I too sometimes like to jump out of a green light to get a little addrenaline rush. My own little roller coaster ride. Don't get me started with cornering ability that department can generate lots of and

Though many magazines don't measure "passing" power (i.e. 40-60), 0-60 serves as a good indicator. With sufficient torque/power, I feel more confident passing and merging into the fast lanes. There's less "chicken" neck-turning to measure distance for surrounding cars

 

cars like these, usually the freeway passing speed (60-90) is where they shine

 

For my driving in So. Cal, the 0-60 numbers are near useless because the traffic is often so bad. Amusingly, gas consumption in 2-3 gear at sub 30 would interest me.

My initial experiences with our LS were at sub 20 MPH. I joked with the Mrs. that we have this supposedly nice riding car that slugs along in second gear wonderfully.

 

I have every intention of taking my LS to LACR in Palmdale when I get it. I love to know how fast things really, truly are. I think I've tried almost every vehicle I've every owned at the track...I'm sick.

 

Peak torque is at 4100? OK that's nice and all but how often will you be at 4100+ rpm in a luxury car like this anyway?

Most people will be feather footing it and spending 98% of their time whether accelerating or cruise below 2500 rpm. So my question is how much power and torque does it make in the 1500-2500 rpm range where power matters when casually pulling away from a stop or cruising on the highway - things a luxury car will see a lot more of (especially one with 8 speeds!)

 

.......of 19city/27hwy is nothing short of AMAZING for a car with 380bhp and weighing nearly 4400lbs!!!!. However my advise for you guys would be to STAY AWAY from the air suspension like it was the plague. Just some sincere advise from a well wisher!!

 

Totally, and I mean totally agree with them on this. Air suspensions on LSs have been the most useless "waste of money" option ever. It will end up giving you nothing but UNDIAGNOSABLE problems. Not just me, but a friend who owns an LS 430 reports a harsh ride with no "apparent" solutions to the problem ( I have seen similar posts as well). The ride is simply no better than the standard suspension. It's all hype, with no significant benefits for the all the potential problems you might end up with.....this is just some sincere advise from a well wisher!

 

That may be true...but maybe some brave person will try it and this time around find it better...?

But I see your point. It's probably best to wait and see what the first year experiences say about some of the expensive options.

 

Thank you for the warning. I had definitely included the air suspension as a
"must have" item on my new L (my first Lexus.) One main reason is because it
gives you auto-leveling, which I've, for years, had on Caddys and Town cars.

I, too, had read, in someone's report, that the regular suspension was
preferable. I'd be interested in hearing about any future articles where this
suspension is discussed .. and, whether it's been changed, etc.

Big Jimm
So. Fla.

 

I have owned both 2001 and 2004 LS Ultras, both of which had air suspension. Absolutely no problem in that department with either one. I have to say that I personally did not notice any significant difference in the normal vs sport settings. I have driven a standard suspension 2005 LS and I think that the air suspension has a slightly more comfortable ride. Both the 2004 and 2005 had 18 inch wheels.

 

Ive had no problems with the air suspension (knock on wood). I love, handling is better with air compared to stock and i do feel a difference when in sport.

 

Air Suspension has always been a great and worthwhile option on LS. Some individuals have faced technical problems and it seems that has been blown out of proportion.

Besides, the air-suspension has received a thorough redesign on the new LS 460 and the improvements are evolutionary rather than revolutionary as was the case on LS 430. As a result it is likely that whatever reliability issues were reported on LS 430 are gone altogether on LS 460.

And remember that there are only a handful of OEMs who are offering a well-sorted air-suspension and Lexus is one of those.

 

the 460L touring package along with 19" wheels and bigger brakes. If you like BMW like handling in a big ride then this will give you the Lexus version that is closest to that. If you like it plush then get the standard coil spring suspension.

Rock

 

reason i wrote that was that there is no way they could have tested coil spring suspension, since several other magazines, on same press preview, said Lexus didnt have any cars with standard suspension for testing...

In our Land Cruisers, I notice an large difference between air and coil suspension. Air is more comfortable and more sporty at the same time.