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Lexus GS300 S160, 2 generation, restyling 11.2000 - 01.2005

2 generation, restyling
(S160) 11.2000 - 01.2005
JZS160
2 generation, restyling
Sedan
The mid-size luxury sedan of the second generation Lexus GS was produced for the markets of the USA, Europe and certain Asian countries. The car is an analog of Toyota Aristo and is based on the Toyota Crown platform. Compared with the previous generation, the geometric dimensions are slightly changed (the car has become a little shorter and wider), but the wheelbase has remained the same (2.8 m). If the first generation owes its appearance to Italdesign Giugiaro studio, then the Japanese designers worked on the new look, who presented a successful fusion between Asian and European automotive trends, in particular, “Europeanism” is striking in the front with four headlights, which begets Mercedes’s challenge and BMW, although in fairness it should be noted that the theme of “four eyes” was used in the Toyota Celica coupe back in the 70s. The GS300 is the base model and is equipped with a three-liter in-line gasoline engine.
 The standard equipment of the Lexus GS300 includes 16-inch alloy wheels with 215/60 R16 tires, halogen headlights, fog lights, full power accessories (mirrors, windows), front seats electrically adjustable in 10 directions, dual-zone climate control (fully automatic air conditioning with salon filter), Lexus premium audio system with 7 speakers. On this, of course, the possibilities of a luxury sedan were not limited. With a package of options, it was possible to add an electric steering column, memory for the driver's seat, electric sunroof, xenon headlights, a smog sensor, a boot opening servo, an additional design package (chrome exhaust tips, wheels and other elements). In 2000, the car received adjusted front optics and new taillights, a new audio system with a DVD player and Mark Levinson surround sound system (option), and the interior trim was improved. The GS 300 SportDesign series was released in a limited edition. The following changes followed in 2003 - the standard included a hatch, a CD changer.

 The GS300 version is equipped with a three-liter six-cylinder in-line engine, inherited from the previous generation. This is the famous Toyota 2JZ-GE engine. A VVTi variable valve timing system was added to it, the ignition system was improved, and although the power remained almost unchanged (225 hp), it was achieved at lower revs than its predecessor, and torque increased from 285 to 305 Nm, its peak accounts for 4000 rpm. Accordingly, for the updated engine, a new 5-speed automatic transmission with manual sequential gear selection was provided. The drive is carried out on back wheels.

 Lexus GS300 features a fully independent suspension on double wishbones and suspension struts with coil springs. Its design sets high driving performance, given that this luxury sedan, by definition, should have improved ride comfort. At the same time, the lowered profile, sporty appearance and high aerodynamic performance (air resistance coefficient Cd = 0.30) contribute to a low noise level, and disc brakes will provide excellent braking front and rear. Power steering provides strong feedback.

 Standard equipment includes front airbags for the driver and passenger, anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control system (TCS traction control) are included from electronic systems. Since 1998, the list of equipment has been supplemented by daytime running lights, a year later the car received a new BrakeAssist system (emergency brake booster). In 2000, side airbags were installed for the first time, and an empty seat detection sensor was added for the front passenger airbag. The glass of the front doors received a water-repellent coating, and new xenon headlights were added to the options (standard for GS 430).

 Among Lexus, this model takes an intermediate place between Lexus ES and Lexus LS. At the same time, GS has sports “notes” in character. In general, the second generation is not so fundamentally different from its predecessor, so we can talk about a serious improvement in the result, as evidenced by the inclusion in the list of the top ten cars of Car and Driver magazine from 1998 to 2000. The appearance of the car remains attractive today. It is worth noting that the 2JZ engine, which was installed on the GS300, is famous for its high reliability and resource - an important indicator for a used car.