Quick acceleration gives the LS 430 a lively feel. Yet it rides so smoothly and quietly that triple-digit speeds on the race track felt much slower. The 4.3-liter engine generates 290 horsepower and, more important, 320 foot-pounds of torque. That's enough to propel the LS 430 from 0 to 60 mph in only 6.3 seconds and past the quarter-mile mark in less than 15 seconds. Top speed, electronically limited, is 131 mph.

You'll hardly hear the engine, however, because this LS exceeds the previous edition for its ability to dampen mechanical vibrations and insulate the passenger compartment from external noise. No other automaker does a better job than Lexus in creating such a serene and rattle-free zone for riders.

Lexus adds an Intuitive Powertrain Control module to the engine that analyzes performance aspects such as throttle position, vehicle speed and engine load before mustering a precise quantity of engine torque for any driving situation. In effect, the smart system can tame the driver's varying throttle commands and provide a smoother flow of power.

With power directed to the rear wheels and independent suspension at all four wheels, the LS 430 provides a classic chassis layout for driver control. Anti-lift and anti-squat geometry lets the suspension check body movement when accelerating or braking. The system holds lateral roll to a minimum in hard turns. The Ultra Luxury Package includes adaptive variable road-sensing suspension damping to further isolate the passenger compartment from changing external conditions. A no-cost optional Euro-style touring suspension brings firmer shock settings for sporty manners.

Another high-tech option puts a laser to work in the cruise control system to maintain a pre-set distance between the Lexus and another vehicle in front of it. The smart system removes the last vestige of work associated with automatic cruise control because it can detect a vehicle ahead and modulate speed to prevent running upon it. The future is here.