The mid-size Lexus SUV looks like a reduced-scale variant of LX 470. It also carries the big Lexus V8 with output boosted to 263 hp through a five-speed automatic with uphill and downhill shift logic. The spacious cabin, trimmed in leathers and hardwoods, provides three tiers and seats seven. The permanently-engaged 4WD system has a center differential with limited-slip.

Lexus innovations aboard extend to active traction control (ATC), adaptable variable suspension (AVS) and downhill assist control (DAC). Options include an exclusive Mark Levinson premium audio system. The Sport edition shows up with smoked bezel headlamps on the prow and dark graphite finish for 17-inch alloy wheels and the roof rack. GX Sport also stocks a variable suspension labeled Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), with Bluetooth wireless connection available for the add-on navigation system.

Flagship for Lexus is the full-size LS 430 sedan. This is a dreamboat limousine-like hauler, stretched to provide generous space for riders and laced with luxury features, then armed with advanced mechanical systems linked to smart computer processors that can out-think and out-perform other vehicles. The big sedan draws strength from the Lexus aluminum 4.3-liter V8 linked to a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift feature. For 2006 the engine produces 278 hp.

An optional Ultra Luxury Package adds extra equipment like a laser-guided cruise control system, sonar-based parking guide and a navigation system with DVD-based database and dash-board touch screen. Further luxury touches include an internal blower in front seats to circulate heated or cooled air, and a heat element for the rear bench with back massager and seat-back power adjustments. A power-operated sunscreen stands at the rear window, with manual screens in rear doors.

As the sole Lexus sedan in front-wheel-drive (FWD) format, ES 330 is a mid-size model featuring crisp exterior styling and fine appointments for a five-passenger cabin. The sleek shell looks aggressive but stylish -- and downright expensive. Climb inside to find a refined compartment trimmed in leather and wood. Editions of 2006 show golden bird's eye maple or burled walnut wood accents with options for satellite radio service subscription, a navigation system with voice activation and a bumper camera that displays images of the vehicle's reverse-moving view on a dashboard video screen.

Power comes from the Lexus 3.3-liter V6 rated this year at 218 hp with a five-speed electronic automatic transmission. Many safety features go into the ES 330, including curtain-style air bags above side windows front and rear plus frontal and seat-mounted side air bags. A vehicle skid control system (VSC) is also available.

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.