Video & Photo Gallery: 2018 Lexus LS 500 in Autumn Shimmer

Posted by Kevin on September 22nd, 2017

Next week, the floodgates will open with reviews of the new 2018 Lexus LS flagship all over the Internet — before that happens, let’s start looking at some of the official photos & video that will get buried in all of the coverage.

This is the 2018 Lexus LS 500 AWD in Autumn Shimmer with a Parchement interior:

Video move too fast for you? Here’s a full gallery in high resolution:

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Comments
DOC4Lex
So No more V8 for the LS, thats is sad news indeed , but overall its a dope looking Limo love the front predator grill interior is outstanding.
DOC4Lex
So No more V8 for the LS, thats is sad news indeed , but overall its a dope looking Limo love the front predator grill interior is outstanding.
CIF
  • CIF
    CIF
  • January 9, 2017
Joaquin Ruhi
I dunno. When the latest Toyota Tacoma was launched, descriptions of an "all-new" V6 were bandied about in the news releases, but it was ultimately just the dual-cycle FKS evolution of the 2GR-FSE. Until Lexus breaks its silence on the engine code, we can't really be sure whether this is an all-new V6 family or just a further GR evolution.
A fair point, however Toyota's TNGA press release a few weeks back, in the technical documents showed a whole new family of TNGA engines coming in the future. Also one reason why I think it's not a GR engine, is if you look at the pics on Toyota's Global/Japan press release. The pics show the engine being very wide, and low. The V angle definitely looks different than a GR engine. Furthermore, in comparison to the current FKS GR engine, this Lexus engine has a very large HP increase, and an absolutely massive torque increase. In fact, as of now so far, this is the highest torque engine Toyota has ever offered in any model under any ToMoCo brand. I don't think that twin turbos alone, even if combined with some electric technologies can account for this. I think a new engine design combined with these technologies does account for it. Also Jeff Bracken mentioned the new Lexus engine as being a "long stroke" engine, which is a hallmark of the new TNGA Dynamic Force modular engine concept. I am 99% convinced it truly is an all new TNGA Dynamic Force engine.
CIF
  • CIF
    CIF
  • January 9, 2017
Joaquin Ruhi
I dunno. When the latest Toyota Tacoma was launched, descriptions of an "all-new" V6 were bandied about in the news releases, but it was ultimately just the dual-cycle FKS evolution of the 2GR-FSE. Until Lexus breaks its silence on the engine code, we can't really be sure whether this is an all-new V6 family or just a further GR evolution.
A fair point, however Toyota's TNGA press release a few weeks back, in the technical documents showed a whole new family of TNGA engines coming in the future. Also one reason why I think it's not a GR engine, is if you look at the pics on Toyota's Global/Japan press release. The pics show the engine being very wide, and low. The V angle definitely looks different than a GR engine. Furthermore, in comparison to the current FKS GR engine, this Lexus engine has a very large HP increase, and an absolutely massive torque increase. In fact, as of now so far, this is the highest torque engine Toyota has ever offered in any model under any ToMoCo brand. I don't think that twin turbos alone, even if combined with some electric technologies can account for this. I think a new engine design combined with these technologies does account for it. Also Jeff Bracken mentioned the new Lexus engine as being a "long stroke" engine, which is a hallmark of the new TNGA Dynamic Force modular engine concept. I am 99% convinced it truly is an all new TNGA Dynamic Force engine.
Joaquin Ruhi
CIF
A fair point, however Toyota's TNGA press release a few weeks back, in the technical documents showed a whole new family of TNGA engines coming in the future. Also one reason why I think it's not a GR engine, is if you look at the pics on Toyota's Global/Japan press release. The pics show the engine being very wide, and low. The V angle definitely looks different than a GR engine. Furthermore, in comparison to the current FKS GR engine, this Lexus engine has a very large HP increase, and an absolutely massive torque increase. In fact, as of now so far, this is the highest torque engine Toyota has ever offered in any model under any ToMoCo brand. I don't think that twin turbos alone, even if combined with some electric technologies can account for this. I think a new engine design combined with these technologies does account for it. Also Jeff Bracken mentioned the new Lexus engine as being a "long stroke" engine, which is a hallmark of the new TNGA Dynamic Force modular engine concept. I am 99% convinced it truly is an all new TNGA Dynamic Force engine.
Excellent observations.
Joaquin Ruhi
CIF
A fair point, however Toyota's TNGA press release a few weeks back, in the technical documents showed a whole new family of TNGA engines coming in the future. Also one reason why I think it's not a GR engine, is if you look at the pics on Toyota's Global/Japan press release. The pics show the engine being very wide, and low. The V angle definitely looks different than a GR engine. Furthermore, in comparison to the current FKS GR engine, this Lexus engine has a very large HP increase, and an absolutely massive torque increase. In fact, as of now so far, this is the highest torque engine Toyota has ever offered in any model under any ToMoCo brand. I don't think that twin turbos alone, even if combined with some electric technologies can account for this. I think a new engine design combined with these technologies does account for it. Also Jeff Bracken mentioned the new Lexus engine as being a "long stroke" engine, which is a hallmark of the new TNGA Dynamic Force modular engine concept. I am 99% convinced it truly is an all new TNGA Dynamic Force engine.
Excellent observations.
mikeavelli
Well the Camry continues with the same 3.5 but new 4 cylinder.

