LS 460/460L Official Review Thread
09-06-06, 01:08 PM
#31
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09-06-06, 07:56 PM
#32
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You forgot one of the first and most important of all! 
https://www.clublexus.com/index.php?...387&Itemid=183
https://www.clublexus.com/index.php?...387&Itemid=183
09-07-06, 09:04 AM
#33
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This the first drive from Road & Track. Impressive and fast vehicle but in supreme comfort.
2007 Lexus LS 460
Defining luxury touring.
By Paul Frère
October 2006
It is difficult for a company to establish itself as a manufacturer of luxury cars of the highest class and quality. That was the aim of Lexus when, 17 years ago, as a division of Toyota Motor Corporation, the LS 400 was launched in America and Europe. Americans are generally more pragmatic and less traditional than Europeans, and they soon recognized the LS 400 as a car offering superior quality at a lower price than its most prestigious competitors from either continent.
The LS 460 is the fourth LS generation and is a completely new car from its platform and body structure to its all-aluminum engine with variable intake valve timing and unique 8-speed automatic transmission. The new car is marginally longer and wider than the 2005 LS 430, and has reduced overhangs. For the first time a long-wheelbase version (plus 4.7 in.) is offered, increasing rear leg room. Styling is conventional but elegant, and Lexus quotes a very low CD of 0.26.
The front suspension is new, the double wishbones replaced with two upper and two lower transverse arms, linked to the wheel carrier to form a virtual swivel axis and minimize kickback, while at the rear a 5-link system is used. Coil springs or the optional air suspension (the latter, on all test cars at the international press presentation in Austria) are used front and rear.
Electronically monitored dampers react to the usual inputs from car speed, road surface, steering angle and longitudinal and lateral acceleration. And complementing the Normal setting are Sport and Comfort modes that can be selected.
Despite lightweight materials and other weight-saving techniques, the new car weighs 4365 lb. without options, 375 lb. more than its predecessor, due to its comprehensive equipment, improved structural rigidity and noise/vibration/harshness damping. But this weight penalty is more than compensated by the 102-bhp increase achieved by the new 4.6-liter V-8. This, says Lexus, without any increase in fuel consumption.
What’s more, the car meets ULEV and Euro 4 emissions requirements. Output of 82.6 bhp/liter is very respectable for an engine in which smooth running, quietness and flexibility are high priorities. They are achieved by a high 11.8:1 compression ratio, innovative electrically operated variable valve timing, reduced-friction zero-lash roller valve rockers, a very narrow included valve angle and a variable-geometry air intake system.
The latest adaptive functions are incorporated in the new 8-speed automatic with torque converter lock-up and manual sequential-shift facility. This transmission is actually lighter than the previous 5-speed unit, thanks to the use of aluminum ring gears and clutches.
The Euro-spec cars differ from the U.S. models mainly by their slightly stiffer damper settings and stiffer anti-roll bars, 19 x 8-in. wheels with 45-aspect-ratio tires instead of 18 x 7½-in. wheels with 50-aspect-ratio tires, and larger-diameter, thicker brake discs. Keyless (or rather “key-in-pocket”) access means that there is no ignition key, so starting and stopping the engine uses a large button.
Despite the car’s large size, leg room in the rear compartment is only adequate, and ingress is not particularly easy. Here the long-wheelbase version scores, especially with more leg room and optional adjustable rear seats. The seat upholstery and door linings are of the best-quality leather and there is a choice of wood trim.
Before going to Austria, I had had a chance to drive a European-specification LS 460 with air suspension on a proving ground, where the car could be extended to the limits of its performance and handling potential. With comfort and quietness a high priority, this is certainly not the driving style normally adopted by a typical owner of this car. But even in such circumstances, the Lexus (with the dampers in the Sport position) behaved surprisingly well with good turn-in, very moderate understeer and little roll, while still providing a comfortable ride.
But even though the Lexus LS 460 is a really fast car — it can storm from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, according to its makers — its charm lies in its outstanding comfort, in the effortlessness with which it performs under all circumstances and in the pride of ownership it commands.
2007 Lexus LS 460
Defining luxury touring.
By Paul Frère
October 2006
It is difficult for a company to establish itself as a manufacturer of luxury cars of the highest class and quality. That was the aim of Lexus when, 17 years ago, as a division of Toyota Motor Corporation, the LS 400 was launched in America and Europe. Americans are generally more pragmatic and less traditional than Europeans, and they soon recognized the LS 400 as a car offering superior quality at a lower price than its most prestigious competitors from either continent.
