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2008 Vehicle Model Guide

2008 LEXUS NEW VEHICLE MODEL GUIDE

LexusLexus, the elite upshot brand from Toyota of Japan, promotes luxurious high-performance machines casted as elegant sedans, sporty coupes and rugged, yet refined, sport utility wagons. For 2008, Lexus rolls out the world's first super-luxury, hybrid sedan with lavish over-the-top comforts and space, plus a gas-electric powertrain. Labeled LS 600h L, the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)is a high-tech hybrid variation of the stretched LS 460 L super-luxury sedan. Lexus also shows a new generational design for its full-size Lexus SUV the LX 570, in addition to its souped-up performance IS-F sedan.

2008 Lexus LSLS Series
The full-size Lexus flagship bears the badge of LS 460 in recognition of its 4.6-liter V8 engine, which produces 380 horsepower and mates to an automatic transmission with eight speeds. Additionally, the Lexus offers a long-wheelbase version riding on a 121.7-inch wheelbase platform, offering limousine comfort for rear seat passengers. The stretched LS 460L offers reclining rear seats with retracting footrests, along with individual DVD-based video screens. For preventive safety, the options include a Pre-Collision System packaged with Emergency Steering Assist and Lane-Keeping Assist. The LS Series latest paint shade is Opaline Pearl.

2008 Lexus LS HybridLS Hybrid
The new LS 600h L HEV is the most complex, sophisticated and luxurious automobile available. Its Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) controls all the energy produced by gas/electric engines and applies it to all wheels through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT). There's a 389-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 gas-powered engine with three high-voltage electric motors. Safety gear includes vehicle stability control (VSC), electronic traction control (ETC), and a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM). A camera on the steering column can monitors the driver's face, figuring out if you are nodding off or not watching the road.

2008 Lexus ESES Series
The elegant ES mid-size sedan from Lexus is the company's only sedan in front-wheel-drive (FWD) format. Its name — ES 350 — reflects the engine displacement from a 3.5-liter aluminum V6, which climbs to 272 horsepower through a six-speed automatic transaxle. The ES body styling is sleek, with a low-sloping hood crowned by oversized projector-beam headlamp clusters and a severely raked windshield leading to an arching canopy over the cabin. The luxurious five-place compartment is trimmed in fine fabrics or soft leather hides, glossy walnut hardwoods and gleaming metals.

2008 Lexus GSGS Series
The GS Series offers two high-performance rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sports sedan stuffed with high-tech mechanical hardware divide into editions based on engine size. The GS 430 gets a 4.3-liter V8 with VVT-i (variable valve timing with intelligence) to make 290 horsepower, while the GS 350 totes a robust direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 with VVT-i for 303 horsepower. The V8 uses an eight-speed automatic with sequential manual shifter. Additionally, the GS 350 adds optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction for Snow Belt states. An adaptive variable suspension is also board with more computerized controls than many other production cars. Fresh styling on the GS prow brings a new grille ringed in chrome.

2008 Lexus GS HybridGS Hybrid
Lexus steers the Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) concept into the GS 450h sports sedan. It's a hybrid (gas/electric powertrain) high-performance sports sedan, and a quick Lexus — capable of running from a stand-still start to 60 mph in only 5.2 seconds. The GS 450h promises fuel economy marks as frugal as any small four-cylinder engine. However, the sum of this car's gas-powered V6 engine and on-board electric motors tallies over 330 horsepower. This one's strictly high-tech in equipment while utterly luxurious.

2008 Lexus SCSC Series
The two-seat sports car from Lexus converts from hardtop coupe to daring convertible with push-button ease. With the roof raised, the SC 430 carries an arching profile that looks energetic up front, yet retro in the rear with a roly-poly rump. With the hardtop in the trunk, the SC seems fluid and fast like a racy roadster. A six-speed, sequential-shift automatic links to the aluminum 4.3-liter V8, which nets 288 horsepower. Lexus lines the sports car with gear for safety and performance, as well as electronic displays and lavish appointments. A new Pebble Beach edition wears Smoky Granite Mica paint.

2008 Lexus ISIS Series
These compact-class sports sedans resemble high-strung rally cars while acting like road-hugging touring sedans. The models offer V6 engines. A 2.5-liter V6 netting 204 horsepower and options for RWD or AWD traction drops into the IS 250. The 3.5-liter V6 goes to the IS 350 for 306 horsepower. The IS 250 brings a six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed sequential-shift automatic with paddle-shifters. VSC applies to the IS 250, while the IS 350 scores VDIM equipment. An optional X Package adds a sport suspension, sport pedals, illuminated scuff plates and a lip spoiler.

2008 Lexus IS-FIS-F Series
Lexus is building a new, high-performance sport sedan off its IS compact-class platform, creating the most powerful engine ever for Lexus. The 2008 IS-F stocks a 5.0-liter direct injection V8 rated at over 400 horsepower with huge torque. The plant works with the world's first eight-speed, direct sport-shift transmission (DST) with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Expect zero-to-60 times below the 5-second mark. The vehicle rides an one inch lower than conventional IS sedans, and stocks cross-drilled front disc brakes and 19-inch, forged aluminum alloy wheels.

2008 Lexus LXLX Series
The full-size Lexus SUV gets a generational upgrade for 2008, with a big boost in power and a high-tech, electro-hydraulic suspension. The engine, which comes from Toyota's Tundra pickup, is a 5.7-liter V8 with 381 horsepower — a 100-horsepower boost. The plant ties to a new six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift and uses a full-time 4WD traction. Towing capacity reaches to 8,500 pounds. The luxurious cabin has three rows of seats, four zones for climate controls and an optional cool box to chill beverages.

2008 Lexus GXGX Series
A mid-size Lexus SUV also packs a big V8 worth 263 horsepower through a five-speed automatic. The leather-lined cabin provides three tiers of seats for up to seven. A permanently-engaged 4WD system on the GS 470 includes a center differential with limited-slip capacity. Lexus innovations add active traction control (ATC), adaptable variable suspension (AVS) and downhill assist control (DAC). Options encompass a Mark Levinson DVD audio and backseat video entertainment kit, while the Sport edition brings smoked, bezel headlamps, a dark graphite finish for its 17-inch alloy wheels and a variable suspension labeled Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS).

2008 Lexus RXRX Series
Lexus' crossover SUV rises from the FWD platform of a car. It provides a luxurious, five-seat passenger compartment and a rear cargo bay. Many safety systems are in place including curtain-style air bags tucked above the front and rear side windows. The cabin piles on premium gear like power seats, mirrors and windows. The RX 350 gains the 3.5-liter VVT-i Lexus V6 for 270 horsepower through an electronic automatic transaxle. Options include leather upholstery, a navigation system with Bluetooth and voice activation, Mark Levinson DVD audio and backseat video system. The RX's latest paint shade is Desert Sage Metallic.

2008 Lexus RX HybridRX Hybrid
The hybrid SUV has the zip of a V8, with miserly fuel economy. Its HSD powertrain teams a 3.3-liter V6 gas engine with two electric motors — one to turn the front wheels and another working accessories and recharging batteries. Output for the RX Hybrid reaches 268 horsepower. The HSD controls all the energy produced by these plants and applies it through an ECVT. For optional AWD, a third electric motor drives rear wheels as the HSD varies torque front and rear depending on traction conditions. Premium and Premium Plus Packages are available for the RX Hybrid, which include a new Black Bird's-Eye Maple wood trim.

For more information on Lexus.