In this image, taken from the Lexus Europe site, there is no longer a button to activate the oscillating vents. Does that mean it's gone in the LS 460? That was one of my favorite features on the LS 430...

 

I am sad.
The vents were really a conversation piece and I liked them a lot.

This is a step backwards and if there is not an option for it, I do not expect to see this car in the garage in the future.

No, I'm not kidding. Who wants to buy a car where the previous generation had more features?

 

From the Toyota Pressroom Site. See quote and link below. Looks like the swinging vents are here to stay.

Intelligent Climate Control
All Lexus models come equipped with automatic climate control. The system in the LS 460 features temperature- and sun-sensing intelligent swinging registers. If sunlight is concentrated on one side of the car, the registers will automatically deliver more cooling air to that side. Seatbelt buckle sensors indicate the presence of passengers, and the system directs air accordingly.

http://pressroom.toyota.com/Releases...T2006091109765

 

That sounds better...but is it automatic and is there a button to toggle the articulating vents on/off?

 

I am not sure thet the press release is clear about the osscilating vents. Hope the new LS has them.

It was one of my favorite features too, because they worked!

 

yeah i think it's one damn cool feature to showcase the flahship

although on the ls430 i have read a few failure cases?

 

It hasn't failed on any of the LS430's I've been in. But YMMV.

So the same effect will still happen in the new LS, that's good then

 

I am quite sure new LS has oscillating vents ... if it didn't, it would sort of defeat the purpose of that super crazy 4 zone air conditioning with body temperature sensors

 

Oscillating vents rock. It's such a unique feature among modern cars that it'd be a shame if the new LS comes without it. I'd imagine it doesn't add that much cost either. Keep it, Lexus!

 

From that quote is sounds like it would just direct more air to the hot side of the car maybe by closing/opening vents, not oscillating the actual vents.

That would be a shame, I thought that was one of the coolest features...

 

Other than being a conversation piece, what was so great about oscillating vents?

 

just think of the difference between a normal fan that blows right in your face, and one that swings around all the time. it's just a good way for climate control to "spread" out the air, and also create a more natural cooling system i suppose

 

Isn't that one of the reasons we aren't buying just Corrolas?

 

^^what he said (except for the typo).

Although oscillating vents aren't anything high-tech, the fact that they're not seen in any other modern car and are the only moving parts inside the cabin grabs anyone's attention quickly and constantly reminds the passengers that they're sitting in a premium luxury car.

 

Sorry I can't type worth a damn.

My buddy's Mazda 929 I think, something really crappy from the early 90's had oscillating vents.