The LS 460 is the fourth LS generation and is a completely new car from its platform and body structure to its all-aluminum engine with variable intake valve timing and unique 8-speed automatic transmission. The new car is marginally longer and wider than the 2005 LS 430, and has reduced overhangs. For the first time a long-wheelbase version (plus 4.7 in.) is offered, increasing rear leg room. Styling is conventional but elegant, and Lexus quotes a very low CD of 0.26.
The front suspension is new, the double wishbones replaced with two upper and two lower transverse arms, linked to the wheel carrier to form a virtual swivel axis and minimize kickback, while at the rear a 5-link system is used. Coil springs or the optional air suspension (the latter, on all test cars at the international press presentation in Austria) are used front and rear.
Electronically monitored dampers react to the usual inputs from car speed, road surface, steering angle and longitudinal and lateral acceleration. And complementing the Normal setting are Sport and Comfort modes that can be selected.
Despite lightweight materials and other weight-saving techniques, the new car weighs 4365 lb. without options, 375 lb. more than its predecessor, due to its comprehensive equipment, improved structural rigidity and noise/vibration/harshness damping. But this weight penalty is more than compensated by the 102-bhp increase achieved by the new 4.6-liter V-8. This, says Lexus, without any increase in fuel consumption.
What’s more, the car meets ULEV and Euro 4 emissions requirements. Output of 82.6 bhp/liter is very respectable for an engine in which smooth running, quietness and flexibility are high priorities. They are achieved by a high 11.8:1 compression ratio, innovative electrically operated variable valve timing, reduced-friction zero-lash roller valve rockers, a very narrow included valve angle and a variable-geometry air intake system.
The latest adaptive functions are incorporated in the new 8-speed automatic with torque converter lock-up and manual sequential-shift facility. This transmission is actually lighter than the previous 5-speed unit, thanks to the use of aluminum ring gears and clutches.
The Euro-spec cars differ from the U.S. models mainly by their slightly stiffer damper settings and stiffer anti-roll bars, 19 x 8-in. wheels with 45-aspect-ratio tires instead of 18 x 7½-in. wheels with 50-aspect-ratio tires, and larger-diameter, thicker brake discs. Keyless (or rather “key-in-pocket”) access means that there is no ignition key, so starting and stopping the engine uses a large button.
Despite the car’s large size, leg room in the rear compartment is only adequate, and ingress is not particularly easy. Here the long-wheelbase version scores, especially with more leg room and optional adjustable rear seats. The seat upholstery and door linings are of the best-quality leather and there is a choice of wood trim.
Before going to Austria, I had had a chance to drive a European-specification LS 460 with air suspension on a proving ground, where the car could be extended to the limits of its performance and handling potential. With comfort and quietness a high priority, this is certainly not the driving style normally adopted by a typical owner of this car. But even in such circumstances, the Lexus (with the dampers in the Sport position) behaved surprisingly well with good turn-in, very moderate understeer and little roll, while still providing a comfortable ride.
But even though the Lexus LS 460 is a really fast car — it can storm from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, according to its makers — its charm lies in its outstanding comfort, in the effortlessness with which it performs under all circumstances and in the pride of ownership it commands.
09-09-06, 03:17 PM
#34
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Automobile Magazine just published a first drive of the LS460, and they love it! They call it a technical and dynamic tour de force. Among the more impressive quotes: "The previous Lexus LS430 is an astonishingly good car, superior in many ways, but it is just not quite in the class of the Germans when you talk about driving dynamics. That all changes for 2007. The new LS460 is not just the peer of the leading trio, it provides a new benchmark for the category."
09-09-06, 07:15 PM
#35
Autochannel First Thoughts
Preview: 2007 Lexus LS 460 and LS 460 L
by Carey Russ
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...09/021326.html
by Carey Russ
As could be judged from a day driving a 2007 LS 460 L on the roads north of San Francisco, the effort that Lexus has put into the car's design and construction was very worthwhile. The LS 460 is a major step forward for Lexus. As comfortable and inviting as the Exectuive Class right rear seat may be, the driver's seat is just as good in its own way. Previous LS generations were not known as driver's cars, in the manner made famous by the Germans. This one is. Even in long-wheelbase form, with the standard suspension, it handled the narrow, twisting, and indifferently-paved roads of Marin County with continental aplomb. Acceleration and braking were spectacular, and, even though the L weighs in at over 4300 pounds and is by no means small, it was remarkably nimble. For the first time I can remember in a Lexus, there was a the feeling of a direct connection with the road. Nothing intrusive, but nowhere near as isolated as previous Lexuses.
