The line of luxurious performance machines by Lexus, elite upscale label from Toyota of Japan, features elegant sedans, sporty coupes and rugged yet refined sport-utility vehicles. In 2006, Lexus rolls out new iterations of the IS series of wily compact-class sports sedans and recasts the GS series as perhaps the most sophisticated luxury sports sedans on our planet.

The world's first gas-electric luxury vehicle also emerges badged as the RX 400h. Derived from the RX 330 crossover SUV, it packs a powerful V6 engine and multiple electric motors plus optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction.

A crossover SUV from Lexus rises from the FWD platform of a car. It provides a luxurious five-seat passenger compartment and rear cargo bay. Many safety systems are in place, including curtain-style air bags set above front and rear side windows plus frontal air bags for front buckets and large seat-mounted side air bags to cover the rider's torso, abdomen and pelvis, even an air bag to shield the driver's knees. The cabin piles on premium gear like electroluminescent instruments in a triple-pod display, and power seats, mirrors and windows.

RX 330 has a 3.3-liter aluminum V6 rated this year at 223 hp with a five-speed electronic automatic transaxle. Options in packages list leather upholstery and wood trim in walnut or bird's eye maple, a navigation system and rear-view video camera, moonroof, plus a Mark Levinson audio system with six-disc CD changer and satellite radio service.

The new Lexus hybrid-powered luxury SUV brings the exuberant acceleration of a V8-powered vehicle but the miserly fuel economy of a four-cylinder compact car. Its Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) powertrain teams a strong but efficient 3.3-liter V6 gasoline-fueled engine modified off the RX 330 with two high-torque electric motors -- one to turn the front wheels and the other to work power accessories, crank the V6 and recharge on-board batteries. Total powertrain output is 268 hp. The HSD controls all energy produced by these plants and applies it directly to the front wheels through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT).

And for optional AWD, a third electric motor drives rear wheels as the HSD varies torque distribution front and rear depending on traction conditions. Then Lexus adds VDIM stability controls. The deluxe five-place cabin of RX 400h trims in soft leathers with brushed aluminum accents.

This full-size SUV carries luxurious fittings of an elite sedan and the muscular assets of a heavy-duty off-road warrior. The vast passenger compartment accommodates eight on three tiers of seats. And those cushy appointments: Soft leather and rich wood trimmings, power-everything, and a premium Mark Levinson audio system now listed as standard equipment. An optional navigation system uses a Bluetooth wireless connection plus a bumper camera for reverse video views.

Power for LX comes from a big V8 that earns VVT-i valve controls and boosts the power by 40 points to 275 hp. Towing capacity also climbs -- to 6500 pounds. The standard four-wheel-drive (4WD) system has a center differential with limited-slip capacity to distribute engine torque to front or rear wheels. Add a locking mechanism to the center differential plus limited-slip rear differential and you get maximum potential for traction to climb over daunting off-road obstacles. (CONTINUED...)