Is GS400 a V8?
Yes. The Lexus GS400 is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 engine—the 1UZ-FE—that Lexus used in several late-1990s models. The badge indicates a V8 powertrain within the GS lineup, not a six-cylinder option.
Context: where the GS400 fits in the Lexus lineup
The GS series began in the 1990s as Lexus' midsize sport sedan. While the GS300 carried a six-cylinder engine, the GS400 offered a V8 option in select markets and years. In North America, the GS400 badge appeared in the late 1990s, underscoring Lexus' push to offer higher-performance variants in the GS range. The GS400 shares its engine family with the LS400 sedan and the SC400 coupe, all built around the 1UZ-FE V8 lineage.
Engine and specifications
What powers the GS400
The GS400 uses the 1UZ-FE 4.0-liter V8. This engine is part of Lexus’ UZ family and is known for smooth power delivery and reliability in the brand’s early V8 era.
Identification tip: engine code stamping on the block should read 1UZ-FE to confirm the GS400 powertrain, distinguishing it from the inline-6 GS300 and from later 3UZ-FE-powered variants.
Horsepower and performance varied by year and market, but the GS400 typically produced roughly 250–290 horsepower, delivering stronger torque and a more muscular feel than its six-cylinder siblings.
For quick reference, the core elements of the GS400’s powertrain include:
- Engine: 4.0-liter V8 (1UZ-FE)
- Configuration: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
- Power range: approximately 250–290 hp depending on year/market
- Related models sharing the engine family: Lexus LS400 and SC400 (through the 1UZ-FE lineage)
Note that Lexus later transitioned the GS lineup to different V8 configurations (notably the 3UZ-FE in the GS430 and newer generations). The GS400 badge specifically identifies the 1UZ-FE-powered variant from its era.
Market availability and lifecycle
The GS400 badge appeared in select markets during the late 1990s and was phased out as Lexus expanded the GS lineup with newer powertrains in subsequent generations. It stands as a bridge between the inline-6 GS300 and the later V8-powered GS430 in the first-generation GS lineage.
How to verify a GS400
To confirm a vehicle is a GS400, verify the engine code (1UZ-FE) on the engine and cross-check the VIN for the model year. The 1UZ-FE indicates the V8-powered GS400, whereas other GS models use different engines.
Summary
Conclusion: The GS400 is indeed a V8-powered variant of Lexus' midsize GS sedan, driven by the 4.0-liter 1UZ-FE V8. It sits in the same engine-family lineage as the LS400 and SC400 and is distinct from the later GS430’s 4.3-liter V8. If you're researching or purchasing a GS400, confirm the 1UZ-FE engine code and the correct late-1990s model-year range to ensure you’re looking at the intended variant.
Which Lexus GX has a V8?
The 4.7-liter V8 engine in the GX 470 was the same as used on the larger LX 470. The firm next introduced the second-generation model in 2009, badged GX 460 to reflect the switch to a 4.6-liter V8 engine.
What engine is in the GS400?
Engine
| Base engine size | 4.0 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | V8 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
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.
Is the gs430 a V6 or V8?
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.
