(TORONTO) - Lexus in Canada today introduced the 2008 editions of its GS series performance luxury sedan, with new design touches throughout the line-up, more performance for the top of the line GS 460, and a price repositioning that makes all vehicles in the GS series more compelling choices for Canadian drivers.

"Lexus of Canada has enhanced the entire GS line - including the GS 450h hybrid model - with new standard features and specifications, and even more attractive suggested retail pricing." explained Yves Gionet, Director of Lexus in Canada. "The GS series launched the L-finesse design language that has now informed the look and feel of all Lexus passenger cars, so for 2008 Lexus decided to give all GS models an update with a newly designed grille, front and rear bumper, eadlamps and aluminium alloy wheels on the outside, as well as updated interior trim details,. Particularly exciting is the performance update for the GS 430 - now the GS 460 - in the form of a larger, 4.6-litre V8 and the same state-of-the-art eight-speed automatic transmission found in our flagship LS 460 prestige luxury sedan. If you add this to the introduction of more competitive pricing, there's never been a better time for Canadians to get behind the wheel of a Lexus."

For 2008, the Lexus GS series comes in four models: the GS 350 - in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive versions - the GS 460 in rear-wheel drive, and the GS 450h featuring the Lexus Hybrid Drive gasoline-electric power plant. All are well-equipped with many performance, comfort, convenience, luxury and safety features. All models feature the following:

• The Satellite Radio-ready Lexus Premium Audio System, which features AM/FM stereo/cassette/CD auto changer with 10 speakers, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and roof-mounted satellite radio "fin" antenna;
• Bluetooth® capability;
• A climate control system featuring automatic temperature control, dual zone air conditioning, a cabin air filter and rear seat heater ducts;Heated, power adjustable driver and front passenger bucket seats with leather seat surfaces and memory systems;
• Ventilation fans for the driver and front passenger seats; Power door locks with the Lexus Smart Key system and key lockout protection;
• Power windows with automatic up/down function on all windows and side window defoggers;
• Push button start; Cruise control;
• A full suite of instrumentation including a shift position indicator, multi-information display, digital compass, digital clock, outside temperature gauge and dual trip dometer;
• Electrochromic rear view mirror and dual illuminated vanity mirrors;
• Interior woodgrain trim; Chrome interior door handles;
• A power tilt/telescoping steering column with driver memory; The Lexus Premium Illuminated Entry System and a full lighting suite, including door courtesy lamps, driver and passenger footwell lamps, glove box lamp and trunk lamp;
• Convenient in-cabin storage, including driver and passenger opening door pockets, front centre console box, overhead console box, overhead sunglass storage, a driver's coin case compartment, front and rear cup holders and driver and front passenger seat back pockets;
• Accessory power outlets;
• First-aid kit and tool kit; Locking glove box;
• Power release for the fuel lid; Anti-theft system with engine immobilizer;
• Tire pressure monitoring system;
• Dual power remote heated and power folding exterior mirrors with electrochromic glass and integrated turn signals;
• Tinted glass with UV glass protection and water-repellent door glass;
• Power moon roof;
• High intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with the Lexus Light Control System and Auto Levelling Headlamp System;
• Variable intermittent wipers with mist feature and windshield wiper de-icer;
• Fog lamps. Rain-sensing wipers;
• The Lexus Adaptive Front Lighting System and headlamp washers;
• Clearance and back-up sensor;
• Power rear window sunshade;
• DVD-based navigation system;
• Back-up camera;
• A colour-keyed rear spoiler.

In addition to those items already mentioned, the GS 350 RWD is standard equipped with:

• Leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob;
• 17" aluminium alloy wheels with wheel locks.

In all, the base model 2008 edition of the GS 350 RWD features more than $7,000 in added value, for a manufacturer's suggested price of just $150 more than the 2007 base model.

