2008 Lexus GS 450h - Frankfurt Show Debut

4wheels0 submitted on 08/30/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 1:29 PM
from: carscoop.blogspot.com

[62] user comments | category: Spy Shots

Tags: Lexus, Lexus GS 450h, GS, Frankfurt Show

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Lexus

Lexus GS 450h

Frankfurt Show

2008 Lexus GS 450h - Frankfurt Show Debut

According to Lexus' telegraphic press release, the upgraded GS 450h will be launched later this year, featuring subtly re-designed front headlights and improved interior details while it can also be ordered with an electronically activated active stabiliser system in combination with runflat tire technology.

However, a closer look at the image that Lexus supplied reveals that the 2008 GS 450 h -and consequently, the whole GS range, will also feature a redesigned front bumper and new door mirrors with integrated side indicators. Read Article

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SupraNeverBack - 8/30/2007 2:35:42 PM

+3 Boost

Nice, but Lexus dropped the ball on GS460.

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david989 - 8/30/2007 3:01:17 PM

-1 Boost

The glowing blue Lexus symbol is so innovative. I am sure the Germans will copy this soon. The next A4 will have it for sure. But the Audi logo looks cheap and boring compared to the stylish Lexus logo.

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S4cabriofoxone - 8/30/2007 5:18:53 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

I think the blue logo looks horrific. It is not glowing- it's computer-printed paper that's black with blue edging, which they stick behind the "L." I saw a close-up of the LS600hL badge.

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Czelinski - 8/30/2007 2:46:30 PM

-3 Boost

Looks as bad as the current one, go on deboost me Lexus boys. But it really does...

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bmwdrvr - 8/30/2007 2:49:17 PM

-1 Boost

ive been saying the jaguar xf looks like the lexus gs, but seeing the lexus in pics now, it really doesnt the jaguar looks alot different. oh well im wrong some times lol. but ive always thought the gs, and the original sc were the best looking things from toyota other than the last generation supra. because they dont look like anything else especially the old gs which is something new and fresh back than. the rest of the lexus lineup is boring, and generic

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david989 - 8/30/2007 2:57:21 PM

-5 Boost

Someone remind us all why the Lexus GS is the class leader?

I'll do it.

Quality
Style
Reliability
Comfort
Handling
Refinement
Interior
Price

Such a beautiful car. It could almost compete with Bentley on looks alone.

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Bill - 8/31/2007 5:08:23 AM

-1 Boost

Quality: Yes
Style: Subjective, I find it ugly.
Reliability: Yes
Comfort: Average at best, according to most reviews.
Handling: You for real?
Refinement: Average.
Interior: Good
Price: Good

The GS is cramped and has a poor payload capacity, like most Lexus cars. Nothing class-leading about it. People buy it because of the value and the perceived qualities.

david989 - 8/30/2007 2:58:17 PM

-4 Boost

S4cabriofoxone - 8/30/2007 5:21:04 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

I don't think any current GS model has won a comparison test, ever, by any magazine.

S4cabriofoxone - 8/30/2007 11:02:01 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

david989 is not a real Lexus-lover. Please, do not reply to his comments seriously.

Kinger - 8/31/2007 6:07:52 AM

+1 Boost

More marketing then, why don't they just make class leading products then they wouldn't have to bother with all this crap...

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Matthew1 - 8/30/2007 4:43:00 PM

+3 Boost

houstoncutie2000,

What the hell was that post all about...

Do you have some sort of 'post quota' from Toyota?

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Rupert - 8/31/2007 10:07:47 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

I'm pretty sure you can't advertise on this site...and giving a phone number to Toyota car loans or whatever kinda is advertising.

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Lexus - 8/30/2007 4:07:46 PM

-1 Boost

Wow....this upgrade really make the huge different on the already beautiful Lexus GS 450h. It very aggressive and sporty.

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S4cabriofoxone - 8/30/2007 5:24:48 PMView My AgentSpace

-6 Boost

I don't think it "make the huge different" at all. The old GS450h actually looked better. The only appreciable difference is the better mirror design. On the other hand, the blue hybrid logo is tacky and strange (I could understand green, but blue?), and I prefer the old headlamp design.

