If you're not into six-cylinders, or find that the V6 doesn't provide enough power to satisfy your cravings for rocket-like thrust, Lexus also offers the
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| If you're not into six-cylinders, Lexus also offers the V8-powered GS 430. GS 300 shown. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
V8-powered GS 430, which carries over the 4.3-liter V8 from the previous generation GS, LS and SC unchanged. Still, it is good for a 300-horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, enough to make a good opposition to V8-powered premium players, even though most competitors offer more power.
On that note, by 2008 expect both V6 and V8 engines to be updated; the GS 300 will become the GS350, sporting a version of the Toyota Avalon's 3.5-litre V6 that also powers the upcoming IS 350, with output numbers in the neighborhood of 300-horsepower in GS trim, while the V8 will be bumped up to the GS 460 designation, in reference to a new 320+ hp 4.6-litre V8. A hybrid version, which was just announced at this year's New York auto
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| Material selection on this one doesn't involve taking short cuts. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
show earlier this year, plugs the current V6 to V8 gap with approximately 300-horsepower, or the equivalent output to what a 4.5-litre V8 would make, while using less gas.
If the thought of the V6 model's 250-horsepower isn't quite enough to knock you off your feet, the interior most certainly will. Even before settling in and adjusting the controls, I noticed a real sense of quality. The doors close with such solidity that you may find it necessary to open and shut them several times to satiate your disbelief before actually starting up and driving away. Material selection on this one doesn't involve taking short cuts, therefore its use of supple leather throughout combined with proper soft touch plastics within, makes my complaint of rather flat-faced surfaces on the centre console, which didn't quite match the aura found elsewhere, somewhat moot. Interior panels fit to perfection, although some may find its post-modern look without wood slightly disconcerting.
