The 2008 Lexus GS comes in three different models, each distinguished by its powertrain. The GS350 is powered by a 303-horsepower V6 engine, while the GS460 has a 342-horsepower V8 engine. At the top of the range is the GS450h, which has a hybrid powertrain combining a 3.5L V6 with an electric motor system, to produce 340 horsepower altogether.

The GS460 can accelerate to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds, while the GS450h can get to 60 in 5.2 seconds.

The GS350 has an available all-wheel drive system, but other GS models are rear-wheel drive. The AWD system normally sends 70 percent of engine power to the rear wheels but brings up to 50 percent of power to the front wheels when the conditions warrant. With a planetary-gear differential and wet multi-disc clutch, the torque transfer is very smooth.

The GS450h model's hybrid powertrain is a so-called "full hybrid" system, meaning it can provide electric-only operation at low speeds for short distances to optimize fuel economy. The system recovers some energy to the battery pack, installed in the rear-seat area, when braking or decelerating. The hybrid model carries EPA fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg city, 25 highway.

Standard on the GS460 and optional on other models is the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system, which brings four settings ranging from a softer, comfort-oriented mode to a "sport" mode for high-performance driving. On the GS460, there's also an Active Power Stabilizer system, controlled by electronic actuators, that reduces body sway for better control in hard cornering.

All GS models feature standard VDC electronic stability control, but GS460 and GS450h models upgrade to the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system, which seamlessly integrates the long list of standard electronic safety and performance technology-including the anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, and variable-ratio steering-together.

The Variable Gear Ratio Steering on the GS460 is electrically operated, lighter, and more efficient than traditional systems, and it can change the ratio so that response is quick in parking maneuvers yet stable in highway lane changes. The GS460 also has an electronically controlled, "brake-by-wire" system that's backed up with a traditional hydraulic system.

A Pre-Collision System (PCS) is optional. PCS uses radar sensors to detect obstacles in front of the car and, if it determines a collision is unavoidable, it retracts seatbelts, stiffens the suspension, primes the brake assist, and will automatically apply the brakes if the driver doesn't respond to warnings. Other standout technology functions on the GS include the Adaptive Front Lighting System, which swivels the headlight beams to better illuminate dark corners, and Intuitive Park Assist (IPA), which uses ultrasonic sensors to detect nearby objects during parking in the direction of steering.

All GS models come with leather upholstery, ten-way-adjustable power seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power rear sunshade, and a ten-speaker sound system with a cassette player and six-CD changer. GS460 and GS450h models come with heated and ventilated front seats, perforated leather upholstery, rear-seat side air bags, rain-sensing wipers, headlamp washers, and the IPA parking system. Interior appointments come in a variety of materials, including Walnut, Dark Gray, or Brown Bird's Eye Maple trim and a variety of leathers.

Major options include a Mark Levinson Premium Audio system, with 330 watts, eleven channels, and the capability to play multi-format, multi-media CDs or DVDs on the included screen, and a DVD-based navigation system with Bluetooth hands-free interface.

Model Strengths

Lively acceleration; impressive overall performance; sporty driving characteristics; high-technology safety and convenience equipment; available all-wheel drive (GS350).

Model Changes

For 2008, the Lexus GS gets minor appearance revisions inside and out. Outside, the front fascia, bumper, and lower intake have new styling, and the grille is now surrounded in chrome. Inside, the instrument panel gets a new brushed-aluminum surround, and door switches now are surrounded with wood trim. Light gray leather trim and dark gray wood trim are a new combination available through the model line, and the 450h now has an exclusive interior color, Black Opal Mica with blue highlights.

All models get turn signals integrated into side-view mirrors. The 450h now also gets a VDIM cutoff switch to allow the driver to disengage the electronic stability control system.

Model Value

While Lexus's similarly sized ES sedan is oriented more for comfort, the 2008 GS line is configured for performance and sporty driving characteristics. All three models have impressive acceleration and well-rounded performance, and with all-wheel drive available on the GS350, it's a good alternative for those with serious winter weather. The GS-especially in the 460 and 450h models-is also a high-tech powerhouse, with many features, such as the Pre-Collision System, not widely found in its rivals.

The GS450h also continues to stand out as unique model in the market, as a hybrid model with a distinct performance emphasis. It outpaces the V8, and even so, it has 30-percent better mileage, according to Lexus.

The Lexus GS is a series of mid-size luxury sports sedans / executive cars sold by Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota. The first GS, based on the platform and running gear of the Toyota Crown, was introduced in 1991 in Japan and two years later in the United States, Europe and selected markets in Asia. The GS was designed to fill the gap between the ES and LS and to provide Lexus with a sports sedan that could compete with the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The second generation model premiered in 1998.

The GS design was sold as the Toyota Aristo in Japan until 2006, when the Lexus marque was introduced in that country, which also meant for the Toyota Aristo to be discontinued for the 2005 model year. Though essentially identical, GS and the Aristo differed in their engine and transmission combinations as well as equipment packages. The current third generation GS comes in both V6, V8, and hybrid versions.

With a body styled by the famous Italdesign Giugiaro firm, the Aristo was launched in October 1991, offering two versions: the R6 3.0 with a 24-valve, 276hp twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE engine, and the 3.0Q with a 226hp 2JZ-GE engine. A third model, the 4.0Zi-Four joined the Aristo lineup in 1992 and given the chassis code UZS143. This model came with the 1UZ-FE engine also found in the Toyota Celsior/Lexus LS and the Toyota Crown Majesta and standard four wheel drive. The only engine available for the export markets was the 2JZ-GE. The first generation Aristos were fitted with a 3.0L twin-turbo engine the same that can be found in the mark IV Toyota Supra. The vehicles were also designed with monocoque body structures and featured an independent, double-wishbone suspension setup.

Production of the Lexus GS 300 began on February 22, 1993 at the Tahara, Japan assembly plant. At the time, the GS represented the latest advancement of Lexus production technology, with only eight spot welds performed by hand. The rest, some 4,200 welds