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STJ88 - 8/30/2007 6:10:55 PM

0 Boost

@SevorbeupstryIsBack

So what if benz invented Signal lights in the mirrors, lexus invented the 4 round headlight design than benz love's so much.

And you german fanboy realy don't have nothing to do but to hate on lexus, autospies is nothing but one big player haters ball.

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S4cabriofoxone - 8/30/2007 6:50:14 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

What are you SPOUTING about???!?!?!?!?!!!!

Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz had the four-light look DECADES ago! Before Lexus was even fetal!!!

Matthew1 - 8/30/2007 6:56:07 PM

-1 Boost

STJ88,

"autospies is nothing but one big player haters ball"

And you are one of the worst offenders!

With such quotes as:

"It doesnt matter how much BHP the TT has it still looks like crap"

"Its a DUD only german fanboy's can find something this ugly a STUD"

"Renults are ugly turds"

"The difference between the X6 and the other two is that the X6 looks like crap"

Spoken like a true adult. *sniggers*

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 8/31/2007 3:42:49 AM

+2 Boost

"So what if benz invented Signal lights in the mirrors, lexus invented the 4 round headlight design than benz love's so much."

What the **** are you talking about????

Bill - 8/31/2007 5:05:55 AM

+1 Boost

"So what if benz invented Signal lights in the mirrors, lexus invented the 4 round headlight design than benz love's so much."

Lexus did? When?

Because Mercedes had these headlights with the 1976-1985 W123 E-Class - a time when Lexus wasn't even around yet.

Heck, Jaguar had similar lights on their late 1960s Type S I believe. Cut the bullshit and start posting some facts, moron. People here hate Lexus "fans" on this site are stupid little fanboys who post nothing but lies. And the sad thing is these idiots believe the crap they post.

Lexluther - 8/30/2007 7:07:04 PM

-1 Boost

Matthew,

What is "sniggers"?

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Matthew1 - 8/30/2007 8:30:49 PM

+1 Boost

It's like laughing under your breath.

Lexus - 8/30/2007 11:28:15 PM

-3 Boost

sevor,

I really appreciate it if you Don"t use the word "F" on this forum...unless Agent001 allowed all of us to use it than it a different story, so please reframe from it.

What technology has MB, BMW and Audi come out lately? nothing....For the past couple of year Lexus seem to being dominating in this category.

For example, self-park system, 8 speed transmission, first luxury brand to have full hybrid tech, and the list goes on and on....

All the German and it fanboys is curse and hate Toyota and Lexus. Hate all you want, Toyota/Lexus and other Japanese auto company is taking over.

The last time I check the Hyundai did better than the 5 series and other German brand.

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SevorbeupstryIsBack - 8/31/2007 3:43:48 AM

+3 Boost

**** you.

That better?

Bill - 8/31/2007 5:03:41 AM

+3 Boost

"What technology has MB, BMW and Audi come out lately? nothing....For the past couple of year Lexus seem to being dominating in this category. "

Wow, you're an idiot, Mr. Lexus.

You make such stupid and outrageous claims it is not even funny anymore. The Germans, just like the Japanese, have done a lot in these past few years from a technology standpoint. Perhaps you should get your head out of your Lexus ass and press releases and read something worthwhile about European makes. That's right, stop reading those Toyota and Lexus magazines, which are naturally biased and lack objectivity.

And did Lexus invent hybrids? NO. Hybrids are nothing new. They've been around for ages, but not in use in automobiles. Submarines are good example of how hybrid technology was used in the early 20th century combining gasoline or diesel engines with an electric motor. The combustion engine was used for surface travel while the electric motor took care of propulsion when the submarine was submerged. I believe the Volkswagen AG showcased the first real hybrid car in the 1980s, but a lack of demand meant the concept wasn't pursued.

And let's not forget how overrated hybrids are. Toyota doesn't advertise the fact that outside of the city, hybrids achieve poor fuel economy, especially those overweight and overpowered Lexus hybrids. You really think a heavy car like a Lexus LS600h is going to achieve superb fuel economy once the electric motor stops working and the gasoline engine takes over? NO.

