"The Lexus LS 460 was designed to expand the definition of the full-size luxury sedan," said Jim Press, Toyota Motor Sales president and COO. "The new LS is the product of an advanced production process developed specifically for this vehicle with remarkable new levels of accuracy, refinement, precision and craftsmanship. Considering our record for quality over the last 17 years, that's quite a statement,” headded.

2007 Lexus LS 460

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2007 Lexus LS 460
  • Engine/Motor: 4.6 liter V8
  • Horsepower: 380@0
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

High Output V8, World’s First Eight-Speed Transmission

The LS will be powered by an all-new highly advanced 4.6-liter V8 engine that will produce approximately 380 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque. Combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission, a world-first, the LS 460 will travel from zero-to-sixty miles per hour in less than 5.5 seconds. With that level of performance, the new LS will achieve an estimated combined city/highway mileage in the mid-20s. Lexus is targeting an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) rating for the LS 460.

Ultra-Advanced Dynamics

The new LS is built on a sophisticated platform that maintains a delicate balance between ride comfort and responsive handling. The completely redesigned multilink suspension system includes an electronic power steering system and a next-generation Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system.

VDIM is an advanced stability system that integrates and manages a new Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB) system, Electronic Power Steering (EPS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Antilock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and engine torque via the electronically controlled throttle.

Monitoring a variety of sensors, the system is designed to anticipate the onset of a vehicle skid or slide and then help correct the situation with a combination of braking, throttle and steering control in a way that is essentially transparent to the driver. Data is gathered from more sources and processed earlier and faster than in previous designs, helping to make VDIM less obtrusive and even more effective.

First Long-Wheelbase Sedan

At nearly 203 inches, the long-wheelbase LS 460L provides an even higher level of comfort and convenience features along with some of the most advanced technology ever offered in a production automobile. The four-passenger compartment of the LS 460L transports its rear-seat passengers in an environment whose luxury features closely resemble those of a private jet.

Luxury, Redefined by Lexus

Intelligent technology and emotionally evocative design is clearly evident throughout the beautifully appointed cabin of the new LS sedans. Extra luxury and comfort touches include a heated steering wheel and seats swathed in one of four tones of semi-aniline leathers matched to one of three coordinating wood-grain trims.

Rear occupants can relax and enjoy power reclining seats equipped with power leg rests and even a massage feature. The new LS even offers body-heat sensors that help maintain the perfect temperature for all occupants. A fold-away table matched to the interior wood grain provides ample work space for rear passengers. The LS also features a nine-inch headliner-mounted rear-screen monitor along with an all-new 19- speaker Mark Levinson® audio system that provides a true theater-level entertainment experience. Additional luxury convenience features include a power rear-door closer and an automatic-powered opening/closing trunk lid.

 “During the next few months, we’ll provide more details about the all-new Lexus LS 460 as we prepare to launch this highly anticipated sedan,” said Press. “If you like the way the LS looks, you’ll be even more impressed when you hear about its advanced safety and innovative technology,” he added.

The 2007 Lexus LS 460 and LS 460L are targeted for sale beginning in the fall of 2006.

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Design

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.

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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 dual VVT-iE combination of electrically controlled intake and hydraulically controlled exhaust achieves superior engine-startup operation and high-output performance. The LS 460 will travel from zero to 60 miles per hour in approximately 5.4 seconds while achieving an estimated 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, 18 city/27 highway for the LS 460 L, by the EPA testing method. The LS sedans also achieve an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) rating.

In an effort to create a more intelligent vehicle, Lexus has combined advanced active and passive safety technology into a consolidated system. 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), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and engine torque via the electronically controlled throttle. The driver can also choose to completely disable the VSC system via a console-mounted button. In addition to the active safety features, the new LS has eight standard airbags, including a twin-chamber front passenger airbag with both driver and passenger knee airbags, and a potential of ten airbags with option packages.

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.

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Driving Performance and Safety


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.

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.