Does the Lexus gs400 have a V8?
Yes. The Lexus GS400 is equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 engine (the 1UZ-FE), making it one of Lexus's early V8-powered luxury sedans.
This article explores the GS400’s powerplant, its place in Lexus’s lineup, and how it compares with other V8-equipped models from the brand, including historical context and model-year availability.
Engine at a glance
The GS400’s heart is the 1UZ-FE, a 4.0-liter V8 that powered several Lexus models in the era. Here are the essential details you should know.
- Engine code: 1UZ-FE
- Displacement: 4.0 liters
- Configuration: V8
- Power output: approximately 290–300 horsepower, depending on market and model year
- Torque: around 300 lb-ft, with variations by year and market
- Applications: used in the GS400 and LS400 of the same generation
The 1UZ-FE is part of Toyota/Lexus’s UZ family of engines, designed for refined power delivery and smooth operation in luxury cars.
Model years and availability
Timing and market availability varied, but the GS400 was the V8-powered variant of Lexus’s first-generation GS, positioned in the late 1990s to early 2000s in many regions.
- United States: commonly offered in model years around 1998–2000
- Other markets: availability varied, with some regions offering similar configurations earlier or later
- Relation to other Lexus V8s: shared the 1UZ-FE with the LS400; later generations moved to larger V8s (e.g., the GS430)
In practice, the GS400 sat alongside the GS300 (V6) during its era and was eventually superseded by later V8-equipped variants as Lexus evolved the lineup.
How it compares to other Lexus V8s
Placing the GS400 in context helps highlight Lexus’s V8 strategy during the era.
- LS400: shared the same 1UZ-FE V8 engine, reflecting a common powerplant strategy for Lexus sedans
- GS430: a later generation introduction that used a larger V8 (3UZ-FE) in place of the 1UZ-FE
- Subsequent GS models: incorporated newer V8 families and variants as Lexus refined performance and emissions
These relationships illustrate how Lexus leveraged a proven V8 foundation across its luxury sedan lineup, delivering quiet, refined performance as a core brand promise.
Takeaway and context
The core answer remains: yes, the Lexus GS400 has a V8 engine. It represents Lexus’s early commitment to combining luxury with robust, smooth V8 power in a mid-size executive sedan.
Summary: The GS400 is a late-1990s, first-generation Lexus model powered by the 4.0-liter 1UZ-FE V8. It shared its engine with the LS400 and stood as the V8 counterpart to the GS300, marking an era when Lexus balanced comfort with V8 performance before transitioning to newer V8 configurations in later generations.
Is the GS400 a V8?
Answering customer requests for more power, the American market GS 400 (UZS160) was equipped with the 4.0-liter 1UZ-FE V8 that produced 224 kW (300 hp) and 420 N⋅m (310 ft⋅lb) of torque.
What engine is in the GS400?
Engine
| Base engine size | 4.0 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | V8 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
What Lexus model has a V8 engine?
Meet the V8 Lexus Models
Get to know the thrilling power and luxury design of the Lexus V8 models, including the Lexus LC 500, Lexus RC F, and Lexus IS 500. Lexus LC: For those who want the thrilling power of a sports car and luxury design, the Lexus LC 500 is a luxury coupe to consider.
Which Lexus GS had a V8?
The Lexus GS initially came in two versions in Japan with different engine displacements. The GS 430 model was equipped with a 4.3-liter V8 engine (3UZ-FE) producing 280 PS, and the GS 350 came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine (2GR-FSE) developing 315 PS.