Is an 8-speed automatic transmission a new invention? NO. Adding another cog to a 7-speed transmission is not innovation, it's an improvement. I don't care what the advertisements from Lexus or Mercedes or whatever claim about the 7Gtronic or 8-speed automatic, it's an improvement of an existing object.

And you claim that Lexus is a technology leader? Really? Last time I checked, they took existing technology and improved it. That's hardly innovation. And do you know where Lexus get's this technology from? Audi, BMW and Mercedes and God know's what other brands they "steal" from. Nice try at changing the facts, moron.

Kinger - 8/31/2007 6:46:43 AM

+3 Boost

"For example, self-park system, 8 speed transmission, first luxury brand to have full hybrid tech, and the list goes on and on...."

The self-parking system doesn't work, the 8 speed transmission isn't all that great either from what i've read. Too many gears meens it hunts for the right gear in certain scenarios. The hybrid was first created by Ferdinand Porsche in 1901.

Why don't Lexus come out with some real innivations? Instead of just amalgamating innovations from other car makers into their own products.

In terms of engine innovations BMW can't be beat, just read this article on the N52 engine of you think the Germans are doing nothing for innovation: http://www.mwerks.com/artman/publish/features/printer_960.shtml
They're constantly innovating and looking for new solutions to problems, the only difference is Lexus market every little thing they do to death.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 8/31/2007 7:41:11 AM

+2 Boost

"Is an 8-speed automatic transmission a new invention? NO. Adding another cog to a 7-speed transmission is not innovation, it's an improvement. I don't care what the advertisements from Lexus or Mercedes or whatever claim about the 7Gtronic or 8-speed automatic, it's an improvement of an existing object."

I'm a bit of a transmission-phile and I can say the 8-speed gearbox shifts very smooth and overall it's a very good gearbox. But the 8 gears are not being used properly. Mercedes has been building their own transmissions for over 60 years and when the 7G-tronic was launched in 2003 it was way ahead of its time and still is! It's easily the best automatic gearbox out there that has a torque converter. ZF's new 6-speed is also fabulous. The Lexus 8-speed is just average, since it's just an Aisin 6-speed unit but 2 extra gears. It doesn't even has full lock-up torque converter on all gears! 7 gears is the ultimate, even Mercedes engineers said that adding more gears would be useless. So overall it's definitely not a better gearbox than the 7G-tronic. And we are not even talking about the AMG's modified 7G Speedshift!

david989 - 8/31/2007 8:19:45 AM

-3 Boost

Lexus invents an 8 speed gearbox and the German fanboys can't take it. The Lexus 8 speed beats the Benz 7 speed anyday which is so outdated and useless. If the 8 speed is so useless as the German fanboys claim then why is it being used in the IS-F or LS460!?

Kinger - 8/31/2007 9:19:52 AM

+3 Boost

The reason they made an 8-speed gear box was just so they could market having one more gear than Mercedes, but as SevorbeupstryIsBack said, its an average gearbox, since it is just an existing unit with two more gears, unlike a whole new unit like the 7G-tronic is.

Here's a snippet of a review from WhatCar magazine:

"Out-and-out pace is decent, but the standard eight-speed automatic gearbox seems to have one more ratio than it knows what to do with. When you want acceleration, it takes a few moments to decide on the best ratio, which can be frustrating."

http://www.whatcar.co.uk/car-review-full.aspx?RT=2694#Road

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 8/31/2007 3:26:55 PM

+1 Boost

"Lexus invents an 8 speed gearbox and the German fanboys can't take it. The Lexus 8 speed beats the Benz 7 speed anyday which is so outdated and useless. If the 8 speed is so useless as the German fanboys claim then why is it being used in the IS-F or LS460!?"

Go **** yourself. This is how Americans think (or at least Lexus believes it)

Mercedes 7 gears
Lexus 8 gears

Americans think Lexus is better.

Rupert - 8/31/2007 10:10:54 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Lexus, you want one invention that the germans have invented?

FSI.
Common rail diesel.

2 inventions far more important than 8 speeds or self parking.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 9/1/2007 5:36:33 AM

0 Boost

Personally I couldn't care less about self-parking cars.. it's just ridiculous. LEARN TO PARK! I don't need parking sensors or silly cameras!

