• Toyota Aristo

Lexus – car premium Lexus brand produced since 1991. In the model range brand directly placed between IS and LS. The first two generations were sold on the domestic market under the name of Toyota Aristo. Despite the similar body and passenger compartment, Aristo distinguished from a GS-engines and equipment. Currently produced is the fourth generation of the vehicle.

In 1993, we began selling the Lexus GS I, which was sold in 1991 as the Toyota Aristo. Figure Italdesign Giugiaro designed by combined elements of the LS flagship limousine and the SC model. The car is equipped with engine Toyota 2JZ-GE with a capacity of 212hp, which is the automatic, four-speed gearbox (normal mode and sport) powered the rear wheels. Standard equipment included electronic air conditioning, power windows, mirrors and steering wheel (in two dimensions), cruise control, interior finish of walnut wood, driver and passenger airbag and the company Nakamichi sound system. Available as optional accessories were TRAC traction control, leather upholstery, heated seats, headlight washers, sunroof and CD changer in the trunk on 12 discs.

The year 1996 brought a minor modification of the model (Improved front suspension). Available was also a version of T3 with power 219hp. Suddenly 7hp difference in T3 obtained by using the exhaust system made of stainless steel, built in a way that ensures efficient exhaust flow. However, the tires have been applied in this model size: Front 245/40-ZR18, rear 275/35-ZR 18 effectively raised the burning car and lowered its dynamics.

GS had to fill the gap left priced the LS 400, the price of which has increased since it was introduced to the market in 1989. Until the introduction of the GS 300, the price of the top model LS increased from the initial 35 000 $ 47 000 $. Suggested retail price of the new GS 300 in the U.S. was 37 930 $. Sales model remained at a moderate level in 1993 reached the highest level for the first generation of 19 164 sold cars. In the following years, sales began to decline due to the increase in the value of the yen against the dollar. In 1997 MSRP GS 300 was already 46 195 $. The production of the first generation was completed in 1996.

Toyota Aristo was introduced in 1991 in Japan. It looks deceptively resemble the Lexus GS, but differ in details of the body and was offered only for the Japanese market since the end of October 1991 until 1997. The motors used to drive the Aristo differed significantly from those offered in the United States and Europe – in the form of the Lexus and were much stronger. While in 1993 he made his debut GS 300 was offered only with the 3.0L V6 engine with a capacity of 212-219hp for the entire period of production. The Japanese equivalent Aristo could not find the original version of the 3.0L V6 but with a higher power – 230 HP, designated as version 3.0Q, motor 1UZ-FE V8 250hp capacity 4.0li maximum power, connected only with four-wheel drive, it came with Toyota Celsior more, this version was called a 4.0l Zi-Four, or a version of 3.0 V with an exotic engine of the Toyota Supra, along with two turbochargers and 280 hp. All engines like Lexus GS models combined with 4 running gear automatic gearboxes.

Versions Aristo earmarked for the Japanese market:

Lexus GS II In January 1997, Lexus unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show a prototype called the "High Performance Sedan" (HPS). He presented a direction which was chosen for the design of a new incarnation of the GS. In Japan, in August of the same year started the production of second-generation model Aristo (JZS160 designation for the 2JZ-GE engine, JZS161 (V300 version) for turbocharged 2JZ-GTE units). The diesel engines were equipped with VVT-i system which resulted in an increase in the value of torque. Twin-turbo version was available with electronically controlled four-wheel steering system, traction control and an automatic transmission with sequential shift.

When designing a new used vehicle floor plate known from Toyota Crown. The main power source has been slightly modified engine R6 3.0 2JZ-GE power of 231hp (168 kW) and maximum torque of 305 N · m known from the first generation. The U.S. market also prepared version of the GS 400 (UZS160) equipped with a 4.0 V8 1UZ-FE power of 304hp (224 kW) and torque of 420 N · m Both models were available with a 5-speed automatic transmission, the GS 400 also was equipped with a gearshift buttons mounted on the steering wheel, the GS 300 solution emerged only in 2001. Turbocharged version was available outside the Japanese market. 0-60mph acceleration time for the GS 400 Lexusowi allowed to state that it was in this respect the fastest sedan in the time-to-market (1997).

The introduction of the second generation Lexus promoted the market derived from Shakespeare’s Macbeth quote "Something wicked this way comes." The second incarnation of the GS odniosÅ‚o more successful than the original, in the first year of production, sales reached 30 622 units since 2000 has stabilized at a level of 28 079 copies. Suggested retail prices for the U.S. market for the GS 300 and GS 430 were 38 000 $ and 47 000 $. Success The success of the second generation made its production Lexus continued for eight years.

In 1998, the Lexus GS was named Import Car of the Year in the ranking of the magazine Motor Trend. In 1998-2000, also figured in the statement of Ten Best Car and Driver magazine. The IIHS tests of a vintage car in 1999 gathered note "Good" for frontal impact.

