Summary

• The Lexus GS 460 changed the underpowered GS 430, offering a stronger V-8 engine that challenged European automakers.
• The GS 460 featured a 4.6-liter V-8 engine with 342 horsepower, making it faster than the discontinued GS 430.
• The GS 460 supplied an opulent inside with customary choices like computerized local weather management and a 14-speaker sound system, and its rarity and reliability make it a wise buy on the used market.

The Lexus GS 460 wasn’t initially within the lineup when the third-gen Lexus GS fashions debuted in 2005. Like different sports activities sedan automakers, Lexus supplied a V-8 variant dubbed the GS 430. However, that includes an influence unit producing a mere 290 horsepower, the GS 430 was woefully underpowered and, subsequently, undesirable. It perplexed many within the automotive universe that the V-6 GS variant had extra energy than the V-8 mannequin.

Back within the late 2000s nevertheless, Lexus restored stability to its lineup by ditching the GS 430 and changing it with the stronger GS 460. The Japanese automaker lastly had a V-8-powered sedan able to difficult offerings from European automakers. It’s mystifying {that a} sedan as sensible because the GS 460 grew to become a gross sales failure. Here’s all the things in regards to the GS 460, a bulletproof V-8 luxurious sleeper which you could each day drive.

In order to provide the most modern and correct info doable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with MotorTrend, Car And Driver, and basic.com.

The Lexus GS 460 Features A Detuned Version Of The V-8 Powering The LS 460

To achieve what was a highly competitive V-8 sedan segment, Lexus wanted a mannequin with greater than 290 horsepower. Rather than construct a brand new energy unit from scratch, they used a detuned model of the V-8 powering the LS 460, the then Lexus flagship sedan mannequin.

The Lexus GS 460’s V-8 Gets The Sedan To 60 MPH In 5.5 Seconds

The V-8 underneath the GS 460’s hood is highly effective, economical, and extremely dependable. Dubbed the 1UR-FSE, it debuted in 2006, that includes direct injection and hole twin camshafts that reduce weight. The Lexus GS 460 debuted with a 4.6-liter V-8 engine, making 342 horsepower.

This was 52 extra horses than the 4.3-liter engine motivating the discontinued GS 430. The further ponies powered the brand new sedan to 60 MPH 0.2 seconds sooner than the outdated automobile. Over a quarter-mile, the GS 460’s benefit prolonged to 0.5 seconds. The GS 460 was the quickest GS variant over a quarter-mile, beating the hybrid GS450h by 0.2 seconds.

Performance Specifications

(Specs: Lexus)

The Only Transmission Offered Was An Eight-Speed Automatic

Lexus additionally borrowed the eight-speed transmission from the LS 460, ditching the six-speed gearbox used within the GS 430. The Japanese automaker claimed that the new automatic was lighter, quieter, more compact, and more fuel-efficient than the ditched transmission. It earned reward for its street manners and criticism for its sluggishness throughout efficiency runs. Reviewers instructed that Lexus would have improved the performance of the GS 460 by fitting it with paddle shifters.

The GS 460 Packs A Spacious And Luxurious Cabin

It’s indeniable that Lexus is a master at crafting luxurious vehicle interiors. The Lexus GS 460 is a first-rate instance of the Japanese automaker’s proficiency at imbuing sedans with inexpensive luxurious.

The GS 460 Features A Plush Interior And Plenty Of Standard Luxury Options

Inside the GS 460, you get a upscale inside lined with semi-aniline leather-based upholstery and wooden and aluminum accents. It seats 5, however the middle seat within the rear is relatively slender. Also, tall passengers might discover fault with the restricted headroom.

Lexus offered quite a few customary luxurious choices with the GS 460, together with computerized local weather management, a 14 -speaker sound system, keyless entry and ignition, and heated energy entrance seats. You may additionally customise the automobile to your liking by consulting the in depth checklist of non-compulsory extras.

