Updated 2016 Lexus GS Lineup Now Includes GS 200t with 2.0L Turbo Engine

Posted by Kevin on August 13th, 2015

When the Lexus GS F debuted at the North American International Auto Show earlier this year, it was only a matter of time before the standard GS would see an update.

Even so, there were some questions: How much of the GS F design would transfer to the GS 350 and GS 450h? Would the GS get the new 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine? Could the 3.5L 2GR-FSE engine in the GS 350 finally receive some sort of update?

Tonight in Pebble Beach, alongside the reveal of the 2016 LX 570, Lexus answered all of those questions and more with the announcement of the 2016 GS 200t, GS 350 and GS 450h.

There are two new engines, revamped technology, a revised color palette and a fresher look that incorporates Lexus’ full-spindle fascia. Here are the key updates.

Exterior

The exterior changes start with a revised front face, which incorporates the Lexus signature full spindle grille and arrowhead-shaped LED daytime running lamps. Bi-LED headlights are standard, 3L LED design as an available option. The rear has also been redesigned, with a revised tail light design.

The GS 200t will come standard with 17-inch nine-spoke alloy wheels, with 18-inch five spoke wheels as an option. The 18-inch five-spoke wheels are standard with the GS 350 and GS 450h, with the Luxury Package including 19-inch mesh wheels.

There are five new exterior colors: Eminent White Pearl, Matador Red Mica, Nightgall Mica, Caviar and Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 (F SPORT exclusive). Carryover colors include Liquid Platinum, Nebula Gray Pearl, Obsidian, Deep Sea Mica, Fire Agate Pearl, Atomic Silver and Ultra White.

Interior

Chateau leather is a new interior color option, with Black and Flaxen leather carried over from the 2015 model. The GS 200t is available in the same colors, though limited to NuLuxe and not leather.

New trim options include Matte Walnut Open Pore wood and Striated Black Trim, and exclusive to the GS 450h and GS 350 Luxury Package is Laser Cut Wood Ornamentation.

Exclusive to the GS 350 Luxury Package are one of two new semi-aniline leather options: Noble Brown or Chateau, with Black still available. For the GS F Sport, Rioja Red replaces the previous Cabernet leather option.

Powertrain Details

The big news is the new GS 200t powered by the Lexus 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (8AR-FTS). The engine is paired with an eight-speed transmission, and generates 241 horsepower @ 5,800 RPM and 258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,650 RPM.

Fuel economy for the standard GS 200t is estimated at 22 city/33 highway/26 combined, with the GS 200t F SPORT rated at 20/30/24. The quoted 0-60 time is 7.2 seconds, and top speed is limited to 143 MPH.

The 2016 GS 350 will also be getting an upgrade, with a bump up to 311 horsepower @ 6,400 RPM and 280 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 RPM. This is a 5 hp increase, and brings a new engine code: 2GR-FKS.

An 8-speed automatic transmission will be standard for RWD models, while the AWD will continue on with a 6-speed automatic. Fuel economy stays roughly the same, with a single MPG increase or decrease depending on the engine.

Unlike its siblings, the GS 450h’s powertrain heads into 2016 unchanged.

New Technology/Convenience Features

The new Lexus Safety System+ is standard, with Pre-Collision, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Intelligent Highbeams and Lane Departure Alert.

Intuitive Park Assist and SmartAccess System with card key is also standard, along with a Panoramic View Monitor and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Download the 2016 Lexus GS 200t/GS 350h Product Information

Download the 2016 Lexus GS 450h Product Information

Download the 2016 Lexus GS 200t/GS 350/GS 450h Press Release

Lexus GS: Fourth Generation

Comments

J
J Le
August 13, 2015

gawd that is stunning and beautiful.... and as always there is gonna be haters

C
corradoMR2
August 13, 2015

For the first time ever, love the standard front-end on a Lexus better than the F equivalent. The chisled front bumper, grille design, and lights get my vote over the GS F's front end which looks too familiar to all other F/F Sport models.

B
Black Dynamite
August 13, 2015

Have to say the front end is pretty busy, and I can see how someone can call it ugly. I want the DRLs integrated with the headlight design. The IS makes the separate parts work, but that's not a go-to move. The rest looks tastefully done. They almost hit the mark here. Just too much going on up front. BD

B
BOSS
August 14, 2015

This is what the FSport should've looked like! I can imagine this thing in black hmmmm. So is the LED strip all one piece like the LS now?

A
Alshamsi
August 14, 2015

That Headlight cannot get any uglier... They did a really good job with the taillights.

A
abed-RCF
August 14, 2015

why did they make it like the new toyota camry? the lower part of the front looks just like the camry, i like it, but it should be different....now lexus haters will start talking about it being a toyota after all....

L
Lexus Cohen
August 14, 2015

After seeing this update I feel like getting another GS FSport. This looks simply amazing and we haven't seen the FSport as yet. With the new 2.0L turbo base engine Lexus should see an increase in sales and better compete with the Germans, Great job Lexus!

G
GSCT
August 14, 2015

Finally another engine option! Love the new front end, but wish they hadn't "cheaped out" by using the '13 - '15 tail light housing for the new tail light design, but It's a minor dislike - it's better looking, more dynamic and IMHO a well-done update. Good on Lexus!

B
Bulldog 1
August 14, 2015

I'm seeing a heavy car with a small engine struggling to keep up. It's not a popular opinion here, but I HATE dumping the 4-cylinder into everything they make. If Lexus stops making V6 RWD cars, or starts charging a premium for them over the 4's, they're losing my business.

R
Ray99
August 14, 2015

Great job, Lexus.

4
407Lex
August 14, 2015

I hope the 2.0t comes with a price drop hopefully 2-3k I don't think the v6 deserves a bump

B
Blane237
August 14, 2015

Couple things that grabbed my attention in the product details: 1. On Lexus.com they list the 2016 IS200T as being over 150 pounds lighter than the IS350. But in the product information document here for the 2016 GS, they list the GS200T as weighing 80 pounds MORE than the GS350. I have no idea as to why there would be such a huge discrepancy between the 2 iterations considering they should be using the same 2.0T and 3.5L V6 engines. 2. I'm Impressed with the 33 mpg highway number. If this car can get 33 on the highway, I would expect the IS 200T to be around 34 mpg hwy. 3. Whyyy on earth is there such a huge mpg difference between the standard GS200T and the 200T F Sport. I can't believe that a few modifications would make it drop from 22/33 mpg to 20/30 mpg.

R
Rob Grieveson
August 14, 2015

Looks very good although I think the front could be slightly more restrained it is a bit much. Overall a stunning looking car, however Lexus need to look into their styling department the latest cars from various competitors are equal or better looking than Lexus. The spindle grille has served its purpose Lexus Cars are noticed on the road, now it is time to restrain and refine this distinctive look. Classic is the way to go, I notice that someone in this thread said that people would say that this car is just a Toyota after all! Well it is and proud of it - possibly the best Brand in the world and it does Lexus no harm to use this association to the full.

A
Adrian de Leon
August 14, 2015

I don't know about anyone else but I think the front looks great! Because it looks almost exactly like the concept shown in 2012. And that's how Lexus should've originally built the GS with that grille instead of the one currently.