Frankfurt Preview: 2008 Lexus GS tweaked to perfection
by John Neff on Aug 31st 2007 at 3:27PM 
click above image to enlarge
Lexus' itinerary for the Frankfurt Motor Show next month includes the European debut of the IS-F and the worldwide debut of this model, the 2008 Lexus GS 450h. The new GS 450h also clearly shows how the standard GS models will be tweaked for the 2008 model year. A new front bumper and tweaked headlight design, as well as new side mirrors with integrated turn signals, are the most obvious changes. The interior gets updated too, but Lexus only issued an image of the exterior, so we'll have to wait a couple of weeks to see what's going on inside the car. Also of note is a new "active stabilizer system" available on the GS 450h to improve the car's handling, perhaps attempting to compensate for the extra weight of the Hybrid Synergy Drive system.
Check out a high-res version of the new 2008 Lexus GS-450h by clicking the image above, and since the styling tweaks are subtle, we've also included comparison shots with a 2007 model after the jump.
[Source: Carscoop]
2008 model
2007 model
2008 model
2007 model
2008 model
2007 model
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
El Calor 3:36PM (8/31/2007)
The new bumper and lights look a LOT better!
http://www.my.is
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John P. 3:37PM (8/31/2007)
Are they really back lighting the Lexus Logo in the Grille, or is that just some cheesy photoshop job?
Overall, it's a (slightly) nice improvement over the 2007 in the looks dept.
It does look alot like a Camry doesn't it?
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MKIV 3:49PM (8/31/2007)
"It does look alot like a Camry doesn't it?"
NO!
John P. 3:59PM (8/31/2007)
MKIV @ Aug 31st 2007 3:49PM
"It does look alot like a Camry doesn't it?"
"NO!"
Actually, yes it does. Sorry to offend you, but it's a large Camry.
Drewboy 4:36PM (8/31/2007)
John, the Lexus ES is the Lexus based off of the Camry. The GS is a RWD vehicle, not FWD. Anyway, I like the GS. To refer to it as a large Camry is an insult to its awesomeness.
Larry 5:09PM (8/31/2007)
as does the ES and the LS!
John P. 11:21PM (8/31/2007)
I know it's a different platform than the Camry, but that doesn't change the fact it still looks like a big Camry.
Oh, and I do think it's a great car.
jas12niss 3:55PM (8/31/2007)
Wow, I couldn’t recognize if it was a GS for a minute, good for you Toyota Oops I mean Lexus.
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Rolf B 4:01PM (8/31/2007)
And a nose light just for the "L" of it.
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Jruhi4 4:16PM (8/31/2007)
From what I've read elsewhere, the backlit logo on the grille is only for the hybrid GS450h. The GS350 and GS460 won't have it.
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YouFaceTheTick 4:40PM (8/31/2007)
Still a bland boat. Lexus must spend its profits on parties or something because it's obvious design is an after-thought.
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Larry 4:49PM (8/31/2007)
It should be called "ORCA!"
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stefan 4:47PM (8/31/2007)
@jas12niss
You couldn't recognize it, are you stevie wonder? And the GS has very little in common with any toyota only the crown but that should be seen as a compliment.
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SPG 5:32PM (8/31/2007)
I personally perferred the 2007 style.
However, perferring cars with personality I can't say as I'd ever be intrested in owning this car.
Unless it was a company car. Then I'd rock it.
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Sam Gross 3:41PM (9/02/2007)
The grille logo is just blue, like in the LS460hL, the light reflecting off of it makes it look backlit.
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Dan1212 11:11PM (8/31/2007)
The Active Stabilizer Suspension System has been offered on the past GS 450h as well, IIRC.
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nagmashot 11:21PM (8/31/2007)
woow looks like a 2000 Renault Laguna...what a ugly car, good that Lexus has no success outside the USA..
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RockStoneSteel 12:46AM (9/01/2007)
It's difficult to distinguish between any of the Lexus models, revised or not. They all look so similar, it's difficult to understand why they make multiple models.
But it's a moot point anyway, their obsession with all things 4 door renders Lexus somewhat irrelevant to the younger generation. If they were to make any of their cars in a 2 door coupe, particularly the IS, the average age of Lexus owners would probably drop by two or three decades.
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Jason 2:41AM (9/01/2007)
Very minor difference. But if any spot needed to be enhanced, it was the plain jane front air intake area on the bumper. Lexus fell asleep on the 2006 model at this spot. This was a no-brainer.
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Woodrow 7:38PM (9/01/2007)
Yet another Lexus clone with 1990's styling. You probably will need a second mortgage on your home to be able to afford this overpriced Camry.
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