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:

    Multi-display light control (vehicles without a navigation system)
    The brightness of the multi-display can be adjusted to four levels. Press and release the “DISP” button until the brightness of the display is adjusted to the desired level. Instrument panel li ...

    Driving assist systems
    To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems operate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and sho ...

    Anti-glare inside rear view mirror
    In AUTO mode, sensors are used to detect the headlights of vehicles behind and automatically reduces the reflected light. 1. Turns AUTO mode ON/OFF The indicator comes on when AUTO mode is turne ...