Autoblog

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]

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]

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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]