Lexus GS 460 Optional Extras

• 14-speaker Mark Levinson sound system
• Rear sunshade
• Satellite Radio
• Rearview digital camera
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Rear park help

‘Comfort’ Suspension Setting Is Designed To Soften The Ride For Occupants

The Lexus GS 460 had a number of tips up its sleeve, together with customary adaptive suspension. When you choose ‘Sport’ mode, it companies up the suspension to enhance efficiency; while you select ‘Comfort’ mode, the trip turns into delicate and compliant.

‘Comfort’ is good for each day driving. Lexus offered an non-compulsory energetic stabilizer system designed to reinforce stiffness, decreasing physique roll throughout cornering You ought to, every so often, check the efficiency limits of the GS 460. The automobile has a laundry checklist of security options to maintain you secure, whether or not you might be having enjoyable on the monitor or are out on a grocery run.

Lexus GS 460 Safety Features

• Ten airbags
• Anti Lock brakes with brake help
• Optional Lexus’ Pre-Collision system
• Optional run-flat tires
• Stability management
• Traction management

The V-8 Engine Powering The GS 460 Is Reliable And Economical

Common engine faults embrace: Oil Consumption And Valve Spring FailuresThe 1UR-FSE engine is a hardy machine that hardly ever breaks down if maintained correctly. It options cast connecting rods, a cast metal crankshaft, and aluminum alloy cylinder heads. With that stated, excessive mileage examples generally undergo from gremlins, together with extreme oil consumption and valve spring failures.

Excessive oil consumption occurs when the piston rings put on excessively or fail, permitting oil into the combustion chamber. Replacing the rings ought to clear up the problem. Another difficulty which will have an effect on the GS 460’s engine is valve spring failure. In 2010, Toyota and Lexus recalled vehicles worldwide to fix faulty valve springs, together with these utilizing the 4.6-liter V-8 powerplant. Therefore, earlier than buying a GS 460, test if the valve springs present indicators of failure.

Other Common Lexus GS 460 Engine Faults

• Electronic throttle system failures
• Timing chain tensioner failures
• Water pump failures

The V-8 Engine’s Consumption Is Average Among Competing Sports Sports Sedans

The Lexus V-8’s consumption is at par with most automobiles in its class. Its 20 MPG combined fuel rating matches most BMW 3 collection and 5 collection fashions of the time. The Lexus’s consumption is spectacular, contemplating that its engine has the next capability and extra cylinders than its BMW opponents. It betters the Infiniti M45, certainly one of its important opponents on the time, by two MPG within the mixed gasoline effectivity metric.

The Lexus GS 460 Is Very Affordable, Considering Lexus Sold Only 1,616 Units

Despite having a strong V-8, an opulent inside, many security options, and a restyled exterior, the Lexus GS 460 wasn’t a gross sales hit. Even the sedan’s cheaper price level in comparison with German choices wasn’t sufficient to draw clients. It’s essential to notice that it’s not simply the GS 460 that failed – Lexus halted GS production in the U.S. in 2020 following a steep decline in the popularity of the midsize sedan.

Lexus’s Bulletproof Reliability Makes The GS 460 A Smart Purchase

The undeniable fact that the GS 460 didn’t promote as anticipated doesn’t make it a foul automobile. Its execs embrace a clean and potent V-8 bolted to the chassis. One key purpose why you shouldn’t fear about shopping for a used GS 460 is Lexus’s bulletproof reliability and dependability. The Japanese automaker has confirmed over a few years that it builds automobiles that final.

Another purpose why it is best to go for the GS 460 is its rarity: Lexus offered only one,616 items from 2008 to 2011. You might by no means come throughout one other instance in your lifetime. As they’re so few, they’re laborious to come back by on the used market. When they seem, nevertheless, they’re moderately low cost. The one example on classic.com sold for $12,250, a good worth for a novel, V-8-powered Lexus luxurious sedan.