The Lexus GS is a car manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corp. under the Lexus brand. In Japan, it is sold as the Toyota Aristo. It was introduced in 1991 in Japan and 1993 in US, Europe and selected markets in Asia. The Aristo is known as the JapaneseBMW M5 for it's high-performance models equipped with twin-turbo chargers. Naturally, it's main competitors are the BMW 5-series and the Mercedes-Benz E-class.
Both GS and Aristo are essentially identical cars but with different engine/gearbox combinations as well as equipment levels, not to mention that the Aristo is only made in RHD form.
1991
The Aristo was launched in October 1991, with two versions offered: the 3.0V with 2JZ-GTE engine (280ps twin-turbo), and the 3.0Q with 2JZ-GE engine (230ps NA). The styling was the responsibility of the famous Italian styling house Ital Design .
1992
A third model joined the Aristo lineup. Called the 4.0Zi-Four, it comes with the 1UZ-FE engine found in the Toyota Celsior/Lexus LS and the Toyota Crown Majesta. 4wd is also standard on this car. Chassis code is UZS143.
1993
Production of the GS 300 (JZS147) began on February 22, 1993 at the Tahara, Japan assembly plant. Only engine available is 2JZ-GE .
1997
Second generation Aristo is launched in Japan, codename JZS160 for cars with 2JZ-GE engines and JZS161 for those with 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo engines. VVT-i is now fitted to both engines, resulting in a rise in torque. The twin-turbo version comes with electronic four-wheel steer as well as VDC and +/- mode automatic. No 4wd models were offered.
1998
The second generation GS was launched in 1998 (JZS160) and the UZ-series V8 was added for American markets (called GS400). The GS 430 replaced the GS 400 in 2001 and it was offered in Europe as well. The 1998 Lexus GS began production on August 4, 1997. Again, no turbo models were offered.
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.
2005
The current (third) generation GS was first sold in the 2005 (as 2006 model year in US), codename GRS190. Models are the GS 300, with a 3.0 L V6 and the GS 430 with the same 4.3 L V8 used in the previous model. The GS300 has a direct-injection engine for all markets except those in Asia. This 3GR-FE engine is also found in the Toyota Mark X as well as the Zero Toyota Crown . 4wd option has appeared again, but for the GS300 only.
A 3.3 L GS 330 is expected to replace the GS 300 within three years.
The equivalent Aristo was not released as Toyota sought to align all world markets (Japan included), using Lexus as their premium brand worldwide.
