2007 Lexus LS 460 Preview

Sleek and bold, the redesigned 2007 Lexus LS 460 is touted to be the crowning touch of the luxury automaker’s rejuvenated sedan lineup. Boasting style taken from Lexus’s new design direction, L-Finesse, the new 2007 LS 460’s upscale accoutrements include real-time traffic updates on a navigation screen, and a Mark Levinson Surround Sound System with 19 speakers and a built-in, hard-drive audio server that holds 4,000 songs. Additionally, the new 2007 Lexus LS 460, which is now started by a “smart card,” is smart it can park itself, using its Intelligent Park Assist system that simply requires pushing a button, and a little brake work. Lexus promises “startling” performance with its “world’s-first” eight-speed automatic transmission. The advanced transmission is connected to an all-new, 4.6-liter V8 that will produce 380 horsepower and 370 lb.-ft. of torque, allowing the LS 460 to travel from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. But don’t think Lexus, renowned for ride and materials quality, has forgotten about the comfort quotient. The 2007 LS 460 is offered with a rear-seat ottoman package, which includes a right-side seat that reclines up to 45 degrees, and has an adjustable leg rest and massager.

What it is

With the 2007 LS 460 (and the long-wheelbase LS 460L version), Lexus hopes to compete toe-to-toe with the likes of the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. To that end, Lexus has packed a ton of technological features into this big sedan, and an increase in horsepower by 100 ponies reveals the LS 460’s shift in character from a comfortable cruiser to sporting luxury sedan.

Why it matters

Lexus needs to assert itself in the super-luxury sedan market with its 2007 Lexus LS 460, because this lucrative segment draws thousands of loyal repeat customers. In the past, Lexus has built its reputation on products that have been tuned to eliminate nearly all road input, yielding a serene – although somewhat dissociating – driving and riding experience. However, Lexus may have reached the refinement breaking point, and is now trying to integrate more “feel” into its vehicles. The immensely popular BMW 7 Series, for example, is known for both its luxury and sport-inspired driving dynamics, and Lexus is looking to mimic this recipe with the new LS 460. Furthermore, by orienting the car toward performance and driving dynamics, Lexus hopes to lend the LS some credibility in European markets, which are now dominated by BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

What’s under the hood

Under the hood of the 2007 Lexus LS 460 is a 4.6-liter V8 engine, estimated to deliver 380 horsepower and 370 lb.-ft. of torque. Compared with the 4.3-liter V8 found in the past-generation LS 430, this new motor puts out an incredible 102 more horses and 58 more lb.-ft. of torque. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph is estimated at a brisk 5.5 seconds, a half-second quicker than the outgoing LS 430. However, due to sophisticated engine management systems and appropriate gearing, fuel economy will remain about the same as the old car. No doubt, Lexus was able to preserve the old fuel economy number in part thanks to the world’s first eight-speed automatic transmission.

What’s inside

The 2007 Lexus LS 460 has upgraded style and materials inside and out, and is packed with tons of technological goodies. A Mark Levinson stereo system optimizes the audio experience using 19 separate speakers, and a built-in hard-drive that stores up to 4,000 digital songs. Each rear passenger gets a personal DVD monitor, and the rear seats recline and include massage features. Back seat passengers may also stretch their feet using the extendable foot rests. The LS 460’s climate control system is incredibly sophisticated, measuring not only the cabin temperature, but also each passenger’s body temperature. So those who are cold when everyone else is warm will be accommodated. A cooler keeps food and drink ready to serve. Finally, Lexus has engineered adaptive radar cruise control, a lane departure warning system, infrared night vision technology, and an automatic hands-free parking system into the new 2007 LS 460.

What it looks like

To bring more emotion to its product design, Lexus has developed a styling vocabulary called “L-Finesse.” The look has already influenced the current IS and GS models and is now applied to the company’s flagship, the 2007 Lexus LS 460. At the front, fog lights mount far outboard in the lower valance, large horizontal air ducts look aggressive, and the headlights angle sharply toward the center, defining the grille surround and bumper creases. Rear proportions and trunk contours clearly mimic the current BMW 7 Series BMW, indicating that Lexus, along with other manufacturers, have finally embraced the Chris Bangle/BMW styling sensibility. Also, the LS 460’s C-pillars feature a kink at the base similar to a BMW. Very large wheels and tires fill the wheel wells fully, a clear break from the undersized shoes fitted to the LS430.

What Lexus says

Despite a "thermo-nuclear product war," Jim Press, President and COO of Toyota Motor Sales North America described the fourth-generation 2007 Lexus LS 460 as fully worthy of competing head-to-head with the best prestige luxury sedans of the world, and called it the "crowning touch" of Lexus's fully rejuvenated car lineup. While the 2007 Lexus LS 460 – and its longer stablemate, the LS 460L – is a great accomplishment, Lexus promised that a hybrid-powered model, possibly called the 600h, will appear at the New York Auto Show this April.

What we think

The 2007 Lexus LS 460 brings with it an incredibly sophisticated equipment roster that punts it to the head of its class. Plus, it was one of the most attractive new models at this year’s 2006 North American International Auto Show. Other purveyors of super-luxury sedans need to take notice.

When you can buy it

Expect the 2007 Lexus LS 460 to debut later this year. The hybrid LS 600h will likely appear a year thereafter, once again redefining the flagship sedan standard. German manufacturers, and Americans to some extent, should take notice of Japan’s ultra-slick luxury saloon. KEY SPECIFICATIONS Base Price: $60,000 - $70,000 (estimated) Engine Size and Type: 4.6-liter V8 Engine Horsepower: 380 hp. Engine Torque: 370 lb.-ft. Transmission: Eight-speed automatic EPA Fuel Economy (combined city/highway): 25 mpg (estimated) Length: 203 inches Max. Seating Capacity: Five Competitors: Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ, Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Photos courtesy of Lexus