2007 Lexus LS News: World's first 8 spd transmission; Official Photos of LS & Info

[Vintalage]

Lexus to stretch flagship sedan; LS 460 also will offer industry's first hybrid V-8

To match luxury competitors, Lexus will offer a long-wheelbase version of its redesigned flagship, the LS 460, when it arrives in fall 2006.

Soon after, a hybrid version of the vehicle will debut. It will be the first gasoline-electric powertrain with a V-8 engine by any automaker.

The LS 460 information was revealed in filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Lexus spokesman Bill Ussery declined to confirm the product plan or reveal the hybrid's launch date.

Toyota Motor Co. executives have said they want to build a flagship Lexus hybrid but have never given specifics.

Lexus has studied developing a long-wheelbase flagship and "found the potential for a mix" of long- and standard-wheelbase versions, Ussery says.

Wheelbase typically is a strong indicator for interior roominess for occupants. The LS 460 will be available with short and long wheelbases, the filings say.

Lexus has the shortest wheelbase among luxury flagships in the United States. Mercedes-Benz sells only long-wheelbase versions of its S-Class in this country. BMW and Jaguar sell standard- and long-wheelbase versions of their flagships.

According to the filings, Lexus will call the long-wheelbase version the LS 460L.

The hybrid, to be called the LS 600hL, will have a long wheelbase.

Lexus code-names its hybrid vehicles differently than its gasoline engine vehicles, which have a direct numerical correlation to the size of its engine.

Therefore, LS 460 refers to the vehicle's 4.6-liter engine. The current flagship, the LS 430, has a 4.3-liter engine. But LS 600hL refers to the equivalent power of a 6.0-liter engine, when the V-8 gasoline engine is mated to an electric motor.

http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102210

- Mark Rechtin
- Autoweek

[bigbenSC]

The LS really isn't my type of car at all, but Toyota is sure on a roll with it's hybrid technology!

[crazypontiac03]

Dam likeing Toyota's hybrids. exspecailly at the price of gas!

[Vintalage]

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?act=...=post&id=14093

[Vintalage]

Spy Shot:

http://img433.imageshack.us/img433/5...usls8ub7zf.jpg

[Vintalage]

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?act=...=post&id=14093

I believe this is definately it. I compared the pics with the spyshot and the front end matches up exactly. So do the doors, mirros, and hood. Headlamp shape is very similar.

[bigbenSC]

The IS, LS, and GS are all looking too similar to my eye, its a good look, but there should be some more differentiation between the cars IMO.

[Vintalage]

[Vintalage]

[Braves299]

That is nice. I would def. take one over a new BMW.

[99GApunk]

looks like a Lexu-MW TL

[bigbenSC]

The production car will lose the exhaust cut-outs in the bumper, but otherwise it looks production ready. Looks a lot like the IS. Much better than the current, boring car. I think the RL looks better even thought the LS will probably have a lot more power. It will be interesting to see what the next Q45 will look like to compete with this car.

[Vintalage]

Well, I can tell you what I know about this car as far as the interior goes. Very few details. Read it from another website where a member's boss from a dealership got to view the car first hand. First, there will be two wheel base versions. Now onto the interior. There will be drop down monitors, reclining rear seats with foot rests in the long wheel base model.

[Vintalage]

4.6L V8 380hp/370lb-ft of torque
8-speed automatic transmission
0-60 less than 5.5 seconds
Mid-20s MPG
Body Temperature sensors in seats
Automatic Parking assist
Smart Card (in place of key; can keep in wallet)
Built in Hard Drive for up to 4000 songs
Reclining seats (45 degrees) with ottomans and foot rests, massager
Individual DVD players

---------------

01/08/2006 Detroit, MI

Lexus revealed the all-new 2007 LS 460 and the company's first-ever long-wheelbase model, the LS 460L, today at a press conference at the 2006 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Seventeen years after its initial launch in Detroit, the redesigned LS now combines new levels of performance, sophistication, contemporary styling and luxury refinements.

"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," he added.

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.

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.

New Lexus Design Direction
Over the last two years, Lexus has developed a new styling philosophy that it calls L-finesse. This new design language rests upon the inherent contrast between simplicity and elegance-and the beauty of achieving a balance between the two. Simplicity, in form and function, reflects styling that is uncluttered and void of extraneous elements. Lexus elegance, inside and out, avoids exaggeration by prioritizing understated luxury that is intriguing, subtle, seamless and slightly surprising.

Lexus imbued the development of the 2006 GS and IS series sport sedans with this new styling direction. Now the LS further expands the L-finesse visual philosophy, revealing a family resemblance in the new Lexus sedans-one that conveys elegance, refinement and a strong emotional appeal.
"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.


Preliminary Specifications
LS 460
(standard wheelbase) LS 460L
(long wheelbase)
Wheelbase (inches)
Difference: 4.8 Inches 116.9 121.7
Overall Length (inches)
Difference: 4.8 Inches 198.0 202.8
Overall Width (inches) 73.8
Overall Height (inches) 58.1
(w/coil suspension)
Engine 4.6-liter V8
Horsepower (estimated) Approximately 380 hp
Torque (estimated) Approximately 370 lb.-ft.
Drive Wheels Rear
Suspension Front & Rear Multilink Suspension
(5 links)
0-60 MPH Acceleration (mfr. results) Under 5.5 seconds
Fuel Economy* (city/highway) Combined fuel economy in the
Mid-20-mpg range
Emissions Rating** ULEV II
*Manufacturer's estimate of EPA fuel economy ratings
**Manufacturer's estimate of emissions ratings

....

[Vintalage]

[Vintalage]

[bigbenSC]

Plusher and more powerful than ever. The rear seats look fantastic! Styling continues to be too conservative for me. It needs an AWD option. I don't know about the electronic brakes either, Mercedes is killing theirs in favor of a conventional system in the E class.

[Vintalage]

[Rich]

the back seats are CRAZY. seems that they toned it down from the concept which is unfortunate. but its still a really nice car.

[GregFarz78]

Its nice but whats the advantage to a 8spd auto trans?