LS Lexus LS 460/LS 460h

[Mark]

Lexus LS 460/LS 460h -

Lexus' new flagship sedan has been spied. Caught on a testing run at a filling station in Kingman, Ariz., the new LS mules reveal more about the future of the Toyota brand's big four-door.

Among the test fleet of four vehicles, there was also the current LS430, nicely parked next to the prototype of its replacement. At first sight one might not notice the difference between the two cars, but looking closer it is quite obvious. The new one on the left has bigger tires, is wider, and parts of the body look handmade. Also note the fender bulges front and rear, needed to cover the extra-wide tires mounted on large-diameter wheels. Along with the Lexus cars they had company from a BMW 7-Series and a Mercedes S-Class, which were included in the test fleet to give a direct side-by-side driving comparison of the Lexus with its top competitors.

The replacement LS sedan is expected to have a 4.6-liter V-8 engine, which would naturally result in the car being renamed as the LS460. Along with the more powerful engine will come the usual improvements to luxury, safety, and electronics that Lexus builds into each new vehicle.

Lexus will also offer a hybrid version of the LS460. The hybrid version is rumoured to be named the LS600h, and will combine Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive with a V-8 engine.

The 2007 Lexus LS460 is expected for fall 2006, and the hybrid model will likely be introduced several months later. The computer rendering above shows what the production model might look like.

Via TheCarConnection

 

[Mark]

Additional pics..

 

[SDNR]

I can see elements of the Audi A8 - particularly the rear end - but also there is a strong BMW influence in this design. I find this interesting, when Lexus first launched their LS400 in the late 1980's, it was clearly a Mercedes-Benz imitator.

But the car in the spy shots is far more Benz-like, which means it will probably be closer to the actual design.

BTW, I heard that Toyota are considering a Phantom/Maybach competitor - does anyone have more information on that?

 

[MoSs]

who will buy a toyota that costs more than 100 000$?

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Lexus is moving far beyond the tarted up Toyota stage. While that was once true, it simply does not hold that well anymore. I am hugely looking forward to this new LS. It's set to premiere at Tokyo right?

 

[SDNR]

I have posted these before but..........

The most prestigious Japanese car is not a Lexus - they are the Toyota Century and the Nissan President. These cars are made primarily for the Japanese market and are big status symbols there.

Toyota Century



NISSAN PRESIDENT

I know what you're thinking............................right?

 

[Alx]

It looks like a plumb 2006 Toyota Avalon (btw i think the Avalon looks awesome!), but i really expect more, they really need to give the LS a big make over to compete with competition. Too many beautiful new models are coming out from the competition they really need to come out with something stunning, not a facelift.

As for the H versions, they are the way to go! Impressie power and little gas! Big deal!

 

[Mr. M]

The LS will look much more sportier, aggressive and a whole lot more macho for sure. The competition like the 7 and the W221 are all 'muscular' cars, so to speak. And deriving from the new GS and IS, I'm expecting an awesome car from Lexus.

Just wondering, why don't they do a LWB version of the LS?

 

[Snake Vargas]

I suppose that Toyota Century is a motorised equivalent of the horse drawn carriage, or the Swiss Guard, if you want to look at it that way. Sure it looks old and clunky, and the handling is likely to be nothing beyond 'competent' at best (the power should be 'adequate', though ), but that'd be missing the point.

Plus, that "LS" mule on the track is a Toyota Crown Royal from Japan. It's been on sale there for a fair while. It is not how it will look. And I doubt highly that the artist's rendition will be that close, either, for better or worse.

I'm looking forward to what Lexus will do with its newfound design direction - do their own thing, or rehash old themes..

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Presenting the new LS460:



I'm guessing these are EXTREMELY unflattering photographs. So I'm going to withhold judgment for now. But wow look at that kerb weight, E-class 5-series territory. This car is probably packing some serious technology.

 

[notic]

^ not bad, but a little too sleek to be a flaship sedan for a luxury car maker.

judging by what acura showed us with the RL and what japanese electronic companies debuted this week at CEATEC 05, this car should be a technological marvel. i wouldn't be surprised if it had the tech to make some german cars seem a generation behind.

 

[Mr. M]

Personally, I'm disappointed. I thought they would have come up with a more cohesive design.

 

[Merc1]

Guys I really wouldn't be so sure about those pics, they just very good photoshops.

I would reserve judgement until they actual unveil the car and/or you get a honest to goodness shot of the car out in the open testing.

M

 

[Sayyaaf]

me 2 .. i will wait until the actual thing is out .. i see Lexus is copying BMW recently ..

 

[MoSs]

 

[Alx]

To IS like.... not really up for it.... hope its better once its out... big, bold, wide, and, competitive.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Merc1, I think this is the real deal. The car is just a few weeks away from its official debut, so these pictures could have leaked easily. I think it has potential to be very attractive, or once again very very mediocre. Better pictures will tell for sure. Oh and I wonder what they have going on in the interior because the S's interior is rather outstanding.

 

[MoSs]

it may look like this :


incredible chops , audi looka like

 

[Mr. M]

Oh my! The first thing the front reminds me of is the Phaeton...

And I'm not liking the rear. The car is now incorporating a 'Japanese Bold' theme, if you get what I mean. It wants to look bold while being petitely Japanese.

 

[MoSs]

Oh my! The first thing the front reminds me of is the Phaeton...

And I'm not liking the rear. The car is now incorporating a 'Japanese Bold' theme, if you get what I mean. It wants to look bold while being petitely Japanese.

exactly the phaeton ,
but not bad for a lexus, i think the chops look great ..