The
Lexus LS 600h, the full hybrid
Lexus flagship, gains a range of technological and styling improvements for the 2010 model year, changes that have been unveiled for the first time at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The
Lexus LS 600h L luxury sedan was the first vehicle to bring fuel-efficient gasoline-electric hybrid technology to the prestige luxury segment. The
Lexus LS 600h L provides the brand's highest level of performance and technology, and the truest expression of luxury.
The Lexus LS 460 flagship luxury sedans debut revised styling, new electronics and a new optional performance-tuned Sport Package for 2010. Lexus continues to offer the Lexus LS 460 and long-wheelbase Lexus LS 460 L, both available in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
In front, the 2010 LS 460 models stand apart with a revised grille, bumper, and headlamps, while rear styling is enhanced with revised taillamps, license plate surround and exhaust diffusers. New side mirrors feature integrated turn signals, and the standard 18-inch wheels have a new 10-spoke design.
The new Safety Connect and Lexus Enform telematics systems are available with a complimentary one-year trial subscription. Safety Connect is standard on all Lexus LS 460 models. Lexus Enform with Safety Connect, available on vehicles equipped with the optional navigation system, adds premium subscription convenience services.
For drivers who desire a more engaging driving experience,
Lexus offers an all-new Sport Package for the rear-wheel drive (RWD) 2010 LS 460. The Sport Package combines distinctive Aero kit exterior styling with special air suspension tuning and exclusive interior features. The exterior styling 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.
As part of APCS, the Driver Monitor System is available for the first time on the Lexus LS 460 L. A camera mounted on the steering column monitors the orientation of the driver's face. If the camera detects that it appears the driver is not looking directly ahead for a few seconds or more, and/or if an obstacle is detected ahead, the system alerts the driver first with a warning chime and a flashing light.
When equipped with APCS, the Lexus LS 460 L adds Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The front-mounted cameras detect visible lane markings on the road, and if the system detects the driver drifting into another lane, it sounds a warning and can apply torque to the electric steering system to help the driver stay in the intended lane.
Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance
The Lexus LS 460 models deliver the luxury of powerful, smooth performance from a 4.6-liter V8 teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 380 horsepower and 367 lb.-ft. of peak torque in rear-wheel-drive configuration; 357 horsepower and 344 lb.-ft. of torque with all-wheel drive (AWD).
The
Lexus 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.
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 Lexus LS 460 can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in about 5.4 seconds; 5.9 seconds for the all-wheel drive models.
Even with that level of performance, the Lexus LS 460 achieves 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. A new ECO drive indicator helps encourage economical driving.
The AWD versions of the Lexus LS 460 and Lexus LS 460 L utilize a drivetrain almost identical to their hybrid counterpart, the Lexus 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 standard on all-wheel drive models and optional for the
Lexus 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
Lexus LS 460 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 - yields excellent maneuverability.
The new Sport Package is the first of its kind for the Lexus 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. Inside the Lexus 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.
In addition to standard air suspension, the Lexus LS 460 all-wheel drive models come with Variable Gear-Ratio Steering (VGRS), and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) - all available for the Lexus LS 460 L RWD model. 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 Lexus 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/Security Features
The Lexus LS 460 provides one of the most advanced and comprehensive integrations of vehicle-safety technology today. New Active Front Headrests on all models are designed to help mitigate whiplash injury in a rear collision. Active safety features include the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (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.
Taking input from an array of sensors in the vehicle, VDIM anticipates the onset of a vehicle skid or slide while cornering, and it then helps correct the condition with a combination of braking, throttle, and steering control in a way that is essentially transparent to the driver. The VDIM system gathers data from more sources - processed earlier and more quickly than in previous dynamic handling systems - to help make operation in the Lexus LS 460 even more seamless and effective. If it becomes necessary to extricate the car from deep snow or other difficult conditions, such as mud or sand, the "TRAC off" switch may be useful to turn off the VSC.
The Lexus LS 460 is standard-equipped with eight airbags, including side curtain airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and knee airbags for the driver and front passenger. Rear seat-mounted side airbags are also available. Standard xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps provide superior road illumination. The standard Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) helps to illuminate a turn or curve as the driver steers into it.
