Brisbane show: updated Lexus GS also cheaper

LEXUS has taken the scalpel to selected variants of its facelifted GS large sedan line-up, including the upgraded GS460 that made its debut Australian appearance at the Brisbane motor show opening last Friday (February 1).

Pricing for the redesigned Lexus SUV flagship, the third-generation LX570 that goes on sale in two grades for the first time from April and also appeared in Brisbane, is yet to be announced.

However, the Toyota luxury car division revealed a six per cent price reduction for the volume-selling GS300 Sports Luxury, to $105,900. Previously, the GS300 Luxury was priced at $112,524, while the entry-level GS300 Sports is now priced at $96,900 (up from $95,174).

Pricing for the petrol-electric GS450h remains unchanged at $124,900, but the new GS460 range-topper is now priced at $134,900 - almost two per cent less than the GS430 it replaces ($137,424).

All four versions of the updated GS sedan range are now on sale – except the GS460, which hits Lexus retail outlets in March and adopts its 225kW/460Nm 4.6-litre V8 engine and world-first eight-speed automatic transmission from last year’s new LS460 sedan flagship. Despite sprinting to 100km/h one second sooner than its GS430 forebear (in 5.4 seconds), the GS460 is also claimed to reduce fuel consumption to 11.0L/100km.



All GS300 models have received Lexus’ Adaptive Variable Suspension, premium leather trim and the brand’s VDIM stability control system, while an electric moonroof remains a $2500 option on the GS300 Sports and a delete option on other GS models. Changes across the entire GS model family include subtle new front and rear bumper designs, new mirrors and different wheels and door-handles. Inside, all GS variants also receive a revised steering wheel, instrument panel, aluminium-look shift plate and revised flip-down control panel.

“The additional specification and the revised styling will make the GS line more attractive to luxury vehicle buyers,” said Lexus Australia chief executive John Roca.

“In fact, the pricing revisions reflect the importance of GS 300 Sports Luxury and new GS 460 in our vehicle line-up. Across the board, Lexus has either reduced price or increased specification, while our hybrids continue to represent outstanding value,” said Mr Roca.

Lexus Australia sold about 8200 vehicles in 2007 following 11 record sales months last year.

2008 Lexus GS range pricing:
GS300 Sports (a)	$96,900
GS300 Sports Luxury (a)	$105,900
GS450h (a)	$124,900
GS460 (a)	$134,900

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