Autoblog

Super Lexus LS has a name (and specs): TMG Edition

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Lexus

Lexus fans are abuzz over the sight of a potential new LS-based super sedan, and details about the mystery machine are leaking out across the intertubes. The folks at AutoGuide have somehow managed to get shots of the Nürburgring-running prototype parked in a garage along witha a conveniently displayed spec sheet which gives us a lot more information about the sporty four door shown testing on the 'Ring.

According to their information it's called the Lexus LS TMG Edition, and the TMG stands for Toyota Motorsport GmbH. That would be the European motorsports branch for the Japanese automaker, which helps to explain the Cologne plates spotted on the car. According to the spied spec sheet, the LS TMG boasts a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 641 horsepower and 524 pound-feet of torque. That should be enough to push the large luxo rocket from 0-62 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds and on to a top speed that's a hair under 200 miles per hour.

While we have no idea whether this is a production prototype, a one-off exercise or something else entirely, the very existence of a 641-horsepower, 200 mile-per-hour Lexus LS suggests that the crew behind the LFA are holding increasing sway over the Toyota luxury asylum. Needless to say, we're okay with that.

Super Lexus LS has a name (and specs): TMG Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mystery super Lexus LS spotting lapping Nürburgring

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Lexus

We spy, with the lens of our spy guy, a rather unique Lexus LS that's taken to the track. Spotted lapping Germany's Nürburgring, this particular LS is wearing puffed-out fenders, a strongly styled decklid spoiler, what appears to be a faux nose hiding new bodywork, deep side skirts and a pair of vents on the hood. Something sporty is afoot, and we're itching to know more.

Toyota is clearly testing a super sporty version of its flagship luxury sedan. What's not clear, however, is what exactly is going on underneath the bodywork. We do know that this is work of the automaker, and not an aftermarket tuner testing some new performance parts out. The license tags on the car are from Cologne, and the car was spotted at the automaker's garage nearby.

Could we be staring at a Lexus LS F in disguise? The automaker has hinted in the past at such a car coming to market over the years, and this luxury sedan is certainly wearing some athletic upgrades. Funny, we thought for sure that a variant of the new GS was going to be next in line to get the F Sport treatment. Could this just be a one-off piece for the Tokyo Motor Show or Tokyo Auto Salon, or is it indicative of something more?

Final amusing note: The wheelman at the helm of this mystery "LS F' must be new to the 'Ring - that giant "L" on the rear window indicates he's a Learner.

Mystery super Lexus LS spotting lapping Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus releases 2011 LS 460 Touring Edition

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Lexus, Design/Style, Luxury

2011 Lexus LS 460 Touring - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lexus has aimed its 2011 LS 460 Touring Edition at a less frumpy crowd, giving the ride new 19-inch wheels and a sportier body kit. The Touring Edition goes on sale later this month with a sticker price of $73,000 before destination charges.

To keep things looking fresh, Lexus is adding a special mica paint job to the limited-production sedan. The Touring Edition package also features sport seats, matte-finish wood paneling and black leather upholstery with saddle leather accents.

Lexus says this thing will be built in limited numbers, but doesn't say how limited. Want one? Get in line now. Catch the full press release after the jump.

Continue reading Lexus releases 2011 LS 460 Touring Edition

Lexus releases 2011 LS 460 Touring Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Jun 2011 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus issues stop-sale, recall on LS 460 and LS 600h

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 24 May 2010 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Lexus, Luxury

True to predictions, The Detroit News is reporting that Lexus has issued a stop sale on its LS 460 and LS 600h (standard and long-wheelbase) luxury sedans due to a problem with the electronic steering system that can temporarily cause the steering wheel to become off-centered. Apparently, the wheel will return to its correct position after about five seconds of misalignment. Toyota issued a recall on Friday, May 21st to address the defect. Click here to see the recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Although Toyota has reportedly fixed the problem on new models rolling down the assembly lines in Japan, those recalibrated machines are not expected to hit dealership lots in America until the middle of June. In the meantime, the 3,800 or so owners of affected 2009 and 2010 LS sedans are being urged to avoid turning the steering wheel rapidly after holding it in full lock in the opposite direction.

We would imagine that there are certain scenarios where following such advice may prove difficult to follow, but Toyota is so far reporting that no injuries or accidents have been caused by the issue.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Lexus issues stop-sale, recall on LS 460 and LS 600h originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Lexus LS460 Sport Package is F-ing with perfection

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Lexus, First Drives, Luxury

2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Lexus introduced the IS F, enthusiasts were suitably skeptical about the automaker's attempt to go head-to-head with the Germans. After all, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have specialized in creating autobahn-burning, Nordschleife-honed handlers for decades.

