The Lexus GS460 shares the same platform and body as its less spirited GS350 sister car, but features an all-aluminum 4.6 liter V8 that utilizes the Lexus interpretation of variable valve timing with intelligence and electronic intake valve timing (or VVT-iE in short, as per Lexus) and is good for 342 horsepower at 6,200 rpm, an increase of 52 over the 4.3, and 339 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm, a bump of just 20.

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This beefy new V8 propels the GS460 sedan from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, compared to 5.7 seconds for the V6 powered GS350 FWD counterpart.

The new all-aluminum V8 engine qualifies the GS460 as an EPA approved Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle, ULEV II standard.

As for fuel economy, the EPA rates the GS460 at 17 mpg in the city cycle, along with 24 mpg on the highway. A class-exclusive and leading eight-speed automatic is the only available transmission, driving the rear wheels.

Standard equipment is generous and includes a 10-speaker, six-CD sound system with an auxiliary iPod / MP3 / WMA port, 12 airbags, vehicle dynamics system that includes electronic traction and stability control (both defeatable), a tire pressure-monitoring system, HID headlights, and 18-inch wheels, among others.

The optional Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) helps to illuminate curves as the driver steers into it. A Tire Pressure Monitoring system can detect a critical loss in pressure in one or more tires and alert the driver. The available Intuitive Park Assist (IPA) system uses ultrasonic sensors to detect objects close to the car's front and rear bumpers and alerts the driver accordingly.

A tire pressure monitoring system is also standard, as are High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power and heated front seats and Bluetooth support for hands-free calling. The standard sound system is a 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System with an in-dash 6-disc changer and auxiliary iPod / MP3 / WMA port.

The more noteworthy options include electronically adjustable suspension damping, a radar-enforced Pre-Collision System and dynamic cruise control, an electronic parking assist and a backup camera, a choice of three 18-inch wheel and tire combinations, and a choice of Sirius or XM satellite radios.