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The LS V8's superior performance is due in large part to innovative
technologies, including the world's first electric motor-driven Variable Valve
Timing with intelligence and Electronically (VVT-iE) controlled intake cam. The
electrically controlled intake achieves superior engine-startup operation and
high-output performance.
A dual fuel-injection system, with both port and
direct injection, optimizes efficiency under all conditions. The direct
injection helps provide cylinder cooling that allows the high compression ratio
(11.8:1) needed to produce such high power cleanly and efficiently. The
dual-tract intake system and an Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS)
contribute to the smooth, linear power delivery.
The Lexus eight-speed
automatic transmission allows gear ratios that maximize torque up to the
tire-grip limitations in the lower ranges yet maintains quietness and admirable
fuel efficiency at higher speeds. The LS 460 can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph
in about 5.4 seconds; 5.9 seconds for the AWD models.
Even with that
level of performance, the LS 460 has earned an EPA-estimated 16 mpg city and 24
mpg highway rating (AWD is 16 city/23 highway) and meets Ultra-Low Emissions
Vehicle II (ULEV II) certification. An ECO drive indicator helps encourage
economical driving.
The AWD versions of the LS 460 and LS 460 L utilize a
drivetrain almost identical to their hybrid counterpart, the LS 600h L. The AWD
system features a highly compact center TORSEN limited-slip differential that
distributes drive torque between the front and rear wheels. In normal driving
conditions, the front and rear torque distribution ratio is set at a rear-bias
40:60, which aids agility. The system can instantly and optimally vary torque
distribution between 30:70 and 50:50, depending on driving conditions, thus
helping to ensure excellent traction performance and driving stability.
The AWD models also have standard 18-inch wheels with all-season tires, and a
wood and leather-trimmed heated steering wheel for added luxury. All models
offer the Cold Weather Package that includes a windshield deicer, upgraded
battery, and more effective heater core.
Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes
The Lexus LS 460 delivers the
ultra-comfortable ride quality that has become synonymous with the Lexus
flagship LS sedans. The air suspension system, which is optional on all-wheel
drive models and the LS 460 L RWD, effectively helps control body lean to
provide an extraordinarily smooth ride. The system offers three settings -
including "Sport" - allowing the driver to custom-tailor suspension response
from maximum comfort to sharpest handling. The LS 460 has an impressive turning
circle (curb to curb) - 35.4 ft. for the LS 460 RWD; 37.4 ft. for the LS 460
AWD; 36.1 ft. for the LS 460 L RWD and 38.7 ft. for LS 460 L AWD - that yields
excellent maneuverability.
The Sport Package is the first of its kind for
the LS and is available only on the LS 460 RWD model. Behind the 19-inch split
10-spoke forged alloy wheels are Brembo brakes, and the package tightens
handling response with an exclusive sport-tuned air suspension with specific
stabilizer bars and shock absorbers. In addition, this option features sporty
exterior styling with a distinctive Aero kit. Inside the LS 460, the Sport
Package adds an exclusive perforated Black/Saddle leather interior with sport
front seats, a unique leather-trimmed steering wheel and paddle shifters for the
eight-speed automatic transmission with throttle blip downshifting.
The
LS 460 AWD models and the LS 460 L are available with Variable Gear-Ratio
Steering (VGRS), and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). The computer-controlled
AVS system continuously adjusts shock-absorber damping rates to help provide
comfort and handling precision. The VGRS system selects the steering gear ratio
according to vehicle speed, enhancing responsiveness and driver control. VGRS
also partners with the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system,
making minor steering adjustments to help improve control during challenging
road conditions.
The interior cabin of the LS demands not only
exceptional silence, but the quality of the sounds have to be pleasing to the
occupants. For example, engineers tuned the sound of the doors opening and
closing by studying the sounds of skillfully crafted wood doors in luxury homes.
Even the sounds of onboard motors for all the power assists were specially
tuned. One example: one-touch power window motors that reduce speed near the
closure point. Laminated side glass (front on LS 460 and front/rear on LS 460 L)
further reduces outside noise intrusion.
Safety Features
The Lexus LS 460 provides one of the most advanced and comprehensive
integrations of vehicle-safety technology today. Active front headrests on all
models are designed to help reduce the severity of whiplash-type injuries in
certain rear end collisions. Active safety features include the VDIM system,
which by itself integrates and manages the Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB)
system, Electronic Power Steering (EPS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC),
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and
engine torque via the electronically controlled throttle.
The LS 460 and
LS 460 L models offer Advanced Parking Guidance System (APGS) to assist with
parallel and back-in parking. Once the driver has correctly positioned the car
and identified the desired parking space via the navigation screen, APGS uses
the rear back-up camera, parking sonar sensors and electric power steering
system to guide the car into the space. The driver controls vehicle speed via
the brake.
