Does the Fourth-Generation Lexus LS 460 Flagship Sedan Redefine the Full-Size Luxury Segment?
Fourth-Generation Lexus LS 460 Flagship Sedan Redefines Full-Size Luxury Segment
August 15, 2006 – Torrance, CA - Lexus has revealed the all-new 2007 LS 460 and the LS 460 L, the company's first-ever long-wheelbase model. The fourth-generation LS blends new levels of performance, sophistication, contemporary styling, and luxury refinements while redefining the full-size luxury-sedan segment.
"The first LS that debuted in 1989 set new standards in luxury and refinement, and the new LS 460 continues that heritage," said Bob Carter, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. "This vehicle required novel approaches in craftsmanship, innovative styling and pioneering production processes in order to deliver unmatched refinement and elegance."
Distinctive Design Relationship
With the launch of the all-new LS, Lexus has adopted the new styling philosophy known as L-finesse across its entire sedan line-up. Fusing incisive simplicity and intriguing elegance, the design posture that began with the new GS luxury sport sedan has now sculpted the IS sport sedan, ES luxury sedan and the flagship LS.
With the all-new LS, Lexus elevated this philosophy. The exterior conveys greater prominence and strength, with a sense of quality and dignity befitting its position as Lexus' premier flagship model.
Styled at Toyota's Global Design center in Tokyo, the LS uses complex lines and surfaces throughout the body. The vehicle not only portrays power but also an image of increasing speed. Minimal body gaps, a low front grille and deep drawn fenders all contribute to this look.
One of the defining elements of the LS 460's appearance is the vehicle's headlamps. The LS engineers wanted the projector-type xenon front lights to have thick walled lenses with crystal-like properties. To better understand the properties of a "crystal" lens the Chief Engineer and his team made a headlamp lens out of crystal. Data was gathered on everything from transparency and the refractive index of light, to surface roughness. Based on the resulting data a new lens was molded and hand polished to reproduce the inherent look of crystal. In addition, the new headlamps reach 30-60 feet further than the lamps used on the previous generation LS.
An interior cabin focused on spaciousness was created for the new LS to delicately wrap around its occupants. This passenger-focused space has dual elements of stability and security in the lower half while keeping a sense of expansion and openness in the upper cabin. All passenger touchpoints were softened to create a relaxed atmosphere, with additional stitching for a richer look. Center console layout was designed to achieve perfect angles for elemental ease of operation from either the driver's or passenger's seat; it is arranged at the same height as the door armrests for a comfortable balance. Additional standard wood and chrome trim has been adopted as well as refinements to the interior lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere.
To compliment the interior and exterior styling, special attention was given to the paint. To prepare the exterior body surface for paint, buffing robots are used. In the past, the robots moved only in two directions, up and down. For the LS, six-axis buffing robots with three-dimensional movements were built so that curved surfaces and ends can be polished as well. Six months were spent in developing the robots' control logic to achieve the right amount of buffing force and oscillation.
Once the body has been smoothed, the painting process begins. During the application of alternating layers of paint and coatings, each LS will be hand-sanded twice. This smoothes and refines the painted surfaces and enhances the deep, mirror-like quality of the finish.
A revolutionary production process was created, enhancing what was already widely recognized as the industry's finest, in order to build a vehicle that would redefine craftsmanship. The new LS 460 and LS 460 L are the product of an all-new build process developed specifically for the LS line at the award-winning Tahara, Japan plant.
Extraordinary new levels of fit, finish, accuracy and refinement were created by combining the skill and knowledge with advanced technology. The all-new LS sedans showcase the Lexus belief that every element and phase of production is vital to the artistic evolution of an automobile.
World's First Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission; New High Output V8
In order to achieve the combination of acceleration performance and excellent fuel consumption, an all-new 4.6-liter V8 engine mated to the world's first eight-speed automatic transmission will power the new LS. Producing 380 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque, the innovative V8—Lexus' first all-new V8 engine since the brand's launch—features the world's first electric-motor driven Variable Valve Timing with intelligence and Electronically controlled intake cam (VVT-iE). The dual VVT-i combination of electrically controlled intake and hydraulically controlled exhaust achieves superior engine-startup operation and high-output performance.
A dual fuel-injection system, with both port and direct injection, sends an optimal air-fuel mixture to the combustion chamber, increasing efficiency. The dual-pipe intake system and an Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) ensure the proper amount of intake airflow to support increased engine power, with no variation among the cylinders. Maximized engine performance and efficiency also demanded a reduction in exhaust interference. This is achieved via a semi-dual exhaust manifold that carries the exhaust gas in a smoother, more economical fashion.