How will this work for the IS/GS I wonder? Will they get 415hp too or detuned to 400 or less? The LS then needs a V-8 option to seperate itself. As of now, the GS has a V-8 but not the LS!
mikeavelli
Well the Camry continues with the same 3.5 but new 4 cylinder.

How will this work for the IS/GS I wonder? Will they get 415hp too or detuned to 400 or less? The LS then needs a V-8 option to seperate itself. As of now, the GS has a V-8 but not the LS!
S
mikeavelli
Well the Camry continues with the same 3.5 but new 4 cylinder.

How will this work for the IS/GS I wonder? Will they get 415hp too or detuned to 400 or less? The LS then needs a V-8 option to seperate itself. As of now, the GS has a V-8 but not the LS!
Camry gets updated V6 from late 2016 with around 300hp. Lots of changes in that engine, it is excellent engine.

As to the V8, I bet F will get V8 and also pictures released already showed Hybrid model :)
S
mikeavelli
Well the Camry continues with the same 3.5 but new 4 cylinder.

How will this work for the IS/GS I wonder? Will they get 415hp too or detuned to 400 or less? The LS then needs a V-8 option to seperate itself. As of now, the GS has a V-8 but not the LS!
Camry gets updated V6 from late 2016 with around 300hp. Lots of changes in that engine, it is excellent engine.

As to the V8, I bet F will get V8 and also pictures released already showed Hybrid model :)
James
Well now that's it out how long do we have to wait for road reviews of the car? Cause let's be honest the whole point of a car is to drive it
James
Well now that's it out how long do we have to wait for road reviews of the car? Cause let's be honest the whole point of a car is to drive it
S
James
Well now that's it out how long do we have to wait for road reviews of the car? Cause let's be honest the whole point of a car is to drive it
both LS and new Camry will likely feel completely different once you sit down... due to new platform, even sitting in will be completely different experience due to different positions of the seats.
S
James
Well now that's it out how long do we have to wait for road reviews of the car? Cause let's be honest the whole point of a car is to drive it
both LS and new Camry will likely feel completely different once you sit down... due to new platform, even sitting in will be completely different experience due to different positions of the seats.
Carmaker1
Having been shown the LS500h shortly before hearing abandonment of V8 rumours last year, I hadn't really heard a lick about the petrol LS500 saloon and what "500" stood for there. All I heard at most, was that there would be a TTV6. I did not know whether it would wear the LS350 badge or not, so now I have learned otherwise to my disappointment. Other than styling, the hybrid, and Tesla's Model S being an influence, I really did not learn much about the car.

Back then I naturally dismissed information via the Lexus UK representative and dealer that a V8 would truly not be offered. I had chalked that up to maybe just the UK and some Eurasian markets, the same way the Land Cruiser V8 is gone from the UK and that of BMW's 750i V8. I can be unfortunately presumptuous like that, only to learn otherwise later. That Lexus guy had a point and so did White Beach and Mag-X.

