Before we kill the spirit of this thread I want to respond to you about my thoughts.
Every car manufacture these days has a limited edition, S version, R version and so on from their regular product line. I like the fact that the 460 has the L and the option of executive seating.
The LS strength is with it's quiet cabin and the ability to absorb bumps. The rest of the industry is going in an excessive direction with power and it's getting quiet old and ridiculous.
The LS is a proper luxury car and that is what it should focus on. The idea of an F sport or even the proposed LSF is not a good direction for this car because it will never execute anything sport when it is built primarily for luxury. Lexus bastardize their flagship only cheapens the brand and makes them a poor follower then a leader.

 

My German car, a 1968 VW with 56HP and 0-60 time of 25 seconds, was a great card. My 2007 LS is a great car. You think your A8 is great car based on your prefrences that everyone doesn't share - sorry, that's life in the pueblo.

 

I think this thread is a great example of the old saying "horses for courses" From an early age, my preference has always been for large comfortable cars starting with old Rover sedans when I lived in the UK and culminating at this point in a 2010 LS460L AWD.

I have driven Audi's and found them to ride too harsh for my liking and while their handling characteristics are excellent, for the type of driving I do which is around town and highway runs to the airport, my priority is ultimate comfort and quiet.

The ultimate in acceleration or handling prowess does not interest me and I agree that if Lexus tries to compete with the German brands in terms of performance and handling it will not compete. It should definitely stick to its roots for the LS series and focus on getting back to a totally silent engine, greater noise reduction and further ride comfort improvements that set it apart with the launch of the original LS400. This type of differentiation will help its position in the market against the Hyundai Equus which before long will offer AWD and be closely matching the LS460 at a lower price point.

I once owned a 1994 Infiniti Q45a (active suspension) and would love to see Lexus develop something similar but without the original weight and reliability penalty that afflicted the Q45a.

Also they need, in my opinion, to work on engine refinement and use sophisticated active noise cancellation to target specific noise sources.

 

You should read the book the Relentless Pursuit which chronicles the large billion dollar undertaking of the Lexus brand which in my opinion makes it the best car ever. Hyundai is large company with cash flow but if they want to enter into the luxury market they need to build it from the ground up then try and copy Lexus hard work. What Toyota has done is the equivalent of a mini Manhattan project following many of the unprecedented expectations that went into making the Zero aircraft.
Japanese luxury is centered around modesty which is a hard thing for many to understand when we live in a world of excess.

 

Thanks, I just ordered it from Amazon in Kindle format ($13.99). Also available in paperback for $22.46.

Here is their description of it:

Lexus: The Relentless Pursuit reveals why Toyota decided to take on the German automakers and how the new brand won praise and success for its unparalleled quality, unforgettable advertising, and unprecedented customer service. From the first boardroom planning session to Lexus's entry into the mega-luxury supercar market, this is the complete and compelling story of one of the world's most admired brands.

•Includes a new Foreword by legendary designer Erwin Lui, an Afterword with updates since the first edition, and a new Coda by leading Japanese automotive journalist Hisao Inoue
•Covers the racetrack triumph—and tragedy—behind the new US$375,000 Lexus LFA supercar
•Offers important business lessons for brand managers and executives

For car enthusiasts, business leaders, and anyone interested in branding and marketing, Lexus: The Relentless Pursuit offers an amazing story of excellence and innovation in the automotive industry.

 

'what you may think is a simple statement or fact others may hear as you calling their girl ugly.'
Amen

 

That's a heck of a problem to have! I, too, found excuses to drive my LS right after I got it (18 months ago), and once in a while I just grab the keyfob and wander around out on the roads...JUST. BECAUSE. I. CAN.

Congrats on the new ride.