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By EWAN
KENNEDY
14 December 2009
In
an interesting, perhaps unexpected, move Lexus has added a sport
model to its topline LS460 series. Though it has the looks of a
full-on sports model, the Lexus LS460 Sports isn't hard edged in
the manner of rivals such as the BMW M, Mercedes AMG or Audi RS
series. Rather the Japanese company has gone for a relatively mild
variant of the LS.
To start with, the 4.6-litre V8 engine doesn't have any more power
than the standard unit. Still 280 kilowatts is nothing to be
sneezed at and when you step on the gas the big Japanese limo
really gets up and shifts.
On the subject of shifts, Lexus engineers have given the LS460
Sports a bit more get up and go by retuning the eight-speed
automatic transmission to give it faster shifting between ratios.
They now claim upshifts in 0.3 seconds and downchanges in only 0.2
seconds. The downshifts are further enhanced by throttle-blipping
to match engine revs to the transmission to give shift times that
could never be achieved by the best racing car drivers in a manual
car. These ultra-fast shifts are available when the transmission
is in the M (pseudo-manual) mode.
As well as sharper transmission factors, the new-for-2010 Lexus
LS460 Sports has suspension changes to reduce body roll and give a
slightly firmer ride. This has been achieved mechanically by the
use of sportier anti-roll bars, and electronically by different
settings in the air suspension.
Even better, the braking system now features Brembo six-piston
callipers working on 380 millimetre discs on the front, with
four-piston / 334 mm at the rear.
The final step in the suspension package is a set of 19-inch
diameter alloy wheels in a complex 20-spoke pattern.
To set off the new-design wheels, the Lexus LS460 Sports has a
lower-body kit that includes a deeper front spoiler and side
skirts. There's a revised radiator grille with what Lexus calls a
black-weave theme to indicate to other road users that this is far
from being a standard LS460.
Harder cornering puts more pressure on the vehicle occupants, so
Lexus has installed a pair of semi-sports front seats. These have
improved sideways support at the shoulders, hips and thighs. Not
to mention new looks that add to the sporting feel of the
interior.
Incidentally, Lexus buyers desiring a full-house Lexus performance
machine can, of course, opt for the smaller, but far more potent
Lexus IS F. Priced at $132,900, the IS F is a semi-race machine
with big V8 acceleration and sharp dynamics. Test drive the ride
quality of the IS F before falling in love with it, though. It's
on the hard side in a manner that may suit only the serious
driving enthusiast.
As well as introducing the new Sports model, Lexus has given the
standard LS460 series a mild makeover. This includes changes to
the shape of the bumpers and head- and tail-lights, as well as a
redesign of the door mirrors. Daytime running lights are now
installed.
There are significant changes to the interior of the LS, with a
new design of centre console, slimmer video screens in the rear,
versatile wireless headphones, and added connectivity by way of
USB connections.
Lexus'
new LS460 Sports has a manufacturer’s recommended retail price
of $199,900, the same price as the standard LS460. There's also a
hybrid variant, the Lexus LS600h, with a tag of $252,900 with five
seats and $259,900 with four seats. On-road charges by governments
and dealers have to be added to these figures.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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