What is it?
Now nearing the end of its third generation, the GS slots in above the sporty IS and below the luxury-laden LS. It’s sized about like the tremendously popular ES 350, but the GS offers rear-wheel-drive and a much higher price tag – not to mention the optional V8 seen in our tester.
Its basic style is derivative of the original Giugiaro-penned 1991 GS300 (a rebadged Toyota Aristo), but the latest car was introduced for 2006. Smoother and suaver than the second-generation GS – notable for its Shakespearean “Something wicked this way comes” ad campaign – the S190-platform car retains the two-engine configuration of its predecessor.
As enthusiasts, we jumped at the range-topping GS 460 with its 342-horsepower 4.6-liter V8. A hybrid – dubbed GS 450h – was briefly on offer before sluggish sales forced its removal from the North American market.
See also:
Review: 2009 Lexus ES 350
In the early days of Toyota’s luxury brand, Lexus – think back about 20 years
– the automaker was criticized for essentially imitating established German and
American brands. Fast forward to today ...
Hybrid system
Your vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. It has characteristics different from
conventional
vehicles. Be sure you are closely familiar with the characteristics
of your vehicle, and operate with care.
Th ...
Compass
The compass on the inside rear view mirror indicates the direction in
which
the vehicle is heading.
Operation
1. To turn the compass on or off,
push and hold “AUTO” for 3
seconds.
Displays a ...