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Lexus Announces Pricing for 1998 Models

4 September 1997

Lexus Announces Pricing for 1998 Models

    TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 4 -- The Lexus Division of Toyota
Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. today announced pricing for its comprehensive lineup
of luxury sedans, sport coupes and sport utility vehicle.
    Two completely new models, the GS 400 and GS 300 high-performance sedans,
join the Lexus line in 1998.  The GS Series is built on an entirely new and
exclusive platform.  They incorporate abundant new features and technologies,
including two new engines featuring the power and efficiency of continuously
variable valve timing, the reassuring safety of standard Vehicle Skid Control,
efficient new 5-speed automatic transmissions, pollution-sensing climate
control, side airbags and much more.
    Powered by the next-generation Lexus V8 powerplant, the GS 400 accelerates
from zero to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds.  The GS 400 features "E-Shift"
fingertip control of upshifts and downshifts on the steering wheel spokes,
helping make it the fastest-accelerating volume-production automatic sedan
sold in the U.S.
    The 3.0-liter twin-cam GS 300 sprints to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, thanks to
its new continuously variable valve timing system.
    Manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the six-cylinder, 225-
horsepower GS 300 is $36,800.  The 300-horsepower, V8 GS 400 sport sedan will
carry an MSRP of $44,800.
    The performance-driven GS 400 and GS 300 are positioned between the entry-
luxury ES 300 and prestige-luxury LS 400 Lexus sedans.  Chief competitors
include the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
    Also powered by a completely new Lexus V8, the 1998 LS 400 benefits from
30 additional horsepower as well as a new 5-speed automatic transmission for
dramatically improved acceleration performance.  Revised front styling
provides a distinctive new look and additional standard equipment includes the
Lexus Vehicle Skid Control System, memory power seating, a new trip computer,
pollution-sensing automatic climate control and more than 20 additional
features and conveniences.  The MSRP for the 1998 LS 400 remains unchanged at
$52,900.
    With freshened styling and enhanced standard equipment added a year ago,
the SC 400 and SC 300 luxury sport coupes benefit from new engines and
additional horsepower in 1998.  In addition, the SC 400 shares its new 5-speed
automatic transmission with the LS 400 and GS 400.  The MSRP for the SC 400
starts at $52,700 and the SC 300 at $40,900.
    Introduced a year ago, the ES 300 near-luxury sedan quickly became the
best-selling four-door model in its segment.  Additional standard equipment
for 1998 includes side-impact airbags in the front seats, new force-limiting
and pretensioning front seat belt systems and a key-embedded transponder chip
anti-theft system with engine immobilizer.  MSRP for the ES 300 is $30,790.
    The LX 450 sport utility vehicle continues as a 1997 model * with its
price unchanged at $48,700.
    For 1998, all Lexus cars and sport utility vehicles will be equipped with
deep-pile carpeted floor mats at no extra charge.  Freight and destination
charges remain unchanged at $495.

     1998 Lexus Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP)
     LS  400:  $52,900
     SC 400:   $52,700
     SC 300:   $40,900
     GS 400:   $44,800
     GS 300:   $36,800
     ES 300:   $30,790
     *LX 450:  $48,700

SOURCE  Lexus


For a complete listing of new car prices, factory codes on options,
total MSRP, and dealer invoice cost, check out The Auto Channel's New Car
Buyers Guide.