Toyota Aristo is a Japanese sedan, also known as the Lexus GS. This car was produced only for the domestic market and was not exported beyond its borders. At one time, the car became a cult for the entire automotive community of Japan and is still popular today. Many owners of the sedan are involved in tuning and restoration of "Aristo".
First generation
The car began to be produced at the Toyota factory in 1991. The sedan was designed on the Toyota Crown platform . The first generation was produced until 1997.
Externally, the car looks inconspicuous and ordinary. At the beginning of the history of the model, it is unlikely that many automakers could even boast of such a design. The appearance of "Aristo" was created by a separate studio. The front of the body looks straightforward: rectangular headlights, a radiator grill that exactly repeats the shape of the optics. The feed of the car does not stand out from the general style.
By concept, Toyota Aristo is a discreet business sedan with a sporty character. Therefore, the creators primarily worked on the aerodynamic qualities of the car. But you can’t say that the sedan looks bad. Just from such an appearance, hardly anyone will expect a fast and powerful car.
In the cabin
Inside, the car matches the exterior - everything is reserved and nothing more. The front panel is made of high quality plastic. The center console has a built-in radio and many controls. The instrument panel is well read and does not reflect when exposed to direct sunlight, which is an undoubted advantage in the piggy bank advantages of the sedan. According to the layout of the cabin, the car is a full four-seater. There is an armrest on the back of the couch, instead of which, if desired, the fifth passenger can be accommodated. The creators also took care of the comfort of the front passenger and driver - the continuation of the center console in the form of a common armrest will make the trip enjoyable for everyone. The front doors are equipped with mirror controls and power windows.
Specifications of Toyota Aristo
But not one comfort and luxury is a good sedan. Consider the Aristo line of engines. The car is equipped with three engine options: 3 liters and 230 horsepower, 3 liters and 280 horses, 4 liters and 260 horsepower. All three modifications are equipped exclusively with an automatic transmission. The third 4-liter engine is complemented by permanent all-wheel drive. With the release of the latest modification, the car received the title of the real king of roads in Japan and the representative Gran Turismo.
The second generation of Toyota Aristo: photo and description
At the end of 1996, Toyota and its subsidiary Lexus introduced the second generation of this car. Production of the sedan continued until 2005, after which the model completely passed under the wing of Lexus and under the name GS is produced in the third generation to this day. Toyota Aristo JZS147 (that's what the second-generation sedan is called) has changed beyond recognition. The second version was able to repeat the success of the first and lasted on the assembly line for 8 years, until it finally became outdated and did not need to be replaced.
The front end was created from scratch. Dual optics with two headlights on each side vaguely resemble the Mercedes optics of those times. The profile of the car remained similar to the previous generation. The feed follows the same principle as before - forked optics, some of which are on the trunk lid. Even at first glance it becomes clear that the car has become much larger. This allowed to increase the interior space.
Inside the car
Salon "Aristo" has also undergone great changes. The center console of the car has acquired a multimedia display. Interior trim began to include wood and leather elements. In general, the panel began to look more prestigious. Comfort also did not lag behind appearance. The front seats had many individual settings. Rear passengers received a central armrest, as in the first generation sedan. A huge number of glove compartments, pockets and coasters creates additional comfort for everyone inside during the trip.
Specifications of the second generation Toyota Aristo
The choice of engines for the second generation was cut from three options to two. Now the sedan began to be equipped with a 3-liter 230-horsepower and 3-liter engine with a capacity of 280 horsepower. Both units are gasoline. Also, the car is equipped only with an automatic gearbox.
Total
Both generations have been extremely successful from a commercial point of view and in terms of popularity in the automotive community. The first generation lasted in serial production for more than 6 years, and the second - about 8, which is a kind of record for the duration of production of a serial model. First of all, motorists are attracted by the low price, good equipment, even for today, a powerful engine and accelerating dynamics, as well as relatively inexpensive repairs. Toyota Aristo has entered the history of the automotive industry and is still in demand.