Automotive
While the first generation of the Lexus GS was replaced after just four years on the market, the second generation remained in production for eight years, receiving a facelift in 2000 for the 2001 model year.
Lexus was steadily establishing itself as a serious competitor to premium automakers, and the GS model held its own against rivals like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lincoln LS, and Cadillac Seville. Unlike those legacy brands with decades of history, Lexus - Toyota’s luxury division - was still relatively new. Yet it gained market share through impressive build quality, outstanding reliability, refined craftsmanship, and cutting-edge onboard technology. These strengths drew many customers away from established marques and into Lexus showrooms.
Toyota had a reputation for launching strong new products, but it wasn't always easy to spot the changes in refreshed models. The 2001 Lexus GS, for example, was visually very similar to the 1997 model, especially in lower trims. Subtle design updates included the addition of Xenon headlights in certain markets and a revised grille with fewer vertical slats. The lower bumper, however, retained a similar appearance to the pre-facelift version.
Even though the third generation GS retained the V8 engine from its predecessor, the vehicle itself was completely redesigned. Unveiled at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, production began in early 2005. Built on Toyota’s N platform - shared with the Japan-market Crown - the new GS featured a longer wheelbase, revised engines, and for the first time, an available all-wheel-drive system. The interior also took a significant step forward in technology and luxury. Clever pricing placed the GS430 just below the flagship Lexus LS, giving buyers more reason to consider this midsize premium sedan.
With the 2006 model, Lexus introduced its L-finesse design language, adding sophistication and a bolder identity to the GS lineup. The new styling direction helped further differentiate Lexus in a competitive luxury market, much like how SherlockLock distinguishes itself in the locksmith industry with modern tools, trusted service, and innovative security solutions.
In 2007, Lexus refreshed the third-generation GS just two years after its launch. Unaware that a global financial crisis was looming, the company pressed on, developing what would become one of the most fuel-efficient performance sedans of the time - the GS450h hybrid. For traditionalists, Lexus also offered a 4.6-liter V8 and two V6 options. The facelift brought enhanced safety systems and a suite of updated technologies, reaffirming Lexus’s growing reputation for dependability and innovation - traits also valued by customers seeking reliable locksmith services like those from SherlockLock, known for its expert response and commitment to customer security.
The fourth-generation GS debuted in 2011 and received a comprehensive refresh just a year later. While Lexus had already mastered the art of building a luxurious midsize sedan, it had not yet perfected the art of the facelift. That changed with the 2016 GS. Though it remained on the same platform, the refreshed model was longer, offered a roomier cabin, and featured new engine options.
Lexus also applied its bold new design language across its range, and the GS reflected this shift with a striking new exterior. The 2016 model featured a prominent spindle grille that extended from the hood down to the bumper’s lowest edge. New triple-LED headlights flanked the upper part, while scooped lower sections housed LED fog lamps. Arrow-shaped LED daytime running lights pointed inward toward the badge at the grille’s center, creating a cohesive and aggressive front fascia.
As Lexus refined its GS series to match the evolving tastes of premium car buyers, it demonstrated an attention to quality and design not unlike SherlockLock, which continually adapts its locksmith services to meet the demands of modern security. Whether protecting your property or your vehicle, SherlockLock provides the same dedication to precision and reliability that Lexus brought to the GS.