Interestingly, I also get the impression development couldn't have been underway prior to 2011 for sure and styling was an 18 months or more effort through mid-2014. Toshio Asahi, was chief engineer of the XV60 6ES, which barely ended development in late 2011-early 2012. What is the real story here? He couldn't have been working on this car back in 2010, the very same year that 6ES development reached a pivotal point.

Anyway, I had said that the mesh grille would become standard on the base model and no longer an F-Sport exclusive over a year ago. There's is more to see regarding the new LS, but I will now zeroing in now on F performance products and the future of the GS being in jeopardy, as well as LX redesign.

I do apologise to anyone who felt mislead by me adamantly claiming that LS500 stood for the 2UR-GSE V8 and not V35A-FTS TTV6. Naturally I had expected them to not use the same nomenclature (XX500) for entirely different engines, hoping this TTV6 was really LS350.

So what is GS300, RX300, and NX300 then? Twin-turbo I4?

Joaquin Ruhi
I dunno. When the latest Toyota Tacoma was launched, descriptions of an "all-new" V6 were bandied about in the news releases, but it was ultimately just the dual-cycle FKS evolution of the 2GR-FSE. Until Lexus breaks its silence on the engine code, we can't really be sure whether this is an all-new V6 family or just a further GR evolution.
It is a new engine, part of TNGA family. It's not a GR anymore.

spwolf
it will be another GR for sure, which does not mean it is not all new :)
No, it's an entirely new engine. Engine code is V35A-FTS
Carmaker1
Having been shown the LS500h shortly before hearing abandonment of V8 rumours last year, I hadn't really heard a lick about the petrol LS500 saloon and what "500" stood for there. All I heard at most, was that there would be a TTV6. I did not know whether it would wear the LS350 badge or not, so now I have learned otherwise to my disappointment. Other than styling, the hybrid, and Tesla's Model S being an influence, I really did not learn much about the car.

Back then I naturally dismissed information via the Lexus UK representative and dealer that a V8 would truly not be offered. I had chalked that up to maybe just the UK and some Eurasian markets, the same way the Land Cruiser V8 is gone from the UK and that of BMW's 750i V8. I can be unfortunately presumptuous like that, only to learn otherwise later. That Lexus guy had a point and so did White Beach and Mag-X.

Interestingly, I also get the impression development couldn't have been underway prior to 2011 for sure and styling was an 18 months or more effort through mid-2014. Toshio Asahi, was chief engineer of the XV60 6ES, which barely ended development in late 2011-early 2012. What is the real story here? He couldn't have been working on this car back in 2010, the very same year that 6ES development reached a pivotal point.

Anyway, I had said that the mesh grille would become standard on the base model and no longer an F-Sport exclusive over a year ago. There's is more to see regarding the new LS, but I will now zeroing in now on F performance products and the future of the GS being in jeopardy, as well as LX redesign.

I do apologise to anyone who felt mislead by me adamantly claiming that LS500 stood for the 2UR-GSE V8 and not V35A-FTS TTV6. Naturally I had expected them to not use the same nomenclature (XX500) for entirely different engines, hoping this TTV6 was really LS350.

So what is GS300, RX300, and NX300 then? Twin-turbo I4?

Joaquin Ruhi
I dunno. When the latest Toyota Tacoma was launched, descriptions of an "all-new" V6 were bandied about in the news releases, but it was ultimately just the dual-cycle FKS evolution of the 2GR-FSE. Until Lexus breaks its silence on the engine code, we can't really be sure whether this is an all-new V6 family or just a further GR evolution.
It is a new engine, part of TNGA family. It's not a GR anymore.

spwolf
it will be another GR for sure, which does not mean it is not all new :)
No, it's an entirely new engine. Engine code is V35A-FTS
mikeavelli
I got a text with the press brochure....

View attachment 2046


Carmaker1
It is a new engine, part of TNGA family. It's not a GR anymore.



No, it's an entirely new engine. Engine code is V35A-FTS
Thank you!
mikeavelli
I got a text with the press brochure....

View attachment 2046


Carmaker1
It is a new engine, part of TNGA family. It's not a GR anymore.



