For 27 years, the Lexus GS and GSF have rivalled the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes E-Class. Four generations later, Lexus announced the cessation of production of the GS models starting August this year. However, the Lexus Australia spokesperson announced that though production will halt, these large sedans will still be available in Australian dealerships for the time being.
Can the low sales volume of luxury sedans be the reason for discontinuing the model? It may be. It was a long time coming, though. Back in 2017, the then chief executive told reporters that the GS cars could be replaced with a more coupe-style sedan – will this happen? We wait to see since no such announcement has been made.
Here’s a recap of the Lexus GS
It was initially launched in 1991 as the Toyota Aristo in Japan. Two years later, Toyota's luxury brand badged the Aristo as a Lexus and unveiled it as the GS (Grand Sedan) for international markets. It was designed as a performance, mid-luxury sedan. From 1991 to 2004, Lexus solely sold the Lexus GS in the executive mid-luxury segment until they introduced the Crown-based models in 2005. They were eventually replaced by the current model in 2012.
Powertrains used on the cars went through several variations over the years; what remained constant was that powerful engines drove these sedans. Since production, the GS has been powered by V8 engines which initially produced a peak power of 224 kW and 420 Nm in torque. During the first years of production, Lexus claimed that their GS400, which used the 4.0-litre V8 engine, was the fastest in its range.
Fast forward to 2020, and we have the GS and GS-F. These models retail between $75,000 and $160,000 depending on the variant. Engine options include a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol, two hybrids, and a 3.5-litre V6 petrol, which produces a maximum power of 232 kW and 380 Nm in torque. The GS-F, on the other hand, is powered by a larger 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine, which has a peak power of 467 kW and 527 Nm in torque.
What’s Next for Lexus Revheads?
Australian Lexus lovers need to know what’s next for the Japanese luxury car. Is this the end of sport sedans? It may well be, but in case they announce another model, we at Carpart.com.au will surely update you. Though the GS-F will not be available, the 467 kW 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine will still be available for the FC F and LC500 coupe.
In February Lexus announced that they would be venturing into racing. They also announced plans to test a twin-turbo V8. And we know that the LC Coupe is the test car for their racing programme. So most probably the LC will be the production car to be fitted with the engine after the tests.
This is good news - a twin-turbo will be most welcome for Lexus lovers. It will produce more power, meaning the Lexus models will rival more powerful BMW M-series and the Mercedes AMG S-Class. In case there are any updates, we will be the first to update you. But while you're here, you may want to know that you can buy authentic Lexus car parts through the Carpart gateway. Feel free to browse Carpart.com.au and use our Request-a-Part tool for locating prime sellers of used and new, aftermarket and OEM car parts and accessories.
By Eric Anyega