2012 Lexus GS Spy Shot?

Don’t know if it really classifies as a spy shot, but today on Twitter, Lexus Europe posted a photo of two cars under tarps, and mentioned that vehicle and dynamic development engineers would be driving around the UK — wonder if we could be looking at examples of the next-generation GS: From the profile of …
Kevin · March 24th, 2011

Lexus LF-Gh Concept to Debut at New York Auto Show

The rumors are true — Lexus will be unveiling a new concept at the New York Auto Show! Dubbed the LF-Gh, this concept will provide a stylized look at the next-generation GS. The current generation, which has just entered its sixth year of production, is expected to be replaced in 2012. While there’s nothing in …
Kevin · March 21st, 2011

Next-Gen Lexus GS to Debut at New York Auto Show?

Autoblog is reporting that the next-generation Lexus GS will be coming to the New York Auto Show: Although it’s unclear whether the GS we’ll see in NYC is a concept or a production model, we do know that it will be underpinned by an all-new platform that will also be used on the next-generation IS, …
Kevin · March 10th, 2011

Flickr Find: Gold-Plated Lexus GS

We’ve seen gold plated Lexus coming out of the Middle East before, but both have been LX 570s — as a change, here’s a super-shiny GS, courtesy of Flickr user Prince M: I don’t know that I’ll ever understand metallic paints on any regular production car, but you have to give this owner credit for …
Kevin · March 4th, 2011

Lexus Recall Issued for 06-07 GS 300/350, 04-07 RX & 08-11 LX 570

Lexus announced a voluntary safety recall on approximately 20,000 GS 300/350s made from 2006 to early 2007 to modify a plastic pad under the driver side carpet: In the event that the floor carpet around the accelerator pedal is not properly replaced in the correct position after a service operation, there is a possibility that …
Kevin · February 24th, 2011

2012 Lexus GS Photochops

An as-yet-unknown Japanese magazine has put together their rendition of the fourth-generation Lexus GS: While it may be a modified version of this CT 200h photo and a poor photochop all round, I’ll give it some points on the clever headlights. Also included was an attempt at the GS F: Again, it’s another riff on …
Kevin · February 18th, 2011

Lexus Recalls 06-07 GS 350 & 06-09 IS 250/350 Over Fuel Pressure Sensor

Lexus has announced a voluntary safety recall on the select 2006-2007 GS 300/350, 2006-2009 IS 250, & 2006-2008 IS 350 models due to the possibility of a loose fuel pressure sensor — from the Lexus USA press release: Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall involving …
Kevin · January 26th, 2011

2012 Lexus GS-F?

Road & Track sure are rumor-happy this week — first there was their report that the next-generation Lexus IS will be built in 2013 on a modified FT-86 platform, and now today they’re back with news of the 2012 GS-F: Our sources tell us that [the GS-F] will come with a 5.0-liter V-8 that will …
Kevin · December 1st, 2010

Lexus Project GS on Air Runners

The Lexus Project GS by 5Axis also made an appearance at SEMA earlier this month, and it was sporting a new Air Runner suspension — here it is in action: Seeing this car at the Air Runners booth was one of my highlights of Las Vegas — in fact, during my visit to Lexus of …
Kevin · November 15th, 2010

Next-Gen 2012 Lexus GS Mule Spotted!

At long last, the first spy-shots of the next-generation Lexus GS have been published after a prototype-mule was spotted in Germany: Admittedly, with the shell of the current GS covering much of the action, there’s not much to go on — one thing that’s clear from the taped-up fenders is that the next-gen GS will …
Kevin · October 5th, 2010

Lexus Japan Art Works: GS in Sunset

We’ve already taken a look at the RX & IS Art Works special editions released by Lexus Japan today, but I’ve saved the best for last — just take a look at this GS in Sunset interior: Here’s some close-ups: This color combo is really something else (reminds me of the LS Sport interior), tasteful …
Kevin · August 26th, 2010

