Description
Even though the third generation of the Lexus GS carried over the V8 engine from its predecessor, it was a completely new vehicle from the ground up and raised the bar in the technology department.
Toyota’s premium brand Lexus unveiled the third generation of the GS mid-size premium sedan at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. However, the production started almost a year later, in early 2005. The car relied on the automaker’s N platform shared with the Toyota Crown, which was available on the Japanese market. Its longer wheelbase, new engines, and even an all-wheel drive version were just part of the new package. Customers craving more technology inside the luxurious cabin of the GS got what they were asking for and then some more. In addition, the automaker priced the GS430 very cleverly, placing it just slightly below the brand’s flagship model, the LS. The 2006 Lexus GS boasted the automaker’s L-finesse design language, which added more distinction to the lineup.
At the front, the car still sported the same quad-lamps design, albeit these were swept back to help improve aerodynamics, which reached a respectable Cd of just 0.27. They flanked a tilted rearward grille where the L-badge took center stage and was surrounded by a chromed trim. On the lower side of the bumper, the automaker placed a broad and rectangular air intake flanked by a pair of side scoops where a pair of fog lamps were available.
The car’s profile revealed an ascending waistline, which continued the idea from the car’s first generation from 1993. However, the 2006 Lexus GS proportions were different since the car had a long hood and a short rear deck. The greenhouse was sloped down, creating the image of a fastback sedan, although it wasn’t. Depending on the engine version and grades, the 2006 GS featured 16- or 17-inch light-alloy wheels and had its side sills adorned by chromed accents. Out back, gone was the styling of the four-taillights. The automaker joined other car manufacturers and installed similar-height elements on the quarter panels and on the trunk’s lid.
Customers found what they expected from a GS: a leather-wrapped cabin and many wood trims spread on the door cards, center console, and steering wheel. This combination created an unmistakable feeling of luxury. For the technology segment, Lexus offered a seven-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, while the stereo boasted a set of Mark Levinson speakers. The screen also provided images from the rear backup camera and played DVD movies when the car was in Park mode. Fronting the driver were three dials with black-aluminum faces and white needles. In addition, there were a couple of displays inside the center-mounted speedometer and in the right area of the tachometer. In the back, the legroom increased compared to the previous generation thanks to the longer wheelbase. At the same time, the headroom was good, even for taller people.
Under the hood, Lexus installed a choice of two engines: a new three-liter V6, and an improved version of the 4.3-liter V8 carried over from the previous generation. Both were paired with a six-speed automatic. The six-cylinder powerplant was also available with an all-wheel drive version featuring an RWD-biased setup. In addition, a 3.5-liter hybrid version joined the range in 2006. This version was helped by two electric motors and sent its power to the rear wheels via a CVT.
Press Release
The Lexus GS is a mid-size luxury sports sedan / executive car manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corp. under the Lexus brand and sold as the Toyota Aristo in Japan. Based on the platform and running gear of the Toyota Crown, it 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 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. For most of its life, the GS had a wider wheelbase than the ES, and was shorter than the ES in length.
Though essentially identical, GS and the Aristo differ in their engine and transmission combinations as well as equipment packages.
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. 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 Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1998. It also made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1998 through 2000.
