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:

    Using the phone book
    To enter the menu for each function, follow the steps below using a voice command or : Adding a new phone number 1. “Phonebook” → 2. “Add Entry”. Changing the registered name in the phone bo ...

    Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance
    The Lexus LS 460 models deliver the luxury of powerful, smooth performance from a 4.6-liter V8 teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 380 horsepower and 367 lb.-ft. ...

    Performance
    Every good mark the RX line up earns in other areas is discredited by the hybrid's performance attributes. To get such excellent mileage, the V-6 engine is teamed with an electric motor and a larg ...