 Best.
 * Motor Trend named the 1998 GS 400 'Import Car of the Year.
 * J.D. Power and Associates named the 1994 GS 300 among the Top Ten in Initial Quality
 * The Lexus GS450H was voted Australia's Best Luxury Car by the RACV in 2006.
 * 2003 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study winner (Mid luxury)