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What was the 0 60 on the Lexus gs400 in 1997?

There was no Lexus GS400 offered in 1997. The GS400 model arrived with the 1998 model year, and its 0–60 mph times from that era generally fall in the mid‑6-second range in typical testing.


Timeline and what the GS400 was


The Lexus GS line did exist in 1997, but the V8-powered GS400 did not. The GS400 made its debut with the second generation GS lineup in the 1998 model year, featuring Lexus’ 4.0-liter V8 (1UZ-FE) paired with an automatic transmission. The engine produced roughly 290–300 horsepower, and the car was rear‑wheel drive. This combination gave the GS400 strong straight‑line performance for its class of luxury sedans.


Engine and drivetrain at a glance


The GS400 used a 4.0-liter V8 (1UZ-FE) with an automatic transmission, delivering about 290–300 horsepower. The setup aimed to balance luxury comfort with respectable acceleration for a V8-powered sedan of the era.


0-60 performance: what testers show


Because test conditions, model year, and tires varied, the 0–60 mph times for the GS400 from the late 1990s to early 2000s cluster in a narrow band. The figures below reflect typical results reported during that period.



  • Estimated 0–60 mph: about 6.3–6.8 seconds in common automatic configurations.

  • Best‑case scenarios under favorable conditions (tires, temperature, well‑set up transmissions): roughly 6.2–6.4 seconds.

  • Relative to peers, the GS400 sat in the mid‑6‑second range—faster than many V6 luxury sedans of the era, but not a true heavyweight in the sport sedan category.


Note that 0–60 times hinge on multiple factors, including year, trim details, tire choice, and testing methodology. The numbers above summarize typical results for the late 1990s GS400 models, not any hypothetical 1997 version.


Summary


In short, there was no 1997 Lexus GS400. The GS400 appeared with the 1998 model year, and its 0–60 mph times were generally in the mid‑6 seconds range under standard conditions, with slight variations based on year and setup. For collectors or enthusiasts evaluating a late‑1990s GS400, expect a spread around roughly 6.3–6.8 seconds depending on specifics.


Overall takeaway: the 1997 question isn’t applicable to the GS400, but when you look at the 1998–2000 GS400, that mid‑6‑second acceleration range is a useful rule of thumb.

Was the GS400 the fastest sedan?


While other manufacturers were making things like the Chevrolet Corvette or the Toyota Supra with its massive rear wing, Lexus went for a more subtle, elegant look. But looks can be deceiving, as is evidenced by the Lexus GS400- the fastest sedan in the world when it was released in 1998.



What was the 0-60 on the GS400 in 1997?


5.7 second
The 5.7 second 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) time of the GS 400 prompted Lexus marketing to claim that the GS was the world's fastest production sedan at its introduction in 1997.



What is the 0-60 time for a 1998 Lexus GS400?


5.8 seconds
The 1998 GS ranges in power from the GS 300 Sedan 4D with 225 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 7.6 seconds to the GS 400 Sedan 4D with 300 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds.



What is the GS400 0 to 60 time?


The GS400 had 300 horsepower and 310 ft-lbs of torque, and sprinted from 0-60 mph (or 0-96 km/h) in 5.7 seconds. Real world tests have actually bested Lexus' estimate, clocking its fastest real-word acceleration figure in 5.4 seconds.


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Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.