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:

    Hybrid vehicle driving tips
    For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points: Use of the Hybrid System Indicator More fuel efficient driving is possible by keeping the indicate of the Hybrid Syste ...

    Head restraints
    Head restraints are provided for all seats. 1. Up. Pull the head restraints up. 2. Down. Push the head restraint down while pressing the lock release button. Removing the head restraints P ...

    Theft prevention labels (for U.S.A.)
    These labels are attached to the vehicle to reduce vehicle theft by facilitating the tracing and recovery of parts from stolen vehicles. Do not remove under penalty of law. ...