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 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 ...
Thrust vs. Thrift
Thanks to the drivetrain's immediate thrust, the CT 200h has adequate oomph
for driving solo: It scoots from a stoplight well enough and maintains highway
speeds with little trouble. But it lacks ...
Driving the vehicle
The following procedures should be observed to ensure safe driving.
Driving
1. With the brake pedal depressed, shift the shift lever to D.
2. Release the parking brake.
3. Gradually release the br ...