In addition to the features common to all GS-series models, the GS 350 AWD includes all standard features found on the rear-wheel drive edition, plus the confidence of all-wheel drive. In addition, the GS 350 AWD may also be fitted with an Ultra Premium Package, which features all the standard items plus the following:

• A Mark Levinson Audio system featuring AM/FM stereo/cassette/compact disc/DVD autochanger and 14 speakers;
• A wood and leather trimmed steering wheel and shift knob.

In all, the base model 2008 edition of the GS 350 AWD features more than $8,700 in added value, but carries a manufacturer's suggested price that's $4,200 lower than the 2007 base model.

At the top of the conventionally-powered series, the GS 460 features a new, larger 4.6L V8, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all of the standard features common to all vehicles in the GS-series, plus the following:

• Premium leather seat surfaces;
• A wood and leather trimmed steering wheel and shift knob;
• 18" aluminium alloy wheels with wheel locks;
• A Mark Levinson Audio system featuring AM/FM stereo/cassette/compact disc/DVD autochanger and 14 speakers.

In all, the base model 2008 edition of the GS 460 features more than $7,000 in added value, but carries a manufacturer's suggested price just $1,700 more than the 2007 base model.

The GS 450h performance hybrid luxury sedan is in a class by itself. This vehicle - which in September became the first-ever hybrid to compete in the gruelling, 2,200 km TARGA Newfoundland road rally - combines a proven 3.5-litre V6 with a high-torque electric motor and continuously variable transmission to create a robust, smooth and quiet Lexus Hybrid Drive power system. The GS hybrid is then luxuriously appointed with all standard features common to the GS series, plus:

• A woodgrain steering wheel;
• A multi-information display featuring a kilowatt power meter and voltmeter;
• 18" aluminium alloy wheels with wheel locks;
• A Mark Levinson Audio system featuring AM/FM stereo/cassette/compact disc/DVD autochanger, and 14 speakers;
• Lexus Hybrid Blue-accented headlamps and tail lamps.

In all, the base model 2008 edition of the GS 450h features more than $6,900 in added value, but carries a manufacturer's suggested price that's $5,800 less than the 2007 base model.

The 2008 Lexus GS series is now on sale across Canada.. The GS 350 carries a manufacturer's suggested retail price starting at $59,900 for the rear-wheel drive version and starting at $61,000 for the all-wheel drive version, while the GS 460 starts at a suggested $73,000. The suggested retail price for the GS 450h starts at $71,100.

2008 LEXUS GS 350 RWD, GS 350 AWD, GS 460 AND GS 450h - PRODUCT DETAIL

Impressive performance

The 2008 Lexus GS series delivers big on performance, thanks to a choice of two engines.

The GS 350 RWD and GS 350 AWD are built around Lexus' proven 3.5 litre V6, featuring 24 valves and dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) on both intake and exhaust cams. This engine generates up to 303 HP @ 6,200 RPM and up to 274 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 RPM.

This same engine powers the GS 450h, but for the hybrid vehicle it's mated to a high-torque electric motor to deliver performance comparable to a 4.5-litre V8: Up to 339 HP and up to 267 lb-ft of torque through an impressive band of RPM ranges.

The GS 460 delivers awe-inspiring performance courtesy of a powerful yet efficient 4.6 litre V8 equipped with 32 valves, electrically driven variable valve timing with intelligence on the intake cam and variable valve timing with intelligence on the exhaust cam. The result is a formidable engine that produces up to 342 HP @ 6,400 RPM and up to339 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 RPM.

Both engines feature a lightweight aluminium alloy block, dual overhead cams, an electronic throttle control system with intelligence, a direct ignition system, an acoustic control induction system and a stainless steel exhaust. All conventionally-powered GS-series models qualify as Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions vehicles, while the GS-hybrid is rated as a Tier 2 Bin 3 vehicle.

The GS 350 models are fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the V8-equipped GS 460 is fitted with the same eight-speed automatic transmission found in the Lexus flagship vehicle, the LS 460 prestige luxury sedan. Both are super electronically controlled transmissions, featuring overdrive, a sequential multi-mode shifter, snow mode and a lock-up torque converter.