What’s Next for Lexus Design

There’s a big interview with Lexus’ head of global design, Simon Humphries, at Lexus Magazine that brings some major insight into the direction of the brand — I definitely recommend reading the full thing, but I want to focus on three quotes: LEXUS: First of all, now that we know that the 2011 IS will …
Kevin · August 11th, 2010

Swift CC Lexus GS

I remember posting this super-modified Lexus GS at some point, but something this wild deserves a second viewing: Pretty sure that if I saw this in real life, my head would spontaneously explode — that is if the speakers didn’t do the job first.
Kevin · July 28th, 2010

VIP Lexus LS & GS Together

Been going through a lot of old files lately, and I stumbled on this brilliant photo of a VIP’d Lexus LS & GS prowling the streets together: This has to be one of my all-time favorite Lexus shots, I wish I knew who took the shot and where it came from. Has anyone seen it …
Kevin · July 28th, 2010

1997 Lexus GS Commercial: Something Wicked This Way Comes

To introduce the second generation GS, Lexus played up a sinister theme to match what was then “the world’s fastest automatic sedan”: After the modest success of the first GS, the second generation was a massive hit right from the start, with over 30,000 first year sales and a strong reception from the automotive press …
Kevin · July 15th, 2010

More on the Lexus Engine Recall

Lexus USA will be formally submitting their recall of approximately 138,000 Lexus vehicles next week with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall will apply to certain 2006, 2007 & 2008 GS, IS, and LS models equipped with 4.6 and 5.0L V8 and 3.5L V6 engines. Here’s the full breakdown: GS 350: 2007-2008 GS …
Kevin · July 2nd, 2010

Potential Lexus Engine Recall

Toyota has announced today that they may be recalling 270,000 Lexus cars after discovering a problem with the 4.6L V8 and 3.5L V6 engines used throughout the lineup — from the Wall Street Journal: The auto maker has found a problem with the valve spring of 4.6 liter V8 engines and 3.5 liter V6 engines …
Kevin · July 1st, 2010

Lexus & the 2010 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study

Old news now, but last week Lexus placed fourth in the 2010 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study with 88 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), coming in just one PP100 behind Mercedes and two PP100 under Acura. In light of some recent quality issues, this result stands as quite an accomplishment for Lexus — even more …
Kevin · June 21st, 2010

Lexus USA F-Sport Promotion in June

Lexus USA has announced there will be a special F-Sport promotion during the month of June — three new option levels have been made available on the IS, IS-C, & GS 350(RWD only): The F-Sport suspension kit will be offered for $1,450, a savings of $549, and will include lowering springs and rear chassis member …
Kevin · May 10th, 2010

Lexus GS 2005 Launch Commercials

Check out this Bruno Aveillan-directed Lexus GS commercial from the 2005 third-generation launch: According to National Public Radio’s review of the 2005 GS ad campaign, the ads were filmed at a 10,000-year-old ice cave in British Columbia, an underwater trench off the coast of Oahu, and an atrium inside the Vancouver Art Gallery. The footage …
Kevin · March 16th, 2010

Autoblog Reviews the Lexus GS 450h

Autoblog recently published a review of the Lexus GS 450h, detailing their impressions of the performance hybrid sedan.  Along with favorable mentions for the silent electric mode capability and interior design, the review raved about the 340 hp V6 hybrid’s performance: The GS 450h is the world’s first performance luxury hybrid, and we loved its …
Kevin · March 7th, 2010

Lexus GS-F in 2013?

