2010 DETROIT AUTO SHOW: Detroit Or Bust! 00R's NYC To MI Journey, Part I - Delivery

When 001 and I were talking about the Detroit show, he questioned "Oh, well how are you getting out there?" Being a driving enthusiast, I said "Ah, I'll probably just take a press car out there."

My, oh my how did I immediately regret my decision. I forgot it was a nine-hour drive. Whoops! But my ears did perk up when I heard what would be arranged for the timeless haul: the 2010 Lexus LS460L.

When the key was placed in my hand the deliveryman said "Yeah, in the office we call this car 'the cloud.'"

He was not kidding either. My initial impressions have been quite good. Although this car may not be tuned for the driving enthusiast, it is tuned for one of the most important things on a long haul; comfort. I may have to be careful that I do not fall asleep.

"The cloud" is an insulated, quiet and smooth sedan. At speed it chugs along, flying over the pavement  without jolting its passengers -- as a luxury sedan should. When you get on the power, it surges and whisks you away with no drama. When going over railroad tracks I am convinced the LS floats over them, somehow.

Additionally, there is plenty of room in all directions. No worries about comfort with the heated/cooled/lumbar seats as well as the adjustable suspension settings for Comfort or Sport.

Remember, this is just the beginning of the drive. More details to follow as I trek out to Detroit in the coming days...

2010 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery
















2010 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery

2010 San Diego Auto Show Photo Gallery

2011 Toyota Sienna Photo Gallery

2009 LA Auto Show Photo Gallery

AutoSpies.com Photo Galleries

If you want to see your photos running on our homepage photo ticker, be sure to upload your photos on the go by sending them to Mobile@AutoSpies.com

Share on Facebook
 

There are photos and then there are AutoSpies.com photos!

AutoSpies.com is ranked number one on Google search for auto shows

0to60 - 1/8/2010 8:27:19 PM

+4 Boost

I think that is what a car in that class should be. Not a sports sedan. But pure luxury. I think they do a fine job at that.

enthusiastx11 - 1/12/2010 9:55:17 PM

+1 Boost

a car at the pinnacle of the automotive world should do EVERYTHING very well. and, since it is a car after all, that INCLUDES great handling, inspiring confidence in the driver, great brake feel, and stunning styling. in other words, an S-class as the lexus lacks all the above-mentioned.

enthusiastx11 - 1/12/2010 9:55:55 PM

+1 Boost

but of course the LS is a great value for $30-40k less than a similarly equipped S-class.

bmwdrvr - 1/9/2010 8:37:36 AM

+2 Boost

Why would they need to...., The German luxury car companies have enough of their own technology. The LS is a good luxury car but far from the class leader, the best thing it has done is force the Europeans back to the drawing board on quality, technology, and reliability. It forced them to make their flagships better which is always a good thing. Othe

theoptimisticpessimist - 1/9/2010 2:09:40 PM

+2 Boost

Which tech would that be, the self parking system that dealer can only get to work about 60% of the time.

ThierryHenry14 - 1/9/2010 3:01:29 PM

+2 Boost

You mean the parking thing that VW has in its cars?

enthusiastx11 - 1/12/2010 9:57:02 PM

+1 Boost

and to which "technology" would you be referring?

laurent - 1/8/2010 11:09:36 PM

+7 Boost

I dont like the fact that the clock is exactly the same as in my 87 corolla...

0to60 - 1/9/2010 7:38:39 AM

0 Boost

are the dials in the BMW still the same? Or did they finally sunset that darn orange from the 80's?

WorldofLuxury - 1/9/2010 1:21:18 AM

+1 Boost

Wow... you lucky press people - getting Lexus' long-wheelbase luxury flagship. Is it the bad economy or something? Have you guys ever gotten free plane tickets and a rather nice place to stay?

On the side note: these luxury cars really need to offer the option of a full leather interior. The "soft-touch" plastic gets on my nerves sometimes. I wouldn't mind a cheaper grade of leather for certain areas. Lexus, BMW, and MB all force you to go for the top of the line model. Lexus' is most annoying because you are forced to have the heavy hybrid. (I really do love the hybrid's LED headlights though.)

WorldofLuxury - 1/9/2010 7:40:50 PM

+1 Boost

lol I realize that. We're forced to buy the hybrid.

Agent00R - 1/9/2010 10:10:13 AM

+4 Boost

Hey chief, it's refreshed for 2010.

You know what they say about ass-uming...

Agent00R - 1/10/2010 12:46:38 AM

+1 Boost

Calm down there, Sparky.

Note: "Part I"

XYZZ - 1/9/2010 5:05:02 AM

+1 Boost

"When going over railroad tracks I am convinced the LS floats over them, somehow."


i recall an early review, where the journo tester didn't notice some RR tracks and blasted over them without even slowing. he reported the same thing-- the car just floated over 'em. heard more than felt anything. and just barely at that.

a toyota engineer and PR guy were riding along. they just smiled at each other, totally unperturbed.

JUGNU - 1/9/2010 8:02:26 AM

+1 Boost

I have seen the refresh 2010 LS and i really like the modifications.
At first i thought the only thing changed at the front is the bumper but then i found even the headlights have been tweaked. They have been beautifully increased in length (horizontally) and reduced in width but still very closely resemble the older ones.

I also like the new tail lamps, they are lot less curvy and now look more elegant. Nice improvements all around.

On side note, for the first time Lexus LS600hL will be launched in Middle East. Also another first for Middle East is the all new GX460. Both cars will be available around March 2010.

JUGNU

Agent00R - 1/9/2010 12:07:28 PM

0 Boost

Unlike other automotive publications, we tell it how it is and we're straight shooters.

We've always made it a priority to give OUR opinions on each and every car.

Agent00R - 1/10/2010 1:55:18 AM

0 Boost

@George

So, I guess you're not a watch kinda guy?

XYZZ - 1/12/2010 8:23:21 AM

+1 Boost

204:

"...Of course this website is going to give favorable reviews to their cars. Duh."


then how do you account for agent 009's mostly critical headlines/postings about lexus and toyota products?

sour kraut enthusiasts ALWAYS manage to find excuses for not giving credit where it's due, with regard to SUPERIOR japanese products. lol!

StickShiftCamry - 1/9/2010 10:25:06 PM

+2 Boost

I remember going to the Lexus driving event in NJ in '08. I got the code from Autospies actually lol. So we were allowed to take a real hwy drive of the LS SWB following the lead driver/instructor who had walkie talkies for all of us. Basically, getting in and out of the course to the HWY had some speed bumps, I set it on comfort and full throttled over them lolol. Then I'd let the instructor get way ahead, so I left the thing on "PWR" mode and "VSC" off and manual shift, I abused the sh*t outta that thing, I remember it bumping the limiter nice. We were allowed to drive on public Highway for a good few miles, I'm guessing other drivers never saw LS's being driven the way we were driving. Then he made us take this turn where you had to make a left then immediately a sharp right, classic tail slide at full throttle! In comfort mode, it really does float over things like bumps n rr tracks.

enthusiastx11 - 1/12/2010 9:51:33 PM

+1 Boost

try not to fall asleep.

and be sure not to park it in garage with lots of silver cars because you'll never find it again.

XYZZ - 1/13/2010 6:34:27 AM

+1 Boost

CR's ratings of relative automotive goodness (based on Road Tests by their professional automobile ENGINEERS):

bmw 745Li 70
mb CLS500 73
lexus LS460 99