Htay7500 - 9/1/2007 7:51:50 AM

+3 Boost

self-parking and 8 speed trannie arent REAL inventions. it doesnt sound nessecary.

safety innovations from MB are real inventions.

Will_ - 8/31/2007 1:13:32 PM

+1 Boost

I think the blue logo is cool, and the GS is one of my favorite Lexus designs, especially in black.

No reply necessary, for it wont change my opinion.

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Alec - 8/31/2007 2:10:05 PM

+2 Boost

hmm... I actually like the first GS450h design better. But im ok on this one. Though I hoped they improved the trunk space. The first one had such a small space, you'd think it came out of a small sedan.

Quality: Very good.
Style: Im on the fence about it.
Reliability: Like any Lexus fanboy will boast "Lexus has superior reliability"
Comfort: Looks comfy for me. Its no S class or LS. But seems to be well for those long distance drives.
Handling: This is a hybrid, who in the right mind think of handling. It turns left and right. I think thats good enough. Its not a sports car.
Refinement: Very well appointed
Interior: Its not austere, looks nicey put together.
Price: Costs like the old one doesnt it?

Thats my take.

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moto - 8/31/2007 2:40:30 PM

+1 Boost

david989, everything you have ever submitted to Autospies discussions has been completely void of references and facts, delivered with complete pro-Japanese bias. Certainly there are several brainless pro-German posters here too, but the vast majority of true automotive enthusiasts (Rupert, Kinger, et al) actually back up their point with data and references. Please try it sometime, then maybe someone will take you seriously.

So let's talk about transmissions. Tell us, how does the "Lexus 8 speed beat the Benz 7 speed anyday"? Can you please provide specifics?

The reason for a wider range of gear ratios is so that an engine can be tuned for a narrower power band, thus tuned for more efficiency with no sacrifice in performance. Did Lexus do this? No, not well. They added a heavier, larger transmission but didn't re-tune the engine to take full advantage of it. I'm sure that they will, but as Mercedes found out, it becomes a point of diminishing returns -- everyone likes a flexible engine with plentiful torque, and no one really cares the number of cogs in your gearbox. It's a another fine example of how bragging about one particular number ("we have 8 gears!!!") doesn't mean a damn thing. Grow up, fanboy.

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SevorbeupstryIsBack - 9/1/2007 10:53:49 AM

-1 Boost

Someone with brains. Thank you.

sacknell - 10/12/2007 3:53:58 AM

+1 Boost

Had to join this discussion! First of all, I thought this was about the 450h? So what's this about 8 speed transmissions?
I went to the Lexus dealer in early july to check the car out, test drove the 450h(2007) for 3 whole days. The car was great, road noise no louder than my T-bird supercoupe. The run flat tires make the ride a bit hard but I always keep my sus on the firm setting anyway. Yes, it is good to have a back up camera. This will be my first one, but it prevents the 'oops I scratched my brand new bumper blues'. If you don't want to use it, just hit the off button. Also the ability to hit a button on the navi, and talk to a real person who will set your route and destination wirelessly was amazing. More amazing is it's free for 3 yrs! When it came time to order, I too was really upset at the logo, until I was assured that it does not glow ala Mecury Sable. By the way my salesman was polite and courteous. Didn't see any Samurai gear anywhere in the shop! Here in Tokyo, bowing to the customer is a must! And even though he spoke little english, he treated me as a human should be treated, and yes I was dressed casually, not as an exec(which I am not). Actually I was a hard sell as I didn't really care for Lexus. On that 3 day testdrive, the car actually sold itself. My salesman also unoficially told me secrets about this car in advance that made me wait for it. He also made sure that my name is near the top of the list and he will get it to me as soon as it rolls out of the plant and passes inspections. I am anxiously waiting delivery of my brand new 2008 450h with a full areo kit!
The Logo is not paper as someone suggested. It is the same one as the LS600h. I will still look into taking it off, as it makes the car look slow which it is defintely not! Superb acceleration. I don't drink so I won't be able to do a champagne test, but I will let you know of any defects I find. I do hope they fixed the center console armrest which pops when I (a rather large person) put my weight on it to exit.

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