The Lexus LS 460 and Lexus 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.
Luxury/Comfort/Convenience
Already lauded for its comprehensive luxury, the
Lexus LS 460 gains numerous additional user-tech amenities for 2010. The driver's
seat now features a standard slide-away feature that makes ingress/egress more comfortable; a new multi-information display uses a large center console LCD screen; the available navigation system employs voice command casual-language based voice recognition; Bluetooth® phonebook download capability (with available navigation system), and new music playing capability with Bluetooth audio streaming and USB/iPod® connectivity. In addition to the auxiliary jack located in the front center console a USB jack connects an iPod® or MP3-capable digital music player. The iPod can be controlled through the steering wheel audio controls or headunit.
The 2010 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.
Controls in the Lexus LS 460 models provide the utmost convenience; including SmartAccess with pushbutton 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 Lexus LS 460 L augments the already long list of luxury amenities by including as standard: Intelligent High Beams that automatically dim for oncoming traffic; an integrated XM® Satellite Radio receiver; climate-controlled front seats; heated rear seats; heated steering wheel; power rear sunshade; a one-touch open/close power trunk; power door closers, Intuitive Park Assist and headlamp washers. These luxury features are available for the Lexus LS 460.
Luxury Options
Lexus offers several Lexus LS 460's option packages. The Comfort Package includes a power trunk closer, Intuitive Park Assist, heated rear seats and heated and cooled front seats. 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 now includes rear seat-mounted side airbags. A semi-aniline leather trimmed interior, an Alcantara headliner, and rear door power sunshades are also part of the package.
A Rear Seat Upgrade package for the Lexus LS 460 L models now includes lumbar massage and power butterfly headrests for the power rear seats with memory and lumbar massage and rear seat-mounted side airbags. The rest of the package remains as before, with dual-zone rear air conditioning with air purifier and additional rear air ducts, additional wood trim, rear cool box, rear door power sunshades, and rear audio controls.
The Executive Class Seating Package for the Lexus LS 460 L likewise now includes power butterfly rear headrests and lumbar massage for the left rear seat. The rest of the package continues as before and includes 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 right 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 left-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 right-rear seat. The massage feature can be used alone or in conjunction with the seat heater or cooler. This comprehensive package also equips the Lexus LS 460 L with a rear-seat entertainment system using a nine-inch LCD screen that deploys from the ceiling.
The available 19-speaker, 450-watt Mark Levinson® Reference Surround Sound system creates a new benchmark for mobile audio systems with its theater-level entertainment experience and includes a DVD/CD changer. Bluetooth® technology features voice input of telephone numbers.
Exterior Design
The Lexus LS 460 flagship showcases the brand's L-finesse design philosophy, revealing a family resemblance that conveys elegance, refinement and a strong emotional appeal. Minimal body gaps, a low front grille and deep-drawn fenders all contribute to the car's distinctive, muscular profile. Lexus' attention to detail is seen in the integrated dual chrome exhaust tips and the one-piece chrome window surround.
Changes to the color palate for 2010 reflect the brand's focus on luxury design: Matador Red Mica replaces Nobel Spinel Mica; Satin Cashmere Metallic replaces Golden Almond Metallic; Peridot Mica replaces Verdigris Mica, and Deep Sea Mica replaces Black Sapphire Pearl.
Interior Design
The thin film transistor instrument panel sets the tone for blending functional high-tech with pleasing aesthetics. Tasteful wood and chrome trim as well as refinements to the interior lighting create a rich feeling, including
LED ambient interior lighting with spot-lamp illumination in front and rear. Even the angles on the center console were optimized to enhance comfort for the driver and front passenger.
As a further example of
Lexus' passionate attention to luxury detail, the
Lexus LS steering wheel is wrapped by supple, twice-buffed leather. The water-based dye used on the leather provides a more natural feel, and a whipstitch pattern ensures a smooth wheel surface without any unevenness or jumps in the stitch.
Lexus LS 2010
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