GS430: 280 ps = 276 hp
GS350: 315 ps = 311 hp

Of course, the GS430 has more torque, but it's interesting that the GS350 has more hp nontheless.

http://lexus.jp/models/gs/performance/powerunit.html

Note: 1 pferdestarke (ps) = 0.9863201 horsepower

Edit: Sorry, this was already posted in the GS forum. I'll post there. Moderator, please erase this.

 

japanese lexus don't have to contend with super-strict emissions laws we have here.


they've got fuel with octane ratings much higher than our premium gases here...


so better combustion + less stringent emissions = good times with more HP.

 

i remember reading that the new gs350 will have 306hp here in the US (same with the new is350), so japan and the US will have different specs again (even after the conversion)?

but yeah, it's going to be a little weird transition time for lexus. they might have to suffer a yr before the new 460 comes out

 

It's the significantly higher torque at lower rpm of the GS430 that's much more relevent . . .

 

Yeah, it does look odd, lol the V-6 version has more power. It is an all new engine and at 3.5 liters a large V-6. The 4.3 was enlarged from 4.0 liters but gained only more low end torque and peak power, HP ratings never moved. Its had 300hp since 1998! Thing is, its still very competative and still one of the top 3 fastest engines in its class. But it it getting old (the 300hp rating) and we all know how people are just caught up with peak power ratings, it does sell cars.
This just means the GS 460 is going to have major *****.

Good find Jrock

 

Many American versions of Japanese cars are watered down in one way or the other. i.e. the American WRX has 227hp vs. the Japanese 250 or so. We shoot ourselves in the foot when it comes to performance.....

 

Doesn't Japan have the law where no production car can exceed 280hp? Or 320 or something?
I remember that because they detuned the Supra TT engine for the J-Spec.

 

The Gentlemans aggrement is no longer in effect. The Honda Legend (Our Acura RL) was the 1st to beak it with 300hp out a V-6.

 

I know we're talking about the Japanese GS350 but are we also talking about the Japanese GS430 or US GS430? Because the US GS430 does of course have 300 HP. Why would they lower the power of their 8 and have their 6 surpass it? Am I missing something?

 

you missed the other post then. in 06 the SAE has new ratings and all 430 engine will become 280hp or so. i know that's the case for the sc430, andi believe the 06 ls430 has become 275 or 278?

 

interesting. Very interesting.

 

It's kinda like what happend to 4Runner when they introduced the current gen. But they finally upgraded the V8 i-Force engine and bumped the horse power rating. That means Major horse power increase to follow for GS460 or 500 or whatever they have. but I think 315 is very impressive from 3.5L displacement!

 

Do the Japanese versions have to use SAE guidlines? If not, expect that 311 to come down to around 300 or so for the US.

James

 

It's been a few years since I was last in Japan, but when I was there the Aristo came in only two variants: the S300 (equivalent to our GS300) and the V300 (which was a turbocharged six-cylinder). Now that they sell Lexuses in Japan are they including the V-8 powerplant?

 

Yes. This is because (as you probably know) Lexus has done away with the 2jz line of iron inline 6 engines. They have replaced them with the new "GR-FSE" engines, whic only come in V6 layouts. No more inline formations. The 3UZ-FE (4.3 V8) is the upper model engine for now, but seeing as how it's already outgunned in regards to hp by the 3.5 V6, a new V8 will be coming out in a couple years to replace it.

James