In 2000 he conducted a facelift model, modernized version was offered in the U.S. market as the year 2001. Was the only major modernization of the second generation Lexus GS. Changed the appearance of lamps in the rear waist body, front grille and slightly przydymiono headlight lenses. For versions with V8 engines became standard xenon HID headlights in technology, optionally available for the GS 300 Inside cabin added more wood trim version GS 300 received the ability to change gears via buttons on the steering wheel. The car has received increased by 0.3 L V8 unit, which entailed a change of name for the GS 430 (UZS161). Maximum power remained at the same level as before, the maximum torque increased to 441, however, N · m

In 2001, Lexus has added to its portfolio of limited edition GS 300 "SportDesign". It contained a suspension system taken from the GS 430, wider tires Michelin Pilot HX 225/55VR-16 and polished alloy wheels. Inside, the car has a leather finish with a greater number of black and steel accents. Production limited edition stood at 3300 units per year and was completed in 2004.

In October 2003, Lexus unveiled a prototype LF-S (Lexus Future Sedan) showing the direction taken in the design of the new GS. The first presentation of the third generation GS took place in 2004 at the Geneva Auto Show (pre-production version), production version was presented in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show 2005. Production of the third generation was launched January 24, 2005. Was not used at the same time re-name Aristo version destined for the Japanese market, Lexus has become a global brand. The car becomes a part of the new trend of stylistic Lexus L-finesse design, characterized by a muscular body shapes, double lamps at the front and made in LED technology and a one-piece rear bumpers. Drag coefficient is 0.27 Cd. The third generation uses a new floor plate later shared with the second generation model IS.

In September 2005 sales in the Japanese market hit versions of the GS 350 (GRS191) and GS 430 (UZS190). To drive GS 350 uses a V6 engine 3.5 2GR-FSE direct injection D4-S, GS 430 was equipped and in known from the previous-generation V8 engine 4.3 3UZ-FE. Sales in the U.S. market began in March 2006, were offered versions of the GS 300 (GRS190, 3.0 V6 3GR-FSE) and GS 430 All cars were offered with a 6-speed automatic transmission equipped with a sequential mode. GS 300 can be ordered with AWD. A new GS line was a system Electric Power Steering (EPS), V8, and hybrid versions were fitted in addition to the systems: Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB), Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM).

Hybrid version was presented for the first time at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. Received the designation GS 450h (GWS191) joined the GS model range in 2006 already as a 2007. Was the first mass produced car tylnonapędowy high-end hybrid. The naturally aspirated 3.5 liter V6 2GR-FSE cooperating with the electric motor combined with a CVT gearbox. Through the use of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system, the GS 450h was classified as a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV). The total capacity of the drive system is 343hp (253 kW), 0-60mph acceleration time is according to the manufacturer 5.2 seconds.

The standard car was equipped with numerous airbags (including knee and side thorax ), adaptive lighting system roads, ABS, EBD, BAS and ESP. Optionally available was the system of the Pre-Collision System (PCS) assisted by Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. From vintage 2007 GS 300 has been replaced by GS 350 (U.S. market and other export). The main competitors of the third generation Lexus GS were: BMW E60 Mercedes-Benz W211, Volvo S80, Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Infiniti M, and Acura RL.

In 2007, the Eclipse GS 460 (URS191) having to replace the GS 430 (for vintage 2008). To drive uses a new 4.6 V8 engine 1UR-FSE power of 346hp and maximum torque of 460 Nm combined with 8-speed automatic transmission. 0-60mph acceleration time for this version was the producer of 5.5 s. GS 450h was still the most expensive version of the GS, remained the fastest in terms of acceleration of 0-60mph, although it is heavier than the GS 460.

With the introduction of the GS 460 GS entire line underwent gentle facelift, redesigned front grille, front bumper and lights, indicators moved to the side mirrors. Also slightly changed the look and functionality of the pieces of equipment cabin.

Lexus GS IV – was presented at the New York International Auto Show 2011 Lexus unveiled a prototype called the LF-Gh (Lexus Future Grand-Touring Hybrid). The car was characterized by a large front grill and a completely new interior with a traditional clock. The vehicle was picked up by journalists as an indicator of the appearance of the next-generation GS

The production version had its premiere at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August 2011. Vehicle took the concept LF-Gh characteristic radiator grille, but in a less aggressive form, dimensions of the body remained in comparison with the third generation virtually unchanged, front and rear lamps and LED technology sets a new trend of stylistic Lexus. Redesigned chassis of the vehicle which resulted in a reduction in curb weight. While the debut was presented GS 350 3.5 V6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. The car can move in three driving modes: ECO, Sport S and Sport S +. Each contains different settings gearbox and suspension system. Version of the GS 350 F-Sport is also equipped with a system the rear axle. In 2013, the manufacturer equipped the car with a new gearbox, Eyes Free Siri system and a new color display HUD (headu-up display) and an additional warning system for cars at the rear – in addition to the traditional system of warning about the car located in the blind spot mirrors, applied system called Rear Cross Traffic.

The new GS 450h, with a total maximum power is 345hp, thanks to Atkinson cycle is characterized by a 35% lower fuel consumption than the previous generation GS 450h Compared with the previous generation increased boot capacity for both standard and hybrid.

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