Lexus.com is 10 years old. It was launched in mid-1996.

 

Why didn't America receive the 4-cylinder Altezza from Japan but instead shoe-horned the 2JZ inside?

 

Because Americans are greedy with the mentality of bigger is better. The 2.0L i-4 3S-GE from the Altezza and the 2.0L 1G-FE from the IS200 wasn't powerful enough to satisfy US consumers. Lexus opted to go with the 3.0L 2JZ-GE. It was a motor that was to rival the 3 series' I-6. The critics of the Altezza said the vehicle's chassis needed a more powerful motor. Ironically, the 2JZ-GE was supposed to be the answer for the critics, but in my opinion...it still lacks.

 

Yes sir. Let me add Lexus researchers showed I-4s in luxury cars=lol, thus the 2JZ was fitted. The IS 200 in Europe is also a I-6 but was not powerful enough for our market.

The 2.0 1G-FE made 200hp peak no?

 

The UCF20s have the fuel filler door on the passenger's side as well:




Great thread guys!

 

How was Lexus able to make the 2GS trunk almost 40% bigger than the 1GS trunk while the car dimensions shrunk 5 inches?

 

Actually it's bigger by 14%. 14.8 cubic feet vs. 13.0 cubic feet because Lexus engineers were able to maximize space from the longer wheelbase, compact suspension and fuel tank design.

 

totally.... the ge engine on the is300 is just weak, period. it has ok power but far from what the 330 offered

 

Gotta remember, too, that lots of things affect acceleration besides just engine size and power...even aside from obvious things like air density and temperature.

You can't just blame the engine, whether it is a GE or any other, for a lack of power. Transmission design, ratios, final-drive design and ratios, how the engine computer and fuel injection is programmed, emissions, how much drag the drivetrain places on the engine, aerodynamics....all of this plays a part in what 0-60 times will be.
Good case in point: I remember driving a base-model 1997 Tercel with a 1.5L 92 HP engine and a three-speed automatic. Because of the way it was geared and the final-drive ratio, It would spurt right off the line faster than some of today's V6s, say up to about 30 MPH or so......but then, of course, the engine would run out of steam ( and RPMs ) above 45 or so and it would then be like a slug.

 

wow, bump from the dead reading all the posts this is a fun page, guys c'mon now lets update these Q & A's!

 

See! I told you it's here! Search function is your friend.

 

Q: What is the name of the 3rd sedan Lexus produced and what month and year did it come out?

 

GS300 February 22, 1993

 

Nice try, but that's only part of the answer. Looking for a specific month and year. Not when it was first manufactured. Wikipedia stats are not always reliable.

 

bump!!!!!!