No, it's an entirely new engine. Engine code is V35A-FTS
Thank you!
A
corradoMR2
Since owning the RC F and enjoying the 5L V8, to be honest, I'm more than fine with the new V6TT in the LS while keeping the V8 to the sportier more visceral LC. I bet the new V6TT is smoother, quieter, and with more low end torque (something the V8 is missing until about 3600 rpm), which is more appropriate in a serene premium luxury sedan. I bet if the 5L V8 was the engine, we'd be complaining about its age, etc.

A quick note to point out regarding nomenclature. We now see that Lexus may or may not incorporate "t" or "tt"in their car names. This opens the door to future speculation on new car name registrations that do not have any "t" in it. I'm fine with that since the LS 500's name is far better suited in terms of lineage and prestige over an "LS 350tt"! :)

As for future V8s in the LS... I'm definitely still wanting one in it but I like the idea of a V8TT exclusive to the LS F. :thumbsup:
Yea i was thinking about this, reminding me that while back, new trade marks were registered for the RX, GS and NX, 300 if i am not mistaken.
Could this mean that they're ditching the "t" like the others ?
Would this mean that new engine choices would be offered for the RX, GS and NX ?
A
corradoMR2
Since owning the RC F and enjoying the 5L V8, to be honest, I'm more than fine with the new V6TT in the LS while keeping the V8 to the sportier more visceral LC. I bet the new V6TT is smoother, quieter, and with more low end torque (something the V8 is missing until about 3600 rpm), which is more appropriate in a serene premium luxury sedan. I bet if the 5L V8 was the engine, we'd be complaining about its age, etc.

A quick note to point out regarding nomenclature. We now see that Lexus may or may not incorporate "t" or "tt"in their car names. This opens the door to future speculation on new car name registrations that do not have any "t" in it. I'm fine with that since the LS 500's name is far better suited in terms of lineage and prestige over an "LS 350tt"! :)

As for future V8s in the LS... I'm definitely still wanting one in it but I like the idea of a V8TT exclusive to the LS F. :thumbsup:
Yea i was thinking about this, reminding me that while back, new trade marks were registered for the RX, GS and NX, 300 if i am not mistaken.
Could this mean that they're ditching the "t" like the others ?
Would this mean that new engine choices would be offered for the RX, GS and NX ?
B
Dissapointed seeing a CD/DVD player! Is anyone using this now days. Better streaming and Apple car play / Google play where are you ?!?
B
Dissapointed seeing a CD/DVD player! Is anyone using this now days. Better streaming and Apple car play / Google play where are you ?!?
krew
krew [​IMG]

Also: the full press conference from Detroit.
View the original article post
krew
krew [​IMG]

Also: the full press conference from Detroit.
View the original article post
mikeavelli
Blom1974
Dissapointed seeing a CD/DVD player! Is anyone using this now days. Better streaming and Apple car play / Google play where are you ?!?
I assume even with improvements in tech, to get the best sound quality you need the approprate CD....
mikeavelli
Blom1974
Dissapointed seeing a CD/DVD player! Is anyone using this now days. Better streaming and Apple car play / Google play where are you ?!?
I assume even with improvements in tech, to get the best sound quality you need the approprate CD....
James
Okay I did some research on competitors to the LS.

The Audi A8 3.0 (V6) goes 0-60 in 5.5 sec.
The Audi A8 4.0 (V8) goes 0-60 in 4.4 sec.
The Audi S8 4.0 (V8) goes 0-60 in 3.7 sec.
The Audi RS7 4.0 (V8) goes 0-60 in 3.6 sec.
The BMW 740 3.0 (V6) goes 0-60 in 5.4 sec.
The BMW 750 4.4 (V8) goes 0-60 in 4.3 sec.
The BMW 760M (V12) goes 0-60 in 3.6 sec.
The MB S550 4.7 (V8) goes 0-60 in 4.8 sec.
The MB S600 6.0 (V12) goes 0-60 in 4.5 sec.
The MB S63 5.5 (V8) goes 0-60 in 3.9 sec.
The MB S65 6.0 (V12) goes 0-60 in 4.2 sec.

