Lexus revises GS

Lexus has spruced up the GS range for 2008. The primary changes include a new 4.6-litre V8 that produces 347hp and 460Nm of torque, a huge jump from the current car's from 283hp and 417Nm. The new engine is combined with a new eight-speed gearbox (which is smaller and lighter that the 6-speed unit it replaces) while 0-100km/htakes just 5.8 seconds in the new model, down from 6.1 seconds. Top speed remains capped at 250km/h though economy and emissions improve slightly. The new GS 460 has the same specification as the GS 430, while all models benefit from the mildest of exterior facelifts, new wheels, some minor switchgear tweaking and snazzier leather. Adaptive suspension and Lexus' sophisticated stability control system, VDIM, are now as standard on all models. All get retuned shock absorbers and springs and revised underbody aerodynamics, which reduce the GS 300’s CO2 emissions to 226g/km, making it a band G car. One gramme less per km of CO2 and it would have been a Band F car, halving its annual road tax.