FantasyCars Lexus GS400 1998

Lexus GS400 1998

Lexus GS400 1998 Photo 312 In the olden days performance was not the first word that came to mind when thinking of Lexus. Now, the 1998 Motor Trend Import Car of the Year GS400 packs a 4.0-litre four-valves-per-cylinder 300 horsepower engine with VVT-i (variable valve timing) and accelerates to 60 mph in under 6 seconds. That kind of performance is enough to make more expensive competitors such as the Cadillac Seville STS and Mercedes E430 run for cover. Best of all, the V8 is silky smooth and perfectly refined. Linked to it is the five-speed automatic transmission that also allows you to shift progressively through the gears by using steering wheel mounted buttons.Using the optional 235/45ZR17 Bridgestone Potenza RE030 tires mounted on 17 inch alloy rims, the aptitude of the handling and braking manage to surpass even that of the engine. While the ride is slightly firmer than on the smaller diameter rims and the steering is a little light for sporting tastes, the GS400 still manages out-brake both Porsche Boxsters and Ferrari F355s and run through the slalom in a Camaro Z28 pounding 67 mph. On the inside, a roomy cabin equipped with leather clad seats, real wood, an excellent sound system with glove box-mounted CD changer and superb ergonomics and isolation seal the package. True, the styling might not be for everyone, however with a lowest-in-class $45K base price and awesome performance with no compromise for luxury, this Lexus proves to be an unbeatable deal. - by Traian Popescu

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Lexus GS400 1998 Technical Data

Engine
3971, DOHC 32-valve 90º V8
Horsepower
300@6000
Torque
315@4000
Max Speed
150
Speed 0 60mph
5.8
Speed 0 25mile