My driving impressions of the 2013 LS460....
08-13-12, 11:39 AM
#16
Lexus Connoisseur
I just used my iPad and android phone for quick pix but I'm not sure how to load them to the CL blog. Any suggestions? Thx.
As a side note Lexus takes the cars and maintains them on premises and replaces tires and brakes if there is any wear and tear. The LS460's and 600's get a warm bath and fresh detail every morning to keep them looking spiffy for the press.
The 12.3 inch high def display has a smaller enclosure than the GS without the horizontal band across the dash. We tested the Mark Levinson's Bass response with Rhianna and even Donna Summer and it didn't waffle and clarity was crystal. The models equipped with rear DVD have a Blu Ray player now.
With all of the discussion on the forum about the modest increase in Horsepower I must say that may be the only minor change along with the door sheet metal. Horsepower is a rather abstract concept that few people are able to explain. Because it is a number it is easy to compare. Torque is readily understood and you can actually feel it. Lexus has resolutely shied away from power adders like turbochargers and superchargers and remains normally aspirated. If they want more power they just make it a hybrid. Who else can say that?
The thing I like about the new LS is that it has panache. Even though I would be proud to pull up in an F Sport it would be hard to part with my new leather and metal key fob...Uh I'll just park it myself thank you.
As a side note Lexus takes the cars and maintains them on premises and replaces tires and brakes if there is any wear and tear. The LS460's and 600's get a warm bath and fresh detail every morning to keep them looking spiffy for the press.
The 12.3 inch high def display has a smaller enclosure than the GS without the horizontal band across the dash. We tested the Mark Levinson's Bass response with Rhianna and even Donna Summer and it didn't waffle and clarity was crystal. The models equipped with rear DVD have a Blu Ray player now.
With all of the discussion on the forum about the modest increase in Horsepower I must say that may be the only minor change along with the door sheet metal. Horsepower is a rather abstract concept that few people are able to explain. Because it is a number it is easy to compare. Torque is readily understood and you can actually feel it. Lexus has resolutely shied away from power adders like turbochargers and superchargers and remains normally aspirated. If they want more power they just make it a hybrid. Who else can say that?
The thing I like about the new LS is that it has panache. Even though I would be proud to pull up in an F Sport it would be hard to part with my new leather and metal key fob...Uh I'll just park it myself thank you.
PM me your contact info, I will host them up for you.
-Ryan
08-17-12, 05:23 AM
#17
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
LKA needs clear lines to work...
We didn't have but a few exits between the Google campus and Palo Alto and traffic was flowing in the early afternoon. I was using the right lane and the LKA dropped out when some Jersey walls obscured the lane line on the right. Since the radar cruise will now come to a complete stop on its own and pause for a second or two then you will have to cover the brake pedal. I think you will need to accelerate to at least 25 MPH before cruise can be activated again but it's not that complicated. Might be a lifesaver for a distracted or compromised driver and others in their lane...I haven't experienced the driver attention monitor, so little time in the saddle.
Rock
Rock
08-17-12, 01:22 PM
#19
Driver School Candidate
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Thank you so much for posting this! You have a "way with words"! I cannot wait to see it IRL! I think I am going to order the one with the black wood. It looks incredible in the pix.
08-21-12, 10:31 AM
#22
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The interiors were all beautiful in their own way. The Bamboo on the 600hL was striking with its natural tones but not for everyone. The Shimamoku wood was a rich depiction of craftsmanship. Do not prejudge the matte finish before you see it because it reminds me of fine Scandinavian hand rubbed furniture. The embossed metal finish adds an interesting element with the Lexus "L"s in a repeating matrix.
Rock
The interiors were all beautiful in their own way. The Bamboo on the 600hL was striking with its natural tones but not for everyone. The Shimamoku wood was a rich depiction of craftsmanship. Do not prejudge the matte finish before you see it because it reminds me of fine Scandinavian hand rubbed furniture. The embossed metal finish adds an interesting element with the Lexus "L"s in a repeating matrix.
Rock
I have the 2012 LS Sport, which has the matte wood interior. If the matte wood trim is anything like what they were putting in the 2012 LS Sport, then its a wonderful trim. I really love it.
08-21-12, 03:57 PM
#23
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
The grain of the wood
And warmth comes through on the matte finish. On some other threads they were concerned that it would cheapen the interior look because it is not the traditional approach. The Shimamoku is equally impressive and unusual. Lexus is now treading where others cannot follow....
Rock
Rock
Last edited by Rockville; 08-21-12 at 03:58 PM. Reason: Typo
08-21-12, 11:24 PM
#24
Lexus Connoisseur
I have hosted a full gallery of Rockville's photos on the Official CL Facebook Page:
CLICK HERE: Rockville's 2013 Lexus LS Photo Gallery
Thanks for sharing these with us Rock!
CLICK HERE: Rockville's 2013 Lexus LS Photo Gallery
Thanks for sharing these with us Rock!
10-27-12, 12:56 PM
#28
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
First production LS460's arriving now..
The next shoe to drop will be the first of the F Sport models which will definitely turn a lot of heads. The lowered body just looks fast when it is standing still. The seats wrap around you like a teenage girlfriend. The suspension is firm and comfortable like a posturpedic....
Drive one yourself and it will be the best trick or treat ever.
Rock
Drive one yourself and it will be the best trick or treat ever.
Rock
10-29-12, 08:26 AM
#29
The next shoe to drop will be the first of the F Sport models which will definitely turn a lot of heads. The lowered body just looks fast when it is standing still. The seats wrap around you like a teenage girlfriend. The suspension is firm and comfortable like a posturpedic....
Drive one yourself and it will be the best trick or treat ever.
Rock
Drive one yourself and it will be the best trick or treat ever.
Rock
10-31-12, 04:52 PM
#30
I sat inside a '13 LS-460 L today. I've noticed the rear seats are higher, of at least feel higher. I feels like you're seeing the front people from a higher stance.
I liked the big nav screen, and the leather wrapped glove box, but for my surprise, the latch to open the glove box is as cheap as it can be. Makes a 'plastiky' noise on open and close, and it feels really cheap, out of a corolla.
For my money... I wouldn't trade my '07 for the '13. The changes (at least the ones I can see on the surface) aren't big enough to justify the upgrade. I didn't drive the car, so this perception could change.
I liked the big nav screen, and the leather wrapped glove box, but for my surprise, the latch to open the glove box is as cheap as it can be. Makes a 'plastiky' noise on open and close, and it feels really cheap, out of a corolla.
For my money... I wouldn't trade my '07 for the '13. The changes (at least the ones I can see on the surface) aren't big enough to justify the upgrade. I didn't drive the car, so this perception could change.
