Lexus redesigns the sportier and more-expensive of its two premium midsize sedans for 2006, and launches a gas/electric hybrid variant as a midyear addition. The redesigned GSs have more power, fresh styling, and new features, including available all-wheel drive. They gain 2 inches of wheelbase vs. the 2001-2005 versions, but are otherwise dimensionally similar. The lineups starts with the rear-wheel-drive GS 300 and the all-wheel-drive GS 300 AWD. They have a 245-hp V6. The GS 430 is rear-wheel drive and has a 300-hp V8. Added midyear as a 2007 model, the GS 450h also has rear drive, but teams a gasoline V6 engine with an electric motor to produce 339 hp. The system self-charges the batteries; no plug-in charging is necessary. The GS 450h has a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) providing near-infinite gear ratios. The other models have a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate. Antiskid/traction control and ABS are standard. GS 430 and 450h have driver-adjustable shock absorbers with three firmness settings. Available on the 450h are automatically adjusting anti-sway bars designed to counteract body lean in turns.

GS 300s come with 17-inch wheels, the other models with 18s. Run-flat tires are standard with AWD, optional otherwise. All models have front knee airbags, front side airbags, and head-protecting curtain side airbags. Also standard: leather upholstery and keyless entry/engine start. Many control functions are governed by a dashboard touch screen that also displays an available voice-activated navigation system, rearview TV camera, and, with the transmission in Park, DVD video. Other available features include steering-linked headlamps and Lexus's Pre-Collision System, designed to automatically cinch seatbelts and apply brakes if an unavoidable crash is detected.