Autocar is reporting that the Lexus GS-F is on deck for 2013 and will be powered by the LFA’s V10: Lexus engineers are working on reducing the engine’s capacity by around 200cc to 4.6 litres and power to 450bhp. The idea is to improve low-range torque, although even with the reduced power output the GS-F …
Kevin · February 24th, 2010

Jayson Pizarro’s LS1 Powered Lexus GS

Great story in Modified Magazine about Jayson Pizarro and his heavily modified LS1-powered Lexus GS 300—absolutely no compromises in this build, and it shows down to every detail. One of the complete custom 2GS’ I’ve ever seen. Read this Story
Kevin · February 10th, 2010

More Lexus GS-F Rumors

Pistonheads has published some very interesting quotes from Lexus representatives at the Detroit Auto Show about possible applications of the LFA’s V10 engine: “It’s not a straightforward job, because although the V10 is very compact its dry sump design means you have to find space under the bonnet for the oil tank,” said one insider. …
Kevin · January 21st, 2010

Rumor: Lexus GS F to have LFA V10 Engine

Japanese magazine Best Car is reporting that Lexus is working on a GS F that would pair the current sedan with the LFA’s 4.8L V10 engine. It seems unlikely to be true, especially the idea that Lexus would be working on a variant of the oldest sedan in the lineup, and is probably wishful thinking …
Kevin · December 30th, 2009

2011 Lexus GS Rumors

Motor Trend has some new rumors on the next-generation Lexus GS expected to debut in 2011, including some questionable information on engine specifications that make me doubt their source: Gone is the current 4.6-liter V-8, replaced by a 2.5-liter V-6—most likely a version of the engine presently found in the IS. The present 3.5-liter V-6 …
Kevin · December 10th, 2009

TRD-Tuned Lexus IS & GS from SEMA

We saw the official photos of the cars in Lexus’ SEMA showcase, and now Autoblog has posted a few photos of the TRD F-Sport GS & IS: I’m more impressed with these two cars by the day—- especially when I see new details like the matte tailights, which works well contrasting with the vibrant orange …
Kevin · November 8th, 2009

2010 Lexus GS 450h Photo Gallery

Along with photos and information on the 2010 GS 350/460, Lexus USA also published a set of 2010 GS 450h photos: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1376”} The refreshed GSh is easily the best Lexus hybrid facelift—the new front grille in particular stands out as a clean, modern design, and the rear taillamps also show some nice execution. I …
Kevin · October 7th, 2009

2010 Lexus GS 350/460 Information

Information on the 2010 Lexus GS 350 & 460 has been announced, and as it turns out, not much has changed. The latest edition of the Lexus sports sedan sees the following changes: iPod/USB connectivity has been added to the standard Lexus sound system, along with streaming audio via Bluetooth & an integrated XM satellite …
Kevin · October 6th, 2009

2010 Lexus GS 450h Official Information

Also announced this week at the Frankfurt Auto Show was the revised 2010 Lexus GS 450h, which sports a new grille, among other small changes: The pre-crash collision system has been revised to include a pre-crash seatbelt and brake assist functions. The GSh navigation system has been upgraded to the Lexus 6th-gen system, which runs …
Kevin · September 20th, 2009

2010 Lexus GS 450h Changes

Like the Lexus LS hybrid, the 2010 GS 450h will also be receiving a mild refresh, including a new grille, new chrome-circled tail lights and new wheels: This was the only good shot I could find of the new tail lights: As far as I can decipher from the Lexus Japan website, where these photos …
Kevin · August 28th, 2009

1997 Top Gear Feature on the Lexus LS 400 & GS 300

From 1997, here’s a Top Gear feature on the freshly updated Lexus LS 400 and the brand new GS 300: It’s no surprise that presenter Quentin Wilson is extremely positive about Lexus in this feature, the refreshed second-generation LS and the just released second-generation GS were quite a formidable pairing. However, I was surprised by …
Kevin · July 31st, 2009

A Look at Lexus USA’s Strategy

With BMW taking the #1 sales lead in the US and Mercedes not far behind, a new Automotive News story asks “What’s wrong with Lexus?”: For one thing, company executives admit that they depend too much on RX crossover sales at a time when luxury buyers are seeking smaller cars, including entry-level coupes and convertibles. …
Kevin · July 14th, 2009

