What engine is in a Lexus GS 400?
The Lexus GS 400 is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 engine, known as the 1UZ-FE, the same family used in the LS400. This engine provided smooth, refined power suitable for a mid-size luxury sedan.
Engine identity and fundamentals
The key facts about the GS 400's powerplant are listed below.
- Engine code: 1UZ-FE
- Displacement: 4.0 liters
- Configuration: V8, double overhead cam (DOHC) with 32 valves
- Induction: Naturally aspirated
- Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection
- Applications: Used in the GS 400 and LS400 of the era
- Transmission pairing: Typically linked to a four-speed automatic transmission
In short, the GS 400’s engine is the 1UZ-FE 4.0L V8, a core part of Lexus’ UZ/V8 engine family designed for smooth, capable performance in luxury sedans.
Performance and era
Engine performance for the GS 400 varied by year and market, but the 1UZ-FE generally produced about 260–290 horsepower and roughly 260–300 lb-ft of torque. This level of power, combined with a refined automatic transmission, yielded confident highway acceleration and effortless cruising that defined Lexus luxury in the late 1990s.
Transmission and drive characteristics
Most GS 400 models were rear-wheel drive and paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, emphasizing a quiet, smooth driving experience rather than overt sporty aggression.
Model years and markets
The GS 400 appeared in the late 1990s as a higher-performance variant of the GS lineup and was most commonly available in North America during its run. It shared its 4.0-liter V8 with the LS400, underscoring Lexus’ emphasis on refined power across its full-size/smaller luxury sedan family.
Summary
Summary: The Lexus GS 400 uses the 1UZ-FE 4.0-liter V8, delivering refined, confident power for a mid-size luxury sedan and pairing with a four-speed automatic transmission to emphasize smooth, premium driving characteristics.
What engine does the GS400 have?
The Lexus GS400 is powered by a 4.0-liter, 32-valve, DOHC V8 engine, known as the 1UZ-FE. This naturally aspirated engine produces 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, making it a powerful engine for its time.
- Engine size: 4.0-liter
- Configuration: V8
- Valvetrain: 32-valve, DOHC
- Horsepower: 300 hp
- Torque: 310 lb-ft
- Features: Naturally aspirated, with continuously variable valve timing on the V8
What engine does a Lexus LS400 have?
The Lexus LS400 has a 4.0-liter V8 engine, specifically the 1UZ-FE model, which is known for its smoothness and reliability. The first generation LS400 (1990-1994) produced around 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while later models had slight increases in power.
- Engine type: 4.0-liter, 32-valve, dual overhead cam (DOHC) V8 engine.
- Key features:
- Aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners.
- Four camshafts, with two per cylinder bank.
- Hydraulic-pneumatic engine mounts to reduce vibration.
- The engine was tilted to align with the driveshaft for reduced mechanical loss.
- Power output (approximate):
- 1990-1994: 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
- Second generation (1995-1997): Approximately 260 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque.
- 1998-2000: Around 290 horsepower.
Is the GS400 expensive to maintain?
The estimated cost to maintain and repair a Lexus GS400 ranges from $105 to $3513, with an average of $440.
Which Lexus GS has a 2JZ?
The Lexus GS 300 from 1998 to 2005, which is the second generation of the GS, has the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE engine. The more powerful, turbocharged 2JZ-GTE engine was never offered in a U.S. production GS, though it can be found in Japanese market Toyota Aristo models and is a popular engine swap for the GS 300.
- GS 300 (1998-2005): Came with the 2JZ-GE engine, a 3.0L inline-six that is naturally aspirated, reliable, and has a strong aftermarket for modifications.
- Turbocharged 2JZ-GTE: This is the turbocharged version made famous in the MK4 Supra and is not a factory option in the U.S. GS models.
- Engine swaps: Enthusiasts frequently swap the 2JZ-GTE engine from the Toyota Aristo into the GS 300 due to the 2JZ-GE's strong block and the availability of the turbo variant.
