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SEMA 2008: Lexus GS 460 by Five Axis

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:39:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Sedan, Lexus

Click above for high-res gallery of the Five Axis Lexus GS 460

Lexus is really getting into this whole SEMA thing. Besides the IS F, plenty of which we'll be showing you shortly, there was this slick GS 460 done up by long-time Toyota collaborator Five Axis. The Project GS is Troy Sumitomo's follow-up to last year's sweet IS F. It features a Five Axis widebody conversion slathered in PPG custom formulated Satin Titanium Pearl paint with onyx and papaya accents, a custom fabricated exhaust with dual finishers by Five Axis, Five:AD ONYX 20-inch wheels wrapped in Yokohama Advan concept tires, sport shocks, performance lowering springs and a high-performance Big Brake Kit. While the front fascia is a bit too Mazda concept-ish, the overall look is slick and stealth. Matte finishes are probably just at the end of their useful lifespan, but these guys do it right. Hit the jump for official details from Lexus and check out the gallery for more live shots in hi-res.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Lexus GS 460 by Five Axis

Continue reading SEMA 2008: Lexus GS 460 by Five Axis

SEMA 2008: Lexus GS 460 by Five Axis originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus brand isn't flying in Toyota's home market

Dan Roth — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Lexus, Toyota

In trying to establish a Japanese-market foothold for Lexus, Toyota has seemingly fallen prey to the same tactic that made the Cadillac Cimmaron such a maroon. When trying to launch a brand, especially an upscale brand, it's not advisable to rebadge existing models and crank up the price. It doesn't seem to matter how good the car is, or how swanky the new $10-million-a-pop showroom is, once an Altezza, always an Altezza, and paying 20 percent more for the same car with a different logo is rightfully galling.

Japanese luxury car buyers also have quite a taste for European iron, specifically German cars from the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes. Enthusiasts in Toyota's own backyard echo the universal car-guy complaint that Lexus vehicles lack personality. There's no denying that Lexus cars are well-made and capable, and the IS-F may finally infuse the brand with enough attitude to woo buyers of storied marques. Currently, most Lexus buyers in Japan are stepping up from Toyota ownership. Less than 5 percent of sales are conquests, and actual sales have lagged behind projections. Lexus offerings have been expanded from the initial IS, GS, and SC models to include the LS, and the RX will be coming in 2009. While it may appear less than successful so far, Toyota can afford to be patient. American buyers have fully embraced Toyota and Lexus nameplates to the point where they're both smashing successes. In another two to three years, we're betting Lexus will have a cheery song to sing in Japan.

[Source: Businessweek]

Lexus brand isn't flying in Toyota's home market originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Lexus GS priced: $245 gets you 52 HP more than last year

Chris Shunk — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 12:52:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Lexus

The 2008 Lexus GS 460 will only go up in price by $245 to $52,620, despite a power surge from 290 HP to a much more satisfying 342 ponies. The GS 350 and 450h will stay in the same price range as the outgoing 2007 model, despite tweaks inside and out. The GS (AWD version) has been under fire of late due to its poor performance in the most recent Consumer Reports, and it's the only Lexus (ever?) to be unrecommended. News that the price is staying relatively flat in spite of the big power boost and updates couldn't have come at a better time.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

2008 Lexus GS priced: $245 gets you 52 HP more than last year originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Oct 2007 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2008 Lexus GS 460 and 450h

John Neff — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Lexus

click either image to view high-res galleries

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]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2008 Lexus GS 460 and 450h

Officially Official: 2008 Lexus GS 460 and 450h originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Sep 2007 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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