Lexus GS Passionate Black Interior Photos, Round 2

It’s been too long since I mentioned the special edition Lexus GS Passionate Black interior, so here’s a photo gallery from GS PB owner Harinder: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1227”} With the intense red carpeting and stitching, the additional seat perforations might be taking the color scheme too far, but I have a feeling it would be slightly …
Kevin · June 30th, 2009

20% Off Lexus F-Sport Accessories

If you’re in the continental USA and been holding off on purchasing F-Sport accessories for your IS or GS, the waiting looks to have paid off. For the entire month of July, Lexus is offering a 20% off coupon for all F-Sport purchases—redeemable at any dealership in the 49 states. Click to get the full …
Kevin · June 29th, 2009

Photos of the Lexus GS Passionate Black Interior

Lexus enthusiast Harinder from Vancouver has done me two big favors—first he told me about the Passionate Black availability in Canada, and now he’s sent photos of his very own PB Lexus GS: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1126”} (The all-season mats are in place, but Harinder assured me that black carpet mats were also included. Also, in Canada, …
Kevin · May 5th, 2009

More Details on the Lexus GS Passionate Black Interior

After the discovery of the Lexus GS Passionate Black interior in North America, I was possessed to find out more details, so I arranged a quick email interview with Greg Thome, Lexus USA’s Communications Supervisor: TLE: Lexus Japan released the Passionate Black interior as a special edition last year, and now Lexus USA has started …
Kevin · April 28th, 2009

Lexus GS Passionate Black Interior Now Available in North America!

In what could only be described as “my dreams come true”, Lexus USA and Canada have started offering the Passionate Black interior on select models of the GS! This unique blood red & black interior color combination was first seen in a Japan-only limited edition of 500 models—here are some more photos: In Canada, the …
Kevin · April 16th, 2009

Flickr Find: Lexus GS Panning Practice

While working his panning skills, photographer Otis Blank snapped this great pic of a Lexus GS in transit: I’d say the practice is paying off!
Kevin · March 26th, 2009

Lexus GS Video: 1998 Motor Trend Import Car of the Year

This video of Motor Trend television awarding the Lexus GS the 1998 import car of the year award is extraordinary if only for the sheer amount of praise heaped on the vehicle: “Almost as good as a new Corvette.” “Matching or exceeding the German traditions in every measure possible.” It’s no wonder why the second-generation …
Kevin · July 21st, 2008

1999 Lexus GS 400, VIP

The latest Import Tuner has a feature on the VIP’d 1999 Lexus GS 400 pictured above. Here’s a basic breakdown: Using a genuine Junction Produce body kit, including the bumpers, side skirts and rear wing, Johnny added a Ugo roof spoiler and JDM rain guards, chrome door handles and a trunk bar. To highlight the …
Kevin · July 16th, 2008

Japanese Commercial for Lexus GS Passionate Black Edition

I have a great love for the Japanese Lexus GS with the Passionate Black interior, so I was excited to discover its commercial on Youtube today. Too bad it’s just recycled footage from a previous advert: This is a stark reminder of the cultural differences between Japan and North America, no way this commercial would …
Kevin · April 9th, 2008

It’s Alive: A Lexus GS Commercial from Down Under

Here’s an absolutely brilliant commercial from Lexus Australia introducing the 2006 GS redesign: I wasn’t all that sure what was going on in the first ten seconds, but once the car started bleeding and sweating, it all came together. The thing that impressed me the most, though, was that although it’s a fantastic concept, the …
Kevin · February 21st, 2008

Japanese Special Edition Lexus GS with “Passionate Black” Interior

Sure, the Japanese Elegant White Interior edition of the Lexus IS was nice, but this new special edition of the GS with its “Passionate Black Interior” almost rocked my socks right off: This interior is a limited run of 500, and there’s a choice of any GS, including the 450h. THe upgrade costs ¥780,000 ($7,300 …
Kevin · February 1st, 2008

Lexus to discontinue L-Finesse styling?