The GS 450h features an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission with sequential multi-mode shifter and snow mode setting. This transmission works with the vehicle's rear-wheel-drive electric motor to deliver smooth, confident and rapid acceleration with generous torque through most speed ranges.

The GS 350 with rear-wheel drive has a fuel efficiency rating of 10.9 L/100km in the city and 7.4L/100km on the highway, while the all-wheel drive version is rated at 11.6L/100km in the city and 8.0L/100km on the highway. The GS 460 is rated at 12.4L/100km in the city and 8.1L/100km on the highway.

The GS 450h delivers impressive performance, but with a surprising fuel efficiency of just 8.7L/100km in the city and 7.8L/100km on the highway.

Uncompromising control

All 2008 GS series models deliver impressive yet controlled power, thanks to a full-suite of handling and control systems. On GS 350 RWD models,these include electric power steering, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, and Hill-start Assist Control. GS 350 AWD adds the driving confidence of all-wheel drive.

The more powerful GS 460 RWD and the technologically advanced GS 450h are fitted with electric power steering with variable gear ratio, the state of the art Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System, plus Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, and Hill-start Assist Control technologies.

All GS models ride on an independent double-wishbone style front suspension and an independent multi-link rear control arm suspension, both enhanced with stabilizer bars. The GS 460 RWD and GS 450h are enhanced, front and rear, with an adaptive variable suspension (AVS) system.

Stopping power is assured via front and rear ventilated disc brakes, enhanced with the Lexus Antilock Braking System with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist technologies. For the GS 460, larger diameter front ventillated discs are fitted for maximum braking power, while the GS 450h takes advantage of the regenerative braking capabilities of the Lexus Hybrid Drive.

The GS series is standard equipped with performance summer radials:

P225/50R17 17" tires for the GS 350 models, and P245/40R18 18" tires for the GS 460 and GS 450h.

Comfort and safety

Inside, all 2008 GS series performance luxury sedans welcome passengers into a world of comfort, luxury and convenience. From the premium illuminated entry system, to the push button start, to the leather and wood interior finish, driver and passengers are treated as "honoured guests" in every GS model.

The GS-series seats up to five passengers in comfort, style and safety. Standard safety systems include 10 air bags: Dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, front seat mounted side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, front and rear head/side curtain airbags, and rear seat side airbags.

Three-point lap and shoulder seatbelts are fitted in all passengerpositions, and include power adjustable "B" pillar shoulder belt anchors as well as pre-tensioners and force limiters for both the front and rear seating positions. Younger occupants are kept safe with anchor points for child restraint seats and child protector rear door locks, and every GS-series performance luxury sedan includes a first aid kit.

Personalization

Guests may personalize their 2008 GS 350 RWD, GS 350 AWD, GS 460 or GS 450h on the Lexus in Canada web site (www.lexus.ca), or by visiting any Lexus Dealership across Canada.

Peace of mind

Guests of any vehicle in the 2008 GS series enjoy the peace of mind that comes with the industry-leading Lexus comprehensive warranty that covers the entire vehicle for four years/80,000 kilometres. Power train components are covered for six years/110,000 kilometres, major emission control components are covered for eight years/130,000 kilometres and corrosion perforation for six years with unlimited distance. On the GS-hybrid, all Lexus Hybrid Drive-specific components are covered for eight years/160,000 kilometers. Service adjustments - minor repairs not usually associated with the replacement of parts - are fully covered for one year/32,000 kilometres, while Lexus owners also enjoy the Tire Road Hazard Protection warranty and access to alternate transportation.

The four-year Lexus Roadside Assistance Program provides travel planning as well as the extra security and confidence of a dedicated toll-free telephone number and emergency service for towing - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The purchase or lease of a new GS 350 RWD, GS 350 AWD or GS 460 performance luxury sedan also includes free membership in Club Lexus, an online convenience service that places important vehicle ownership information at the member's fingertips.