(continued from the previous page)

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