The flagship Lexus GS460 has been fitted with a new 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 342bhp and 339lb/ft of pulling power

The 2008 Lexus GS range has been face-lifted with prices for the executive car starting from £33,100.

And the flagship Lexus GS460 has been fitted with a new 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 342bhp and 339lb/ft of pulling power.

This enables the Lexus GS460 to accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds before topping out at an electronically limited 155mph.

Power from the top-end Japanese motor’s V8 is channelled to the rear wheels through Lexus’ world-first eight speed automatic gearbox – as seen in the luxury LS460.

The gearbox is lighter than fitted to the outgoing GS430’s six-speed ‘box with it now managing an average 25.7mpg – rather than 24.8mpg.

Inside, the GS460 gets a 14-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, sat-nav, Bluetooth connectivity and a six-DVD autochanger.

The Lexus GS range also gets a chrome surround for the front grille, new wing mirrors, the front and rear bumpers get new-shaped air intakes and there are new 17-inch alloys for the GS300 and GS300 SE, while the GS300 SE-L and GS460 get 18-inch rims.

On sale now, prices for the entry level Lexus GS300 start from £33,100 rising to £50,500 for the range-topping Lexus GS450.