The new 4.6-liter V8 achieves new levels of rotational balance and reduced friction. A mirror-like finish is polished on specific areas of the crankshaft to minimize the friction generated between the pistons and the crankshaft. In the final assembly stage, a motor cranks the engine to check for any vibration; after assembly, an accelerometer is mounted to the front and rear of the crankshaft to measure any rotational difference. The adoption of direct-injection noise reduction via urethane insulators, with a master technician implementing a final vibration and sound check on each engine in the final phase, has created superior levels of NVH reduction.
In order to fully utilize the engine performance while achieving the smooth acceleration worthy of Lexus' flagship luxury sedan, the world's first eight-speed automatic transmission was created for the new LS. This allows gear ratios that generate torque up to the tire-grip limitations on the low end yet maintain quietness and fuel economy on the high end. A new transmission-control system was developed in order to simultaneously release and connect the clutches involved when up shifting and negate gearshift shock.
The LS 460 will travel from 0-to-60 miles per hour in approximately 5.4 seconds. With that level of performance, the new LS is estimated at 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway by the EPA testing method. Lexus is targeting an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) rating for the LS.
Confident Driving Performance; Superior Ride Comfort
The new LS achieves a superior level of ride comfort independent of the harshness of the road conditions, and a confident drive performance with new innovations in body structure, steering and suspension.
The LS is built on a sophisticated new platform that maintains a delicate balance between ride comfort and responsive handling, utilizing the abundant powertrain output with smooth acceleration. This is accomplished via a new production-control network that can trace the precision of the body and subassembly based on the design data. All completed vehicles off the line are purpose driven by a skilled test driver to confirm riding comfort and steering response.
A front and rear multi-link suspension system with superior adaptability to unevenness in road surfaces was adopted on the LS. Optional external cylinder-restriction air springs were developed to smoothly absorb shock, achieving ride comfort without roll sensation or vibration due to road conditions. An optional all-new air suspension control system achieves superb vehicle posture and stable driving performance with minimal pitching and rolling. The LS comes with standard 18-inch, nine-spoke aluminum alloy wheels and all-season tires.
The LS 460's newly developed Electric Power Steering (EPS) incorporates a large output brushless motor with improved precision of the reduction gear, increased motor-driving voltage and efficiency of the controller. It offers a smooth steering feel that supports the adoption of the multi-link suspension and large-diameter tires. The EPS motor power was increased to create a steering feel that responds to the driver's touch and provides a responsive feel when cornering.
Integrated into the steering-gear housing on vehicles with the air-suspension option, Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) optimizes the steering-gear ratio according to vehicle speed to help enhance responsiveness and driver control. VGRS also partners with a next-generation Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, making minor adjustments to front-wheel angle for improved control in challenging road conditions.
The LS features a lightweight body that has a strong resistance to torsion, contributing to the sedan's performance and fuel economy. It was designed to provide a comfortable space without generating or transmitting vibration. In order to achieve a body structure that contributes to the driving performance, spot welds in the door corner areas were increased and laser welding was implemented for reinforcement, increasing the body's strength against torsion. In order to confirm and guarantee precision at each step of the process, an innovative production-control measurement system verifies each measurement with the design data, creating a body constructed without unnecessary gaps.
Advanced Active/Passive Safety Technologies Act As One
In an effort to create a more intelligent vehicle, Lexus has combined advanced active and passive safety technology into one integrated system. This achieves rapid response that helps predict situations and implement actions, which will help to assist the driver and passengers at an even higher level.
Among the new active features on the LS is the next generation Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) stability system, which integrates and manages a new Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB) system, Electronic Power Steering (EPS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and engine torque via the electronically controlled throttle. Monitoring a variety of sensors, the system anticipates the onset of a vehicle skid or slide while cornering and then helps correct the situation with a combination of braking, throttle and steering control in a way that is essentially transparent to the driver. The new VDIM system gathers data from more sources, processed earlier and faster than in previous designs, which helps make the system even more seamless and effective. VSC can also be turned off by the driver via the Trac Off button.
Overall, there are eight standard airbags, with maximum of eleven airbags with option packages.
Enhanced Tranquility
The first generation LS set new standards in cabin tranquility, and the new fourth generation continues the heritage of this flagship luxury sedan. As noise can be reduced by suppressing vibration, advanced analysis was used to source unwanted vibrations, and a body structure was created to generate counter vibrations, thus canceling out the unwanted noise.