And then we drove it.

To everyone's surprise, Lexus pulled it off, but we figured it might be a one-time deal. We assumed the IS F was an outlier - just a distraction from the brand's cadre of well-built, less-than-sporty luxo-barges. We were wrong.

In the footsteps of the IS F was the introduction of the F-Sport accessories line, followed by rumors of a GS F and finally the LFA supercar. Lexus was becoming increasingly serious about making a mark in the luxury performance space, but on its own terms and at its own calculated pace.

Flash forward to October when a press release arrived touting a new Sport Package for the upcoming 2010 LS460. To be honest, our first thought was Lexus was overreaching. The LS is a fine sedan, with plenty of power and a reasonably good balance of ride and handling. But a sports sedan it's not. No matter. If Lexus was threatening to "F" up its LS with a "Sport" package, we needed to put it to the test. And we did just that.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Lexus LS460 Sport Package is F-ing with perfection

First Drive: 2010 Lexus LS460 Sport Package is F-ing with perfection originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Look Very Closely: Retouched Lexus LS ushers in new Sport pack

Chris Paukert — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Lexus, Design/Style, Luxury

2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport- click above image for hi-res image gallery

The subtle evolution that has defined the life of Lexus' LS may not be the stuff of action movies or even car magazine covers, but it's hard to argue with the success that Toyota's premium division has enjoyed with its flagship luxury sedan. For 2010, Lexus has once again gone over its LS 460 with the finest-toothed of styling combs, but this time, they've added something that might be of interest to enthusiasts - a performance package.

The Sport Package includes the usual visual frippery (a unique grille, revised front and rear spoilers and more assertive rocker panels), but it also includes firmer tuning for the air suspension, package-specific anti-roll bars and shocks, and 19-inch split-spoke alloys masking... wait for it... Brembo anchors. Naturally, the package is only available on the rear-drive model - those requiring the grip-at-each-radial traction of all-wheel drive will have to content themselves with deciding whether they have enough rear legroom with the standard-wheelbase model or whether they want to plump for the added lebensraum of the LS 460 L.

Inside, the LS 460 Sport Package gets different front seats, unique perforated black/saddle leather surfaces, a different leather-wrapped wheel, and paddle shifters for the octocog automatic.

Of course, if you just want to look more athletic but don't need the performance bits, Lexus will happily sell you most of the same exterior dress-ups in an appearance package.

If you're squinting a bit and are noticing some additional changes to the LS 460's visuals, that's because all models get new head- and tail-lamps, as well as a reworked front fascia. Other substantive changes for 2010 include new audio, connectivity and telematics features, as well as small things like a new ECO driving indicator in the gauge cluster to encourage thrifty motoring. Complete press release after the jump, high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading Look Very Closely: Retouched Lexus LS ushers in new Sport pack

Look Very Closely: Retouched Lexus LS ushers in new Sport pack originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked Lexus brochure reveals updated LS sedan

Noah Joseph — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrid, Sedan, Japan, Lexus, Luxury

Leaked 2010 Lexus LS brochure - Click above for high-res image gallery

To say that Lexus designs tend more toward the "evolutionary" than "revolutionary" would be like saying that Rasputin had a bit of a violent streak. Case in point: The new LS sedan, which the Toyota luxury division has apparently updated for next year in typical Lexus style. That is, incrementally different from the model it replaces, with styling tweaks barely visible to the naked eye. At least, not at first glance.

Early images of the redesigned flagship sedan come courtesy of The Lexus Enthusiast, which has managed to get hold of what looks to be a leaked JDM brochure for the vehicle ahead of its official launch. Visible changes made to the LS 460 and the gas-electric LS 600h include new front and rear bumpers and lights, turn signals integrated into the mirror housings, and of course, new wheels.

Inside, the cabin gets a mild refresh as well to integrate a night vision system into the instrument cluster, right in the middle of the speedo. There's also a customization program called L-Select, and the anticipated LS-Sport "Version SZ", characterized as an aggressive take on the luxury yacht with a more assertive aero package, wheels and grille treatment. That's about all we've got for now, but you can check out the scanned brochure in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Lexus LS leaked brochure

[Source: The Power Weblog via The Lexus Enthusiast]

Leaked Lexus brochure reveals updated LS sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Lexus developing sporty LS460 SZ

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Lexus, Rumormill

According to a report from Japan's Best Car Magazine, Lexus is working on a new performance version of its LS460 luxury sedan. Oddly, the publication says that the amped-up luxury sedan will not carry the 'F' designation that we would expect (as affixed to the automaker's only other performance car, the IS F).

