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New Models
AUTOS: Lexus Unveils Latest LS
The Toyota luxury division’s flagship shows off new styling and the addition of an F Sport model, but is otherwise little changed.
The upcoming Lexus LS 460 luxury sedan gets the sculpted styling tweaks of the Toyota division's aggressive new look. (Photo: Lexus)
Lexus unveiled its new LS 460 flagship luxury sedan Monday, which arrives in dealerships this fall with standard and long-wheelbase editions, a hybrid version and a new F Sport trim level with improved handling dynamics.
Despite its sheet-metal changes, the car is actually little changed underneath. Its 4.6-liter V8 engine and eight-speed transmission are basically carryover, at a time when luxury brands are using powertrain technology as a differentiating ploy.
Also, the car's dimensions are almost identical; the only change is an additional inch in overall length for both base and long-wheelbase editions.
Getting the new LS right is crucial for Lexus. When the current model came out six years ago, it easily outsold the Mercedes-Benz S-class and BMW 7-series in its first full year of sales.
But the resurgence of the German marques has taken a chunk out of Lexus. Even before last year's earthquake crimped Lexus production, the BMW and Mercedes top models had pulled even with the Lexus flagship.
During the first six months of this year, Lexus sold 3,036 LS vehicles in the United States, down 28 percent from the same period last year. BMW sold 5,604 7-series vehicles for a three percent gain while Mercedes sold 5,510 S-Class units, a drop of one percent. The U.S. market, as a whole, rose 15 percent.
The re-engineered LS 460 and LS 460L will be available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive versions. The newly added F Sport model comes with a Torsen limited slip differential, Brembo brakes and 19-inch wheels.
The engine gains a few horsepower, with zero-to-60-mph arriving in 5.4 seconds and a 14-second quarter mile time.
While the suspension is also carryover, it features new frequency-dependent shock absorbers for a more responsive ride. Steering is described as having more accuracy and turn-in response, while the brakes have more pedal feel, Lexus says.
On the safety side, the LS 460 has a collision-avoidance system that, at speeds below 24 mph, will bring the car to a halt if it detects a possible accident. The safety system also has blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning sensors and a reverse-gear cross traffic alert.
Inside, 14 temperature sensors will ensure the automatic climate control is accurate. Interior lighting is entirely LED. The 12.3-inch split display screen from the GS sedan makes another appearance in the LS.
Pricing was not announced.
This story originally appeared at AutoWeek.com.
Despite its sheet-metal changes, the car is actually little changed underneath. Its 4.6-liter V8 engine and eight-speed transmission are basically carryover, at a time when luxury brands are using powertrain technology as a differentiating ploy.
Also, the car's dimensions are almost identical; the only change is an additional inch in overall length for both base and long-wheelbase editions.
Getting the new LS right is crucial for Lexus. When the current model came out six years ago, it easily outsold the Mercedes-Benz S-class and BMW 7-series in its first full year of sales.
But the resurgence of the German marques has taken a chunk out of Lexus. Even before last year's earthquake crimped Lexus production, the BMW and Mercedes top models had pulled even with the Lexus flagship.
During the first six months of this year, Lexus sold 3,036 LS vehicles in the United States, down 28 percent from the same period last year. BMW sold 5,604 7-series vehicles for a three percent gain while Mercedes sold 5,510 S-Class units, a drop of one percent. The U.S. market, as a whole, rose 15 percent.
The re-engineered LS 460 and LS 460L will be available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive versions. The newly added F Sport model comes with a Torsen limited slip differential, Brembo brakes and 19-inch wheels.
The engine gains a few horsepower, with zero-to-60-mph arriving in 5.4 seconds and a 14-second quarter mile time.
While the suspension is also carryover, it features new frequency-dependent shock absorbers for a more responsive ride. Steering is described as having more accuracy and turn-in response, while the brakes have more pedal feel, Lexus says.
On the safety side, the LS 460 has a collision-avoidance system that, at speeds below 24 mph, will bring the car to a halt if it detects a possible accident. The safety system also has blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning sensors and a reverse-gear cross traffic alert.
Inside, 14 temperature sensors will ensure the automatic climate control is accurate. Interior lighting is entirely LED. The 12.3-inch split display screen from the GS sedan makes another appearance in the LS.
Pricing was not announced.
This story originally appeared at AutoWeek.com.
The Lyonheart K
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