Does the Lexus GS 400 have a V8?
Yes. The Lexus GS 400 is powered by a V8 engine—the 4.0-liter 1UZ-FE V8—positioned in the lineup between the V6-equipped GS 300 and the larger V8-powered GS 430 during its era.
To understand this question more clearly, here is a detailed look at the GS 400’s powerplant, its place in Lexus’s midsize sedan lineup, and what that means for buyers and enthusiasts today.
Engine at a glance
The GS 400’s heart is a 4.0-liter V8 that comes from Lexus’s UZ family of engines.
Key engine characteristics include:
- 4.0-liter V8 displacement
- Engine code: 1UZ-FE
- Front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout
- Shared lineage with other Lexus performance models of the era
These features gave the GS 400 a level of acceleration and refinement that distinguished it from the V6-powered GS 300 and complemented the larger GS 430 in the same generation.
GS lineup context and where the GS 400 fits
To place the GS 400 in context, here is how the main variants related within the lineup might be understood.
- GS 300 or equivalent: typically powered by a V6 engine
- GS 400: powered by the 4.0-liter V8 (1UZ-FE)
- GS 430: powered by a larger 4.3-liter V8 (2UZ-FE family)
In markets where offered, the GS 400 bridged the gap between a V6 sedan and the more potent GS 430, providing a V8 option within the midsize Lexus lineup before the generation evolved into newer configurations.
Availability and current status
As of today, the GS line is no longer in production in most markets; Lexus ended the GS model run after the 2020 model year. For those exploring the used market, GS 400 examples can appear, but buyers should weigh age-related maintenance considerations against newer Lexus options or other brands.
In summary, the GS 400 was a true V8 option within Lexus’s midsize sedan family, powered by the 4.0-liter 1UZ-FE. While the GS line itself has been retired in favor of newer models, the GS 400 remains a notable chapter in Lexus’s V8 performance heritage.
Summary
The Lexus GS 400 used a 4.0-liter V8 (1UZ-FE) and occupied the V8 slot in the GS lineup during its era, offering a performance-focused alternative to the V6 GS 300 and the larger GS 430. The model is no longer in production, but its legacy continues in discussions of Lexus’s V8 sedan history.
