Author:
ROBIN ROBERTS
Just to make sure the German and premium British marques don’t have it all their own way, we will see a new Lexus LS luxury range launched by the end of the year, and it’ll include a more performance targetted F Sport version.
The new F Sport version of its flagship model line will join the familiar LS 460 and LS 600h and they will evolve the themes we first saw on the smaller GS series.
The most obvious changes are to the exterior styling, where the new LS adopts the distinctive Lexus spindle front grille design, but the development of the model goes much deeper to include improved driving dynamics, better sound insulation and more sophisticated and effective safety protection systems.
In all more than 3,000 changes have been made to the current LS, including three world-firsts and 15 “Lexus-first” features and technologies.
In a first for Lexus, all lights – headlights, rear lamps and fog lights – are available with LED technology. The new shape vertical fog lights include new L-shaped, seamless light tube daytime running lights.
In addition to revised steering, suspension and brakes, there are five selectable driving modes to choose comfort, sporting and economy benefits over others.
The new F Sport grade combines more sporting exterior and interior design elements with genuine dynamic enhancements, including lowering of the ride height by 10mm, Brembo 6-piston calliper front brakes and paddle shift controls.
The rear-wheel drive LS 460 F Sport model further benefits from the addition of a Torsen limited slip differential and paddle shift controls that incorporate automatic throttle blipping on downshifts.
There are new climate control, entertainment and lighting systems incorporated for occupant comfort and convenience.
The new Lexus LS 460 and LS 600h will go on sale in the UK later this year, with further details of performance, specification and pricing to be announced.
We’re sure plenty of small business owners and SME directors will be waiting for the final details to see how the new luxury contender stacks up.
Our business car leasing tables give you a guide to costs and company car tax allowance tells you what you can expect to pay HMRC.
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Want to know more about the F Sport?
- Read this: Sporting edge sharpens luxury Lexus