The interior cabin of the LS demanded not only exceptional silence, but the quality of the sounds had to be pleasing to the occupants. Extensive study was done to ensure the sound emanating from the doors when opening and closing had a sense of luxury reminiscent of skillfully crafted wood doors in a home.
The LS also features a number of power functions to create a sense of hospitality, yet the sheer number of motors could have decreased the pleasant surroundings of the hushed cabin. This was minimized by targeting an optimized tone from each motor and achieving the objective via high-precision assembly parts and processes. One example is new one-touch power window motors that reduce speed near their closure to lower noise and create a more pleasant sound.
Luxury Redefined with Unique Hospitality
The new LS approaches comfort and convenience from a new angle, redefining luxury. This was accomplished with an ideal mix of technology and evocative design, creating an experience of welcoming hospitality that makes passengers feel like they are traveling in a private jet.
The long-wheelbase LS 460 L brings with it 4.8 inches of additional space and a long list of outstanding standard conveniences, including Gen 5 Lexus Navigation with XM factory-installed satellite radio with real-time traffic, climate-controlled front seats, heated rear seats, a new heated steering wheel, power rear sunshade, a new one-touch open/close power trunk, power door closers, headlamp washers, and laminated side glass, which is exclusive to the long wheelbase.
The Luxury Package includes upgraded semi-aniline leather with leather trim door armrests, an ecsaine headliner, power rear seats with power and memory headrests, rear climate-controlled seats, and rear side-impact airbags.
A Rear Seat Upgrade package features dual-zone rear air conditioning with air purifier and additional rear air ducts, added wood trim, rear cool box, rear power-door sunshades, and rear audio controls.
A sport-tuned air suspension highlights the Touring Package, which incorporates 19-inch five-spoke wheels and summer tires, Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), and high-friction-coefficient brake pads with larger rotors.
The Executive Class Seating Package includes a rear-seat entertainment system featuring the world's first ceiling-mounted 3.0 VGA high-quality display with a nine-inch screen, which operates with an electronic-motor open/close function. In addition, a four-zone independent front and rear A/C with air purification and the world's first 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. A multi-function massage feature includes an enhanced massage mode for the right-rear seat. Created through the use of eight small airbags operated by a compressor in the trunk, it can be used separately or in conjunction with the seat heater and cooler.
While the standard rear seat has a built-in 28-degree angle, the available ottoman seat reclines up to 45 degrees with Lexus' first upper-back recliner featuring a 17-degree angle adjustment. In addition, the available left-rear power seat also reclines 38 degrees, and the rear seat moves front to back approximately three inches. The climate control is further upgraded with three infrared sensors located in the headliner that measure the lap, upper body and seat on each side and then adjust airflow appropriately.
The LS steering wheel was designed to achieve unprecedented feel, comfort and a luxurious image. Genuine leather trim is buffed twice the norm to create a supple touch; water-based dye is utilized for a more natural feel. A whip-stitch pattern is incorporated to ensure a smooth wheel without any unevenness or jumps in the stitch. In addition, Lexus created a revolutionary new steering-wheel heating mechanism to provide warmth the moment the button is pressed with no variation in temperature regardless of where the wheel is gripped.
The new Navigation system includes a hard disk drive (HDD) for faster calculations and the Bluetooth® technology features voice input of telephone numbers while driving. The HDD computer hard drive dedicates a portion of its capacity for navigation when equipped with the Mark Levinson® system to store as many as 2,000 digital songs. An auxiliary jack located in the front center console allows for iPod or MP3/WMA capable digital music players while a new specially developed 19-speaker Mark Levinson® Reference Surround sound audio system is available, creating a new benchmark for automotive sound systems with its theater-level entertainment experience.
The all-new LS sedans offer the Advanced Parking Guidance System (APGS) as an option to assist with parallel and back-in parking. Once the driver has correctly positioned the car and identified the desired parking spot via the Nav screen, APGS utilizes the back-up camera and the parking sonar sensors and electric power steering system to automatically guide the car into the spot, while the driver controls speed via braking.
The new LS includes an intelligent Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), which allows both the inbound and outbound headlights to swivel in the direction of a turn. A new automatic electric parking brake system, which eliminates the chore of pressing a foot-operated pedal, is standard for added comfort and convenience.
The 2007 Lexus LS 460 and LS 460 L, which go on sale in October 2006, will represent a strong value in their segments with dynamic styling, advanced technologies, increased size, and improved performance and craftsmanship