The new LS is projected to get about 4.5 secs with a turbo V6. Which means it is only .1 or .2 slower than the BMW 550, MB 600, and Audi A8 4.0 which are all V8's. Lexus is very close with a V6 and hopefully even gets better gas millage than those German cars. Or even Lexus now gets the we are better for the environment crap cause we have a V6 instead of a V8. Now does the Lexus need a V8? Absolutely it does. A twin turbo V8 can hopefully get them to the BMW 760M and Audi RS7 range of 3.6 secs. If Lexus can do that I think the LS will be even more successful than it already is. The inside of this LS is great and just wait for the different colors to come out. Also, I think the biggest mistake by Lexus for this was the rim choice. I agree those aren't that great of a choice but wait I am sure they will come out with one that will blow your pants off that also will make the car much better. I am excited for this LS and very excited to see it in person here shortly this weekend. The LS and LC are great cars and I think 2017 will be a great year for Lexus. As a lot of people have said wait to see it live and in person before you truly bash it.
James
Okay I did some research on competitors to the LS.

The Audi A8 3.0 (V6) goes 0-60 in 5.5 sec.
The Audi A8 4.0 (V8) goes 0-60 in 4.4 sec.
The Audi S8 4.0 (V8) goes 0-60 in 3.7 sec.
The Audi RS7 4.0 (V8) goes 0-60 in 3.6 sec.
The BMW 740 3.0 (V6) goes 0-60 in 5.4 sec.
The BMW 750 4.4 (V8) goes 0-60 in 4.3 sec.
The BMW 760M (V12) goes 0-60 in 3.6 sec.
The MB S550 4.7 (V8) goes 0-60 in 4.8 sec.
The MB S600 6.0 (V12) goes 0-60 in 4.5 sec.
The MB S63 5.5 (V8) goes 0-60 in 3.9 sec.
The MB S65 6.0 (V12) goes 0-60 in 4.2 sec.

The new LS is projected to get about 4.5 secs with a turbo V6. Which means it is only .1 or .2 slower than the BMW 550, MB 600, and Audi A8 4.0 which are all V8's. Lexus is very close with a V6 and hopefully even gets better gas millage than those German cars. Or even Lexus now gets the we are better for the environment crap cause we have a V6 instead of a V8. Now does the Lexus need a V8? Absolutely it does. A twin turbo V8 can hopefully get them to the BMW 760M and Audi RS7 range of 3.6 secs. If Lexus can do that I think the LS will be even more successful than it already is. The inside of this LS is great and just wait for the different colors to come out. Also, I think the biggest mistake by Lexus for this was the rim choice. I agree those aren't that great of a choice but wait I am sure they will come out with one that will blow your pants off that also will make the car much better. I am excited for this LS and very excited to see it in person here shortly this weekend. The LS and LC are great cars and I think 2017 will be a great year for Lexus. As a lot of people have said wait to see it live and in person before you truly bash it.
Izzam@RegencyAuto
For the record I'm 37 and a life Lexus fan. This LS is the first I'm excited about. The recent RX was the first RX I loved as well. I've always had a close love with the IS and GS line.

Although the LS is closely resembling the Genesis and Q70 (which I agree) however it is what Lexus needs. The new 7 is in trouble because they focused on tech and not design. The 4 LS interior is stunning like a Maybach MB, RR or Bentley! For a fraction of the price like what they did in the 90s. That is exactly what the Lexus LS stands for. Let the Genesis be the 90 Lexus to the S class, now the LS is the for today.

I can't see Lexus making this a SWB, it just doesn't make sense. I'm just sad to see the LS 600hL go. What a marvelous automotive art.
Izzam@RegencyAuto
For the record I'm 37 and a life Lexus fan. This LS is the first I'm excited about. The recent RX was the first RX I loved as well. I've always had a close love with the IS and GS line.

Although the LS is closely resembling the Genesis and Q70 (which I agree) however it is what Lexus needs. The new 7 is in trouble because they focused on tech and not design. The 4 LS interior is stunning like a Maybach MB, RR or Bentley! For a fraction of the price like what they did in the 90s. That is exactly what the Lexus LS stands for. Let the Genesis be the 90 Lexus to the S class, now the LS is the for today.

I can't see Lexus making this a SWB, it just doesn't make sense. I'm just sad to see the LS 600hL go. What a marvelous automotive art.

I