Hosted by Pair Networks

« Restyled 2008 Honda Odyssey Starts at $25,860 | Main | Honda is Going to Release Two New Hybrids...Finally a CRX Successor! »

2008 Lexus GS Gets 52 More Horsepower and a Small Facelift

2008_lexus_gs_official_image001.jpg
Lexus has announced the pricing and changes to the 2008 GS models.

The big news this year is the new GS460 that replaces last year's GS430. The GS460 is powered by a 4.6L V8 that puts out 342 horsepower (52 more than the GS430). The good news is that at $52,620 the new GS460 only costs $245 more than the 2007 model.

The base GS350 starts at $44,150, while the hybrid GS 450h starts at $54,900.

All GS models benefit from a new front bumper and a revised grille.

2008_lexus_gs_official_image002.jpg 2008_lexus_gs_official_image003.jpg 2008_lexus_gs_official_image004.jpg 2008_lexus_gs_official_image005.jpg

Related Stories:

Toyota's Reliability Plummets While Ford Moves up in the Ranks
Lexus LF-Xh Hybrid SUV Concept Unveiled
417 Horsepower Lexus IS-F Will be Released in the US Next February
Neiman Marcus Lexus IS-F Unveiled...Yay Christmas is Almost Here

PRESS RELEASE:
Lexus announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the GS 350, GS 460 and GS 450h luxury sedans.

In addition to the numerous interior and exterior luxury enhancements that all GS models receive, base prices remain unchanged for the GS 350 and GS 450h hybrid at $44,150 and $54,900 respectively. The GS 460 replaces last year’s GS 430, and features a new 4.6-liter V8 engine that provides an additional 52 horsepower, for a total of 342 horsepower. The new GS 460 receives a modest increase of 0.47 percent over the model it replaces, or $245, to $52,620.

2008 GS Model Enhancements

All 2008 Lexus GS models will receive significant interior and exterior revisions, including an enhanced front fascia showcased by a new front bumper and an aggressive new chrome grille surround. GS models also gain side-view mirror turn signals for additional visibility. GS 350 models will come with new standard 17-inch alloy wheels or new 18-inch alloy wheels as an option.

Interior changes to all GS models include a new brushed-aluminum shift-plate that is subtly contrasted with additional wood trim on the door switch plates. The instrument panel and combination meter also have a revised appearance. For added convenience, the fuel-filler door release and trunk-release buttons have been relocated from the drop-down switch box to the dash area. GS models will also feature a newly designed leather-trimmed steering wheel as standard, with a wood-and-leather-trim steering wheel offered as an option. Every GS model will include an MP3/iPod/WMA port allowing use of portable music devices.

2008 GS 450h Upgrades

The Lexus GS 450h remains the only hybrid luxury sport sedan. In addition to the aforementioned upgrades, the GS 450h is fitted with heated and ventilated semi-aniline leather trim front seats as standard equipment. Remaining consistent with the LS 600h L and RX 400h luxury hybrids, the GS 450h will sport a blue hybrid designation on the side rocker moldings, aluminum-and-blue enameled rear model designation, a Lexus Hybrid Drive engine cover, blue trimmed front and rear “L” logos, a blue tint to the headlamps and a power meter that replaces the tachometer. A VDIM cutoff switch was added to allow an experienced driver to disengage the stability system.

More Powerful GS 460

The GS 460 is the latest addition to the GS family as it replaces the previous GS 430 model. The GS 460’s 4.6-liter V8 engine, first introduced in Lexus’ flagship LS 460, produces a commendable 342-horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, which is 20 lb-ft more than the model it replaces. Increased performance is a result of new engine technology; in particular, the world’s first electric motor-driven Variable Valve Timing with intelligence and Electronically controlled intake cam (VVT-iE). Additionally, a dual fuel-injection system that utilizes both port and direct injection optimizes efficiency and allows high compression (11.8:1) for power and efficiency. Paired with the segment’s first 8-speed automatic transmission, the GS 460 can accelerate from 0 to 60 in an intense 5.4 seconds while achieving Ultra Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV-II) certification.

In addition to the changes made on all 2008 GS models, the GS 460 adds semi-aniline leather trim and ventilated front seats as standard luxury features.

Comments (16)

Dan:

*Yawn* Another posh-posh P.O.S. that wipes your ass for you. Who cares, this car is just gonna be in my way on my commute anyways.

zzz:

with a 0-60 in 5.4 sec in the GS460, chances are you are going to be in his way

rene:

ja, ja, we need that.