The Lexus LS was among the first cars in the world to offer a
Pre-Collision system, and offers the available Advanced Pre-Collision System
(APCS). APCS is the world's first reactive pedestrian system designed to help
detect pedestrians in the vehicle's path and to react by braking. Using two
small cameras mounted at the front of the car that work in conjunction with
millimeter-wave radar, APCS is sensitive enough to detect certain objects with
low reflectivity or an object's lateral position.
Luxury and
Convenience
The Lexus LS 460 has numerous user-tech amenities for a
comprehensive luxury package. The driver's seat features a standard slide-away
feature that makes ingress/egress more comfortable; a multi-information display
uses a large center console LCD screen; and the available navigation system
employs voice command casual-language based voice recognition and Bluetooth
phonebook download capability. The audio system features an integrated XM Radio
receiver, music playing capability with Bluetooth audio streaming and USB/iPod
connectivity. An iPod connected through the USB port can be controlled through
the steering wheel audio controls or headunit.
The Lexus LS models
continue a tradition of offering a comprehensive roster of true-luxury standard
features. Customers can choose from four leather and wood-trimmed interior
combinations. Pampering begins with a 16-way power driver's seat and 12-way
power front passenger seat, dual zone automatic climate control with smog
sensor, and a power tilt/slide moonroof. For
added comfort, AWD models also feature a standard heated steering wheel.
Controls in the LS 460 models provide the utmost convenience; including
SmartAccess with push button start/stop, and a power tilt/telescoping steering
wheel with audio, brake hold and multi-information display controls. An
automatic electric parking brake system eliminates the need to press a
foot-operated pedal.
The LS 460 L augments the already long list of
luxury amenities by including as standard: Intelligent High Beams that
automatically dim for oncoming traffic; climate-controlled front seats; heated
rear seats; heated steering wheel; power rear sunshade; a one-touch open/close
power trunk; easy close doors; Intuitive Park Assist; and headlamp washers.
These luxury features are available for the LS 460.
Luxury Options
Lexus offers several LS 460 option packages. The Comfort Package includes a
power trunk closer, Intuitive Park Assist, heated rear seats and heated and
cooled front seats. A heated steering wheel is also included in the Comfort
Package for LS 460 RWD.
The Comfort Plus Package includes those features
plus semi-aniline leather, power rear seats with lumbar massage and power
butterfly headrests, and rear seat-mounted side airbags.
The optional
Luxury Package on the Lexus LS 460 L includes semi-aniline leather trimmed
interior, an Alcantara headliner, and rear door power sunshades.
A Rear
Seat Upgrade package for the LS 460 L models includes Luxury Package features
and rear lumbar massage; rear power butterfly headrests; power rear seats with
memory; rear seat-mounted side airbags; dual-zone rear air conditioning with air
purifier and additional rear air ducts; additional wood trim; rear cool box; and
rear audio controls.
The Executive Class Seating Package for the LS 460 L
likewise includes power butterfly rear headrests; lumbar massage for the rear
driver's side seat; four-zone independent front and rear air conditioning with
Lexus' Air Purification system and ceiling climate diffusers; rear-door power
sunshades with a fixed rear console and foldout table; and a passenger's side
rear seat recliner with ottoman leg rest.
This package's ottoman seat
reclines up to 45 degrees with an upper-back recliner featuring a 17-degree
angle adjustment. In addition, the available driver's side rear power seat also
reclines up to 38 degrees, and the rear seat moves front to back approximately
three inches. The climate control is further upgraded with an infrared sensor
located in the headliner that measures temperature at the lap, upper body and
seat on each side to adjust airflow appropriately.
A multi-function
massage feature includes an enhanced massage mode for the passenger's side rear
seat. The massage feature can be used alone or in conjunction with the seat
heater or cooler. This comprehensive package also equips the LS 460 L with a
rear-seat entertainment system using a nine-inch LCD screen that deploys from
the ceiling.
The exterior styling found on the optional Sport Package is
also available alone as the Appearance Package. Common to both packages are the
unique front grille and Aero kit, which features a front lower spoiler, side
rocker panels, and rear lower spoiler. RWD models with the Appearance Package
also ride on 19-inch five-spoke wheels.
The available 19-speaker,
450-watt Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound system creates a benchmark for
mobile audio systems with its theater-level entertainment experience and
includes a DVD/CD changer. Bluetooth technology enables voice input of telephone
numbers.
The LS also offers a telematics system, Lexus Enform with
Safety Connect, available by subscription. Complimentary one-year trial
subscriptions are included on all purchases of new Lexus vehicles equipped with
these features. Safety Connect is standard on all vehicles while Lexus Enform
with Safety Connect is included with vehicles equipped with the optional
Navigation system. The Lexus Enform and the Safety Connect response centers
operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week-every day of the year.
Lexus Enform
vehicles are factory ready for subscriptions to a variety of innovative XM
services including XM NavTraffic, XM NavWeather and XM Sports and Stocks
services. XM services require separate XM subscriptions. The XM Sports and
Stocks service is included with an XM Radio subscription.
Lexus LS 460: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications