Autoblog

Oh, what fun, a luxury sport sedan advertising smackdown. Lexus has returned a volley after Audi made a shot across their bow with a TV spot swiping at Lexus and implying that a self-parking car is for non-driving drivers. Like that kid in class who never knew quite how to shoot back a response, Lexus has produced a couple of spots that are almost, almost badass. The spots, titled "Etiquette" and "Doughnut" juxtapose imagery of the GS 460 partaking in power oversteer antics to a soundtrack of operatic aria. That's cool, the Lexus 4.6 liter V8 does have a muscular snarl, and the GS can at least keep up with the pack. What's uncool is the snooty tagline, admonishing "just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should." Yeah, nannying is such a come-on to purchase. The tagline for "Doughnut" is even worse - "Yes, you can. And no, you shouldn't." Doesn't that just makes the "screw you" center in your brain light up? To create spots with badass imagery and hooligan undertones, only to soft-pedal the tagline and shroud it all in some sort of veil of "that's beneath us" does not sound the klaxon for enthusiasts. The car itself looks to be fun, if they've managed to put some discipline into the suspension, a real manual transmission, and dial back the electronic joy-killers.

[Source: Brandweek]

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We showed you the updated 2008 Lexus GS a few days ago, but Toyota has released a slew of official high-res images and all the specs on its midlevel luxury sedan and hybrid counterpart. For 2008, the GS 430 has been cancelled and replaced with the GS 460 sporting a 4.6L V8 producing 342 hp and 339 ft-lbs of torque. The bigger motor is also mated to Lexus' eight-speed transmission. The GS 350 retains its 3.5L V6 that produces a still respectable 303 hp and 274 ft-lbs. of torque. While all-wheel drive is available on the GS 350, it makes do with a mere six-speed auto.

As we learned a few days ago, the 2008 GS line has received a minor refresh that focuses on its front end. Specifically, a new lower bumper with different air intakes, new grille with chrome surround, and sharper styling for the inset driving lights have been added. The interior has also been updated with a dash that appears much simpler with which to interface. That new nav screen at 800x480 pixels is particularly impressive, as well.

The GS 450h hybrid model shares the same new front end as its petrol powered brothers. For 2008, the GS 450h also gets new blue-hued badges on its rocker side moldings and rear, blue "L" logos front and rear and blue-tinted headlamps. When did blue become the new green? The hybrids also get new light weight 18-inch alloys to roll around on.

[Source: Lexus]