With wheels at corners and the body marked by flat flanks with a stubby prow and tail leaving scant overhangs, the Lexus IS series of compact-class sports sedans resembles high-strung rally cars and acts like road-hugging German touring sedans. Designs are new in 2006 for the second generation with a longer and broader platform cast in the squatty stance of a sports car.

Two new V6 engines define models. The 2.5-liter V6 with 204 hp drops into IS 250, with options for RWD or AWD traction. The 3.5-liter version goes to IS 350 and nets 306 hp. A new six-speed manual transmission works on IS 250 only, or optional six-speed sequential-shift automatic with paddle-shifters on the steering wheel. A VSC device is stock for IS 250, but IS 350 scores the advanced VDIM equipment. Optional 18-inch alloy wheels employ tires of 225/40R18 front and 255/40R18 rear.

Stunning high-performance rear-wheel-drive (RWD) four-door sports cars, constructed on a larger structure for 2006 and stuffed with high-tech mechanical hardware, divide into editions based on engine size. GS 430 gets the Lexus 4.3-liter V8 with VVT-i (variable valve timing with intelligence) to make 300 hp. GS 300 totes a new 3.0-liter V6 with VVT-i for 245 hp. Both plants use a new close-ratio six-speed automatic with sequential manual shifter. But GS 300 adds optional AWD traction for Snow Belt states.

An adaptive variable suspension is aboard and more computer-ized controls than any other production car to-date. A key element - Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Man-agement - is new on GS 430. The GS cockpit contains two bucket seats flanking a floor console, a steering wheel in wood and leather, and an instrument panel with 160-mph analog speedometer, analog tachometer and electronic digital odometer.

The two-seat sports car from Lexus can convert from a hardtop coupe to a daring convertible with push-button ease. With the top raised, it carries an arching profile that looks energetic up front but retro in the rear with a roly-poly rump. With the hardtop folded into the trunk, it seems fluid and fast like a racy roadster. Package restyling for 2006 includes a new grille design with fresh headlamps and standard adaptive front lighting system (AFS).

A new six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission links to the aluminum 4.3-liter V8, which nets 288 hp in 2006. Lexus lines the sports car with gear for safety and performance, as well as electronic displays and lavish (even for Lexus) appointments, including a standard Mark Levinson audio kit. There are revised combination meters in the instrument panel and more color choices, such as leather tinted in Camel with Espresso wood trim. (...BACK)