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.

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    Any breakthroughs?
    As the oldest offering in its segment, the GS 460 doesn’t exactly brim with unexpected touches. But at $60,490 as tested, it offers a surprisingly good value. Our tester included radar cruise cont ...

    Lexus Navigation System
    Accessed via the CT 200h's Remote Touch system, the Lexus Navigation System benefits from a powerful, 40Gb HDD capacity, making it one of the fastest, most accurate systems on the market. It cover ...

    If the vehicle becomes stuck
    Carry out the following procedures if the tires spin or the vehicle becomes stuck in mud, dirt or snow: 1. Stop the hybrid system. Set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P. 2. Remove ...