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
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