With gas prices going up all the time and so many claiming cars as a big source for global warming, do we really nead another vehicle that consumes alot of petro? Why can't small and effecient be cool looking too?

Adam:

Oh ya, that's just a huge POS ::sarcasm::

What do you drive, a Lambo?

It probably won't wipe my ass, but it'll probably fill your diaper.

Dan:

Hey zzz,

My experience with the people that typically drive this type of car is they'll never hit the gas that hard for me to be in their way. They'll be snoring their way up the on ramp, making merging with traffic flow difficult and extremely dangerous when 35 mph traffic meets 80 mph traffic.

I'll freely admit that your experience may differ from mine, I'm just saying my piece form what I've experienced.

Adrian:

My family owns a LS430 and there are very few people who ever find us in their way. (and on the rare occasions that it does happen we move over to let them pass as soon as there is room)

Dan:

Adrian,

Two points for you guys :-)

Wow, it looks great!

DTM:

Quote: "With gas prices going up all the time and so many claiming cars as a big source for global warming, do we really nead another vehicle that consumes alot of petro? Why can't small and effecient be cool looking too?"

Well, the GS460 is replacing the GS430, so it's not another car. It is replacing what already existed. I like my fast, expensive, luxary vehicles. You like the tiny vehicles... to each his own. You should be begging Lexus to make you a tiny vehicle...but you're probably better off sticking with Toyota (I know they own Lexus) or a SmartCar (Which I drove the other day)...

John:

The back is from the Maxima, the side profile looks like a bloated Camery and the front is just plane ugly. There is only one lexus that i look (appearance wise) and that is the IS. I rather stick with my Infiniti G35 than go for that ugly thing.

Noya:

The back is from the Maxima, the side profile looks like a bloated Camery and the front is just plane ugly. There is only one lexus that i look (appearance wise) and that is the IS. I rather stick with my Infiniti G35 than go for that ugly thing. - John

I'll admit, the exterior is a little understated on the GS models. But the interior of these newer Lexus models are top-notch, leaps and bounds better than anything in its class put out by Infinity..or any other luxury automaker (as is the IS350 = much better looking than the G35).

twocent:

the back from is from maxima? dun think so....they have this design way b4 maxima or nissan come out with the style...

maybe they all use the same designer studio?

Curtis R.:

The GS is supposed to be Lexus's answer to the 5 series and its intended to be sportier... but being a Lexus thats a bit of a laugh. Dan, I'm guessing you're one of those tuner kids with the 1.8L Civic with a huge exhaust and all those tuner stickers (is it a 5 or 10 HP boost those stickers deliver). Anyways this car will outperform most cars on the road since its double wishbone in the front with a high-end suspension, rear wheel drive and a powerful powertrain. This particular vehicle has nothing on the BMW but still leaps and bounds better than all the other luxury jap cars.

As for it being better than the G35, there not in the same class. Its like comparing a Nissan Altima to a Nissan Maxima... Speaking of the Maxima, this generation of GS and Maxima came out I believe in the same year.

Its a shame Toyota doesn't style there cars better though. The GS on paper is impressive and its interior is class leading but the exteriors all every single generation of GS has been fugly.

kev:

hey curtis r i'll eat up that car with my 06 evo mr double whishbone is nothing compared to my all wheel drive beast and when i meet up with you on the freeway or on the line i'll make sure the rear end of my car is nice and clean cause when i hit 60 in about 4.5 sec thats all you will be seeing that car would never keep up me on any level and as far as the g35 goes bring that along too i eat up g35's all day long that car is slow and over priced i used to own one the evo is much faster the g35 and the gs can even be mentioned in the same sentence

Tony:

Hmm.. impressive numbers on the engine, but my issue is that nowadays it doesn't matter. People in the US want bigger cars, eventually the HP/TQ only increase to maintain the extra weight.

Ex: GS400 - 4.0L V8, same 0-60 time (and probably better 1/4 mile) than the 4.6L. Cars can only get so big before it becomes pointless...

(and off the topic, sure it seats 5 comfortably, but so does a small car. We don't all need our own zip codes while driving an hour or two. Hell, there are cars in Japan that classify as SUBcompact and fit 7 people!! yet our biggest, most expensive sedans still only sit 5.)

Post a comment

The Torque Report is part of Bestofmedia LLC