According to Winding Road, the new issue of Autocar is reporting that Lexus will be moving away from the L-Finesse design language used to style their cars over the last two years. L-Finesse, which was created by Leonardo Fioravanti, first appeared in production form with the introduction of the 2006 GS model, and was meant …
Kevin · January 28th, 2008

Drive Jack Bauer’s Lexus GS 430 (sorta)

Having only seen bits and pieces of the TV show 24, I didn’t know Jack Bauer drove a Lexus GS 430, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting this RC version of his car: After posting about the die-cast GS 430 last month, I’ve toyed with buying some 1:18 replicas, but better sense has prevailed. …
Kevin · December 18th, 2007

Lexus Issues Recall of 2006 GS 300, IS 250 & IS 350

Lexus has announced a recall of the 2006 editions of the GS 300, IS 250 and the IS 350, in regards to a problem with the fuel pipe design. Over time, a crack may form in fuel pipes located in the engine compartment, the company said today in a statement. The problem is blamed on …
Kevin · November 28th, 2007

Lexus GS vs. Jaguar XF: A Visual Comparison

I read about the Jaguar XF’s passing resemblance to the Lexus GS 460 in Motor Trend, but I didn’t realize the extent of it until I saw this Le Blog Auto visual comparison: Mind you, this is only a side profile comparison, the front and rears are entirely different, but the similarity in the photos …
Kevin · November 16th, 2007

Limited Toy Lexus GS 430 by Tomica

I don’t know what’s better, the fact that there’s a limited edition Lexus GS 430 die-cast car available from Tomica, or that I discovered it on a japanese miniature car weblog. I was huge into die-casts as a kid, and I swear, seeing this makes me want to dig out my collection.
Kevin · November 9th, 2007

SEMA 2007: Lexus GS 430 by GReedy

I’ll admit it, I was sitting on posting this GReedy tuned Lexus GS 430 from SEMA in the hopes that it would disappear, but it’s time to admit defeat. Beyond the gaudy stickers and coffee-can exhaust tips, there’s a supercharger under the hood, though no horsepower figures were released. If there’s one thing about this …
Kevin · November 8th, 2007

SEMA 2007: Lexus GS 430 by Blitz

The tuned Lexus GS 430 by Blitz, created for SEMA, is a real sleeper. Done up in a tasteful custom body kit, the real action is under the hood, where Blitz equipped the GS with a supercharger, boosting the V8 up 73hp to 363hp total. I’m really digging the embedded supercharger control in the console, …
Kevin · November 3rd, 2007

2008 GS 460 Added to Lexus USA’s Website

In sync with the new Lexus GS commercial, the 2008 GS lineup has been added to the Lexus USA website, including the GS 460. I’m not sure if the introduction of the refreshed top-end GS could be any more low-key, though that might just be the enthusiast talking. The updated GS page has a slew …
Kevin · October 18th, 2007

Lexus GS Commercial: Etiquette

It would be easy to write off the new Lexus GS commercial as a late reply to Audi’s Parking Assist mockvertisement, but in truth, it’s a much bigger statement than that: What a great distillation of Lexus — it may be a lot flashier than the ES 350 commercial I featured on the weekend, but …
Kevin · October 17th, 2007

Consumer Reports: The Lexus GS AWD = Below Average

The news today is that the AWD versions of the Lexus GS, along with two Toyotas, have been dropped from Consumer Reports’ 2007 Recommended list. The net result, Toyota as a whole (including Lexus and Scion) has dropped from first overall to third, behind Honda and Subaru. What were the problems with the AWD GS, …
Kevin · October 16th, 2007

Photo: Lexus GS 450h Going the Wrong Way

Reminiscent of the illegally parked IS 350 I featured a few months ago, here we have another Lexus owner willing to break the law in order to get a great photo: Club Lexus member timeToy, who owns this GS 450h and took the photo, was nice enough to pass along some details, including links to …
Kevin · September 26th, 2007

