How much HP does a GS 400 have?
The Lexus GS 400 delivers about 300 horsepower from its 4.0-liter V8. This article outlines the official figures, market variations, and what that horsepower meant for performance in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Powertrain overview
The GS 400, produced in the late 1990s to early 2000s, relies on Lexus’ 4.0-liter V8 engine, part of the 1UZ-FE family. This engine is paired with a traditional automatic transmission and emphasizes smooth, refined power delivery. The result in US-spec form is commonly cited as around 300 horsepower with strong mid-range torque that supports brisk acceleration for a luxury sedan of its era.
Engine basics
The 1UZ-FE is a naturally aspirated V8 featuring multi-port fuel injection and variable valve timing on some versions, designed to deliver a balance of performance and refinement that matched Lexus’ luxury-slash-sport positioning.
Official horsepower figures by market/year
In the United States, the GS 400 is widely listed with 300 horsepower and about 324 lb-ft of torque, reflecting SAE net ratings from the period. Other markets sometimes show slight variations due to different testing standards (such as SAE gross vs. SAE net) or equipment differences.
- 1998–2000 GS 400 (US): 300 hp (SAE net), ≈324 lb-ft torque.
- Markets with different testing standards or equipment: horsepower figures may appear as 290–300 hp, with torque typically in the 310–325 lb-ft range.
These figures illustrate that the US specification commonly cited for the GS 400 is 300 horsepower, with torque around 324 lb-ft. Minor variations can occur depending on market testing methods and model year.
Performance implications
With roughly 300 horsepower routed through a midsize luxury sedan, the GS 400 offered brisk acceleration for its era. Independent tests from the period typically place 0–60 mph times in the low to mid six-second range, depending on condition, transmission, tires, and drivetrain setup. The powertrain was paired with Lexus’ renowned smoothness and ride quality, yielding a balanced blend of performance and comfort.
Related models and how power evolved
As the GS lineup evolved, Lexus shifted to different V8 configurations. The GS 430, which followed the GS 400, used a larger 4.3-liter V8 and offered similar or slightly different peak horsepower figures depending on the model year and emissions controls. Over time, Lexus continued refining power outputs across the GS family, culminating in newer generations with updated engines and tuning.
Summary
The GS 400’s power output is widely cited as about 300 horsepower from a 4.0-liter V8, with torque in the ~324 lb-ft range. While the US-spec figures are the most consistently reported, minor variations exist by market and testing standard. For buyers and enthusiasts, this translated to solid, refined performance that complemented the GS’s luxury-oriented design.
