By the Numbers: 1998-2013 Lexus GS
Don't be surprised Lexus discontinued its GS 460 V-8 luxury sedan. By the numbers, the car was pointless compared to the more efficient and less powerful GS 350 V-6 model. Now that we've tested a 2013 Lexus GS 350 F-Sport model, we can confirm the performance picture hasn't changed.
Using a lightly tweaked version of the same V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission as found in the 2009 GS 350, the 2013 GS 350 sprints to 60 mph just as quick as its predecessor, yet adds far better braking and figure eight performance. In terms of fuel economy, the 1998 Lexus GS 300 was EPA-rated for 17/23 mpg city/highway, compared to the anticipated 2013 GS 350's 19/28 mpg ratings.
Take a look at the MT numbers about six- and eight-cylinder rear-drive Lexus GS sedans below and you'll see that, while the car was never slow, acceleration has steadily improved to the point where a V-8 model is unnecessary except for, perhaps, an upcoming GS F halo model.
2013 Lexus GS 350 F-Sporttested on 1/11/12
3.5L V-6 and 6A with 306 hp/277 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds
Quarter mile: 14.0 seconds @ 100.9 mph
Figure Eight time: 25.7 seconds @ 0.70 g
60-0 mph: 105 feet
Pounds per horsepower: 12.5
2009 Lexus GS 350tested on 8/5/09
3.5L V-6 and 6A with 303 hp/274 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds
Quarter mile: 14.1 seconds @ 99.6 mph
Figure Eight time: 27.1 seconds @ 0.64 g
60-0 mph: 119 feet
Pounds per horsepower: 12.4
2008 Lexus GS 460tested on 4/10/08
4.6L V-8 and 8A with 342 hp/339 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds
Quarter mile: 14.0 seconds @ 102.0 mph
Figure Eight time: 27.0 seconds @ 0.65 g
60-0 mph: 120 feet
Pounds per horsepower: 11.7
2001 Lexus GS 430tested on 3/15/01
4.3L V-8 and 5A with 300 hp/325 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 5.9 seconds
Quarter mile: 13.9 seconds @ 103.2 mph
60-0 mph: 108 feet
2000 Lexus GS 400L Sport tested on 4/23/99
4.0L V-8 and 5A with 300 hp/310 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 6.0 seconds
Quarter mile: 14.4 seconds @ 97.4 mph
60-0 mph: 119 feet
1998Lexus GS 300tested on 8/21/98
3.0L I-6 and 5A
0-60 mph: 8.0 seconds
Quarter mile: 16.0 seconds @ 87.2 mph
60-0 mph: 114 feet
After viewing these Motor Trend test results, what do you think: Was Lexus right to discontinue the GS 460 V-8 model?
