Moscow Preview: Lexus to show LS460 AWD
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lexus LS460 AWD.
The Moscow International Auto Show is shaping up to be a serious event. Audi is showing off the RS6 sedan, Mazda is bringing a new crossover concept, Mitsubishi will debut the redesigned Pajero Sport and plan on plenty of Lada love to spread around. Lexus is joining the ranks of other top-tier automakers showing their wares in Moscow with the unveiling of an all-wheel-drive version of its LS460 flagship.
The AWD system fitted to the LS460 is the same found on the LS600h, and includes a Torsen LSD integrated into the rear drive shaft that receives power from the 381 hp, 4.6-liter V8 via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. In normal driving conditions, torque is split 40/60 front-to-rear, with as much as 70 percent of the power being shoveled to the rear wheels depending on conditions.
Russia's affection for stately sedans is one of the reasons that BMW decided to launch the redesigned 7-series in the planet's largest country, and Lexus is obviously trying to tap into one of the world's fastest growing automotive markets with the introduction of the LS460 AWD.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Carlos 4:02PM (8/18/2008)
AWD is lame!
Just kidding
Reply
sepultura 5:51PM (8/18/2008)
Not when you live in Montreal! :P
paul34 4:22PM (8/18/2008)
Wow, whoever resized those pictures needs to look up a little something called "aspect ratio."
Or just common sense. Terribly resized.
(no offense to Autoblog if you guys did it, but I know you guys are smarter than that).
Reply
Marq 4:47PM (8/18/2008)
Seriously! That photo makes the car look like an Infiniti Ex.
JapanCarBlog.com 5:24PM (8/18/2008)
No no. The LS is actually a party bus in Russia. More room for Vlad and his drinking buddies.
Torrent 5:30AM (8/19/2008)
Really. It looks all skinny. Like a Tango.
Ormond 5:00PM (8/18/2008)
I wonder how much the AWD components add in weight and cost.....
Lexus needs this model in the US snowbelt.
Reply
georgeA 5:30PM (8/18/2008)
Just the thing for those quick runs to Tbilisi over unimproved roads . . .
Reply
why not the LS2LS7? 6:08PM (8/18/2008)
The torque splits sound suspiciously like BS to me.
Can anyone explain how this system works, how does it divide power front to rear, does power enter at a center diff or does it use a PTO?
Reply
MikeW 6:44PM (8/18/2008)
It is a low bias torsen3 center differential. 40/60 nominal
50/50 on rear overrun, 30/70 on front overrun
Harrison 11:16PM (8/18/2008)
I guess the noveau riche need something to throw money at. At least it's something worth the money.
Reply
icu812ru469 9:28AM (8/19/2008)
This is just debuting at Moscow, not exclusive to Russia. This model will make it to U.S. as well. The rear bias sounds very good for the AWD system. On-demand when needed.
Reply