Instead, the new LS460 will reportedly get an SZ suffix, and we have no idea what those letters may stand for, if anything. Included in the transformation will be a full body kit with a new black chrome grille, an uprated Brembo braking kit and a new set of BBS alloy wheels.

There's no word on what may power the super sedan, but retaining the LS460 designation leads us to believe this may just be a styling, handling and braking package. Interested? Start saving now - the new Lexus LS460 SZ will reportedly go for $94,425 (JDM) if it does indeed ever hit the market. Hat tip to Andrew!

[Source: Best Car via 4WheelsNews]

Rumormill: Lexus developing sporty LS460 SZ originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus debuts dimpled LS 460 L for U.S. Open

John Neff — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Lexus

Golf ball dimpled Lexus LS 460 L - Click above for high-res image gallery

Now that Tiger Woods is no longer shilling for Buick, the opportunity for another automaker to enter the golf world and attract some eyeballs is wide open. Lexus is a sponsor of the U.S. Open that just teed off this week, and to make sure its participation is remembered, the Japanese automaker commissioned the production of an LS 460 L with a dimpled body just like a golf ball.

The creation of this oddity is actually an interesting story. At the PGA Golf Show in Orlando, FL last January, Lexus approached Brad Smith of Lima, OH who earns a living making those mailboxes shaped liked giant golf balls. After being asked by Lexus if he could put the same surface on a car, Smith approached his friend Rick Davis and together they found a composite polymer that would work. The two buddies built the car in Davis' two-car garage, though Lexus likes to refer to their operation as the "firm" responsible for the car's creation. Lexus took delivery of the dimpled LS last week right before it made its debut at the U.S. Open in New York on Tuesday.

Dimples help you drive a golf ball farther, faster and with more control. Do you they do the same for the Lexus? Perhaps Tiger Woods should get behind the wheel and find out.

Photos courtesy of Gavin Jackson and The Lima News

Gallery: Golf ball dimpled Lexus LS 460 L

[Source: LimaOhio.com via Kicking Tires]

Lexus debuts dimpled LS 460 L for U.S. Open originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In The Autoblog Garage: Lexus LS460L

Dan Roth — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 12:05:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Lexus

click above image for a high-resolution gallery of the Lexus LS460L

It's tough to pity Lexus LS owners. After all, Executive-Class luxury sedans don't exactly suck. We wouldn't blame LS drivers for feeling pangs of over-inconspicuousness whenever they see a Camry, though. Understated luxury is one thing, but when you're devoting something like two years of the average worker bee's salary to a frivolity such as a luxury sedan, it'd be nice to have at least some indication to the Serfs that you're the better man.

"Look at Me!" posturing is not what we have in mind. There are Lamborghinis and Excaliburs for that sort of disgusting bourgeois putrefaction. Exuding a bouquet of fine taste, class and craftsmanship shouldn't be out of the question for a car such as the LS, however. The LS 460L we drove failed to portray itself as what it aspires to be; the ne plus ultra shark in the S-Class pool. Spend a few more seconds looking and the sheer size of the big Lexus sinks in, but gosh, from 30 feet away you need to concentrate to see something more than a Camry (or the new Hyundai Genesis for that matter).

Gallery: Lexus LS460L

Continue reading In The Autoblog Garage: Lexus LS460L

In The Autoblog Garage: Lexus LS460L originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks

Chris Tutor — Fri, 04 May 2007 09:24:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

Sometimes news is just too good to keep to yourself. Just ask GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. With his company supposedly claiming 13 spots on Edmund's Consumers' Most Wanted list, Lutz just had to brag a bit on the corporate blog before the winners were made public.

And he should brag. Most other car of the year awards are chosen by us automotive writers who usually prefer horsepower over hip room. As the name implies, Edmund's CMW awards are chosen by the car-buying public. And despite not voting with their wallets, the car-buying public who visits Edmund's really like their GMs.

The GMC Acadia got Most Significant vehicle of the year, beating out Honda's Fit, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Ford Edge and the Toyota Tundra.

Click through to see Edmund's press release as well as the other category winners.