Still, the best was saved for last - a demonstration of the Advanced Parking Guidance System (APGS). It works with the Intuitive Park Assist (IPA) system and the navigation system's backup camera. The procedure is as follows: for parallel parking, pull up in front of the desired space, a meter (3 feet) from the car in front of the space. Using the backup camera and the touch screen, place the target box in the space. Then place the car in reverse, and take your hands off the wheel but keep your foot over the brake pedal to ensure that car speed is under 2.5 mph. The car will steer its way into the rear of the space, near the car or obstacle behind it. At this point, it's up to the driver to then drive the car forward. Touching the steering wheel or accelerator immediately disconnects the automatic parking process.
At the moment, this only works on level or nearly level ground, into a parking space 6.5 feet or more longer than the car. Backing in to a parking space is a similar procedure. So right now, it won't squeeze an LS into a marginal space on a steep San Francisco hill, but this is only the first generation of the system. And Lexus takes its slogan, "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection" very seriously, indeed.
Still, the best was saved for last - a demonstration of the Advanced Parking Guidance System (APGS). It works with the Intuitive Park Assist (IPA) system and the navigation system's backup camera. The procedure is as follows: for parallel parking, pull up in front of the desired space, a meter (3 feet) from the car in front of the space. Using the backup camera and the touch screen, place the target box in the space. Then place the car in reverse, and take your hands off the wheel but keep your foot over the brake pedal to ensure that car speed is under 2.5 mph. The car will steer its way into the rear of the space, near the car or obstacle behind it. At this point, it's up to the driver to then drive the car forward. Touching the steering wheel or accelerator immediately disconnects the automatic parking process.
At the moment, this only works on level or nearly level ground, into a parking space 6.5 feet or more longer than the car. Backing in to a parking space is a similar procedure. So right now, it won't squeeze an LS into a marginal space on a steep San Francisco hill, but this is only the first generation of the system. And Lexus takes its slogan, "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection" very seriously, indeed.
09-10-06, 03:54 PM
#36
I would hope it's actually version 1.1 at least. The first one was on the 2004 Prius and it was a tad slow to program before it actually starts parking. At least it memorises 3 spots.
09-19-06, 07:51 AM
#37
Pole Position
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http://www.king5.com/sharedcontent/n....115585bc.html
There's a nice short video in there! One thing that was weird in the vid was the rear seat being adjusted even though I couldn't see any RS adjustment buttons on the center console.
There's a nice short video in there! One thing that was weird in the vid was the rear seat being adjusted even though I couldn't see any RS adjustment buttons on the center console.
09-20-06, 05:55 AM
#38
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09-21-06, 06:23 PM
#39
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Dan Niel's attacks continue unabated
Dan Niel's article from LA times has now proliferated to other regions such as San Francisco and Orlando Sentinel and as far as Arab countries (Qatar and Oman).
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...TGH1L2AHG1.DTL
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/techn...logy-headlines
Frankly, he is discrediting himself alone. He says LS 460 is worst looking among its peers.
Its like saying Rebecca Romijn lacks sex appeal.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...TGH1L2AHG1.DTL
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/techn...logy-headlines
Frankly, he is discrediting himself alone. He says LS 460 is worst looking among its peers.
Its like saying Rebecca Romijn lacks sex appeal.
Last edited by Stevekil; 09-21-06 at 06:35 PM.
10-08-06, 04:26 PM
#41
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Updated Review from familycar.com
10-08-06, 06:58 PM
#42
Lexus Fanatic
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10-11-06, 12:41 AM
#44
Automobile Magazine
2007 Lexus LS460
by Robert Cumberford
http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews...7_lexus_ls460/
by Robert Cumberford
Until now, there have been only three big dogs in the practical, daily driver, luxury four-door world: the V-8 versions of the BMW 7-series, the Mercedes-Benz S-class, and the Audi A8. Sure, the latest Jaguar XJ8, the Maserati Quattroporte, and the Bentley Continental Flying Spur are all superb sedans in their own manners, but the German troika define the genre. The previous Lexus LS430 is an astonishingly good car, superior in many ways, but it is just not quite in the class of the Germans when you talk about driving dynamics.
That all changes for 2007. The new LS460 is not just the peer of the leading trio, it provides a new benchmark for the category.
That all changes for 2007. The new LS460 is not just the peer of the leading trio, it provides a new benchmark for the category.