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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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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 0-100 km/h in approximately 5.4 seconds. 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. |
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