[Source: Edmunds, GM FastLane Blog]

Continue reading Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks

Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 May 2007 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CNBC's Phil LeBeau doesn't park the Lexus LS460... the LS460 parks the LS460

Erin Mays — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 07:02:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Sedan, Technology, Videos, Lexus

The Lexus LS460 is a technophile's dream car -- it hosts the first eight-speed transmission, a rear-view camera, 19-speaker Mark Levinson stereo and hard disk drive to store 4,000 songs... and it parks itself. CNBC's Phil LeBeau shows us how "hands-free" is really done in the video above.

We've chatted with fellow automotive journalists about the self-parking feature, and most have not been impressed -- and by their accounts, what you see in the video is the best-case scenario. By the time the driver lines up the car correctly, confirms the space in which the car is to be parked, and presses go, the drivers in the cars lined up behind him will be out of patience faster than you can say, "Weren't you supposed to learn this crap in driver's ed?"

[Source: CNBC via Jalopnik]

CNBC's Phil LeBeau doesn't park the Lexus LS460... the LS460 parks the LS460 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Sep 2006 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japanese market Lexus LS460 boasts a host of "world's firsts"

Stuart Waterman — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Sedan, Lexus

Speaking of the Japanese Domestic Market LS460, Lexus pulled out all the stops for the luxury's car introduction on familiar ground, outfitting its flagship with an array of innovative features. LS460 technology "world's firsts" include:

the 4.6-liter V8 sports "Dual VVTi": VVT-iE (variable Valve Timing-intelligent by Electric motor) on the intake side and VVT-i on the exhaust side
eight-speed automatic transmission - the 8 Super ECT
a vehicle-front pedestrian detection system
collision-avoidance steering assist
vehicle-rear detection system
an electrically-operated parking brake which can automatically engage and release when the gearshift enters and leaves the "park" position
a passenger compartment "oxygen level conditioner" to maintain oxygen levels in the cabin
electric door locks and power windows that can be remotely activated using a cell-phone

Not all of these features will make the overseas market versions of the LS460. More details on all these innovations are in the official press release after the jump.

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading Japanese market Lexus LS460 boasts a host of "world's firsts"

Japanese market Lexus LS460 boasts a host of "world's firsts" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Sep 2006 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus targets 500,000 units for 2007

Stuart Waterman — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 19:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Lexus, Toyota

Tuesday's launch of Lexus' flagship LS460 in Japan marks a major milestone for Toyota's luxury brand, as the company tries to duplicate its success in the U.S. in other key markets, including its home turf of Japan and Europe.

After unveiling the LS460 in Tokyo, Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe told the assembled press that the new LS would lead the company's efforts to establish Lexus as a global premium brand, saying that he expects Lexus worldwide sales to surpass the 500,000 unit mark in 2007. Lexus sales in 2006 are expected to be in the neighborhood of 470,000 to 480,000 units.

Following on the heels of its Japanese market debut, the new LS460 will launch in North America in October.

So far the Lexus brand has failed to make a big impact in its home market, trailing well behind Mercedes-Benz and BMW, and things will get tougher in 2008, when Honda launches its Acura brand. However, with 9,000 pre-launch orders on the books for the LS460, and with the LS600h due out in the spring, there may be reason for optimism.

[Source: Reuters]

Lexus targets 500,000 units for 2007 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Sep 2006 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japanese-market Lexus LS460 to get rear-collision detection

Eric Bryant — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Technology, Lexus

Lexus has already talked about a variety of impressive pre-crash safety systems for its upcoming LS flagship sedan (see our post on the LS 600h L), but so far it has all revolved around the front end of the luxury sedan. Toyota is now saying that the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) version of the LS 460 will get a rear collision detection system, which is believed to be the first of its type in the world.

The system uses a rear-facing radar sensor to detect imminent rear collisions, and illuminates a warning lamp for the driver as it measures the position of the front seat passengers' heads and adjusts the position of the vehicle's headrests accordingly to help reduce the risk of whiplash neck injuries.

More information has also trickled out about the front-collision detection technology in the LS, with the automaker stating that the twin front-mounted "stereo" cameras will use infrared illuminators mounted in the headlamps to provide detection and ranging capabilities. Such a system will be capable of detecting pedestrians as well as vehicles, which will give it an advantage over radar-based systems (the Lexus has one of those, too).

[Source: Japan Times]

Japanese-market Lexus LS460 to get rear-collision detection originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Aug 2006 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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