Though it didn't stage a press conference at this year's L.A. Show, Toyota's luxury division snuck in three 2008 models, two of which had already been seen elsewhere. All start sale early in the calendar year, with prices to be announced shortly beforehand.

2007 L.A. Auto Show
On the Lexus stage was the high-performance version of Lexus' IS, IS-F.

Heading the list is the high-performance F-version of the Lexus IS compact sedan. Packing a 416-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the IS-F is intended to rival the benchmark BMW 3-Series for both performance and handling; the latter abetted by special suspension tuning, bigger brakes, bigger wheels, and stickier tires. Unique "hot car" cosmetics inside and out? Of course.

Also on hand was the 2008 Lexus GS460 sedan, a replacement for the GS430 offering the larger V8 and eight-speed automatic of Lexus' LS460 flagship sedan, plus a new Active Power Stabilizer system designed to reduce body lean in fast cornering. All 2008 GS models, including the V6 GS350 and hybrid GS450h, get modest tweaks to exterior styling and interior appointments.

2007 L.A. Auto Show
Replacing the LX470, the 2008 Lexus LX570 features a larger, stronger 5.7-liter V8 and new six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission.

Also receiving a quiet U.S. premiere was the LX570, the Lexus version of Toyota's just-redesigned Land Cruiser SUV. Replacing the LX470, it features a larger, stronger 5.7-liter V8 that ups towing capacity by over 2000 pounds to 8500, plus a new six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission, a revamped height-adjustable air suspension, and a first-in-class Pre-Collision system with adaptive cruise control. Also new is an available perimeter camera system providing an all-around view on the navigation screen, and Crawl Control, which "maintains appropriately low speeds" in the low range of the standard four-wheel drive to reduce the chance of "bottoming" the vehicle on rough terrain. We'll soon have our first seat time in the LX570, so keep checking back for our full review.

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