Two Tuned Lexus Models from the Upcoming SEMA 2007

As previously mentioned, this year’s SEMA event will showcase nine Lexus models tuned up by aftermarket companies. Most of these companies make little or no mention of this fact on their websites, but two of the tuners have put up some teaser images: Blitz Tuned Lexus GS 430 The Blitz GS hasn’t gone over the …
Kevin · September 25th, 2007

Flickr Find: A Scenic Lexus GS 400

Flickr photographer capt4inslow has posted up some incredible shots of a second-gen GS 400, here’s a couple of my favorites: I’ve always been a big fan of this GS generation, with its equally elegant and aggressive styling. More than anything, though, these photos remind me of the tough decision I had to make when choosing …
Kevin · September 22nd, 2007

2008 Lexus GS Press Release Confirms the Rumors

Lexus has issued a press release regarding the upcoming 2008 GS models, which confirms the previously leaked GS 460 details: All 2008 GS models will feature a revised front-end, with a new bumper, deeper intakes, and a subtly changed chrome grille. Other exterior changes: The alloy wheels have been redesigned, and turn signals have been …
Kevin · September 7th, 2007

2008 Lexus GS Facelift Revealed

Lexus has announced that the 2008 Lexus GS 450h will be debuting at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. In preparation of the event, a press photo, shown above (higher resolution here), has been released, revealing the expected front-end redesign that will be applied to all GS models. The changes are subtle, but numerous. First …
Kevin · August 30th, 2007

Official Specifications for the Lexus GS 460

Lexus has issued a press release with the specs for the new GS 460, and there’s some serious disappointment ahead if you were hoping for similar numbers to the LS 460. The GS 460 will be getting the LS 460’s 1UR-FSE V8 engine, but detuned from 380hp to 342hp, and if you can believe it, …
Kevin · August 29th, 2007

Lexus GS-F News!

Fantastic news has emerged regarding the existence of a Lexus GS-F: According to Motortrend, the GS-F will be receiving the LF-A’s V10 engine, meaning 500-plus horsepower, making it a worthy entry into the super sedan class. The next-gen GS, scheduled for a 2011 release, is being designed to allow for the V10 engine, which could …
Kevin · August 29th, 2007

Lexus Working on GS Facelift?

A taped-up GS was recently seen in Europe, sporting a revised front bumper, which could indicate that there’s a refresh in the pipeline. The changes are admittedly subtle, and focus around the bottom grille, which has been reduced in size and given some extra height. The openings around the grille have been deepened as well. …
Kevin · August 23rd, 2007

Lexus GS 450h Bridgehampton Concept

Lexus debuted a special edition this weekend at The Quail Event: The GS 450h Bridgehampton Concept: From the display plaque: In the late 1950’s, and through the “glory” days of the ‘60s, affluenty sports car racers descended on a unique racing circuit near Sag Harbor on Long Island to test their mettle and their machines. …
Kevin · August 19th, 2007

The Lexus Body Kit Series: GS 300/350/430/450h

I’ve just posted the third part of my Lexus Body Kit Series, the GS 300/350/430/450h. With eighteen different body kits, it was the largest collection so far. Most are in the VIP style, evidenced by the tilted rear wheels. The additional styling brought by the kits change the GS appearance significantly, and bring a much …
Kevin · August 13th, 2007

News on the Upcoming Lexus IS-F & GS 460

A user at Autospies has posted up some information on the new IS-F and GS, taken from the latest issue of Motor Trend: Lexus IS/IS-F:”…The first offering in the new Lexus F-series of ultra-perfomance cars, expect the IS-f to have 400-425-hp version of the 5.0L V-8 from the LS 600h, eight-speed paddle-shifted automatic, Brembo ABS …
Kevin · July 30th, 2007

The GS 350 Exploding Donut

Two GS Donut videos in one day? Seriously? This second video continues on the grand tradition of Russian Lexus Destruction, only this time there’s blood and exploding rubber: For the life of me, I don’t understand why the cameraman inside the car didn’t pull back when he started seeing sparks. Crazy Russians!
Kevin · July 22nd, 2007