Wald’s Executive Line Lexus LS 460

For the Tokyo Auto Salon, Japanese tuner company Wald International outfitted a 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport with their Executive Line body kit and Renovatio wheels: Wald’s tendency to overcomplicate the simple Lexus design is too over-the-top for my tastes, especially with the front-fender vents and the massive 22” Renevatio wheels, but it isn’t hard …
Kevin · February 5th, 2010

Autospies Reviews the Lexus LS 460L AWD

Agent 00R of Autospies drove from New York City to the Detroit Auto Show in a 2010 Lexus LS 460 AWD, and has shared some observations on how the sedan handled the trip. Read this story
Kevin · January 21st, 2010

Detroit Auto Show: 2010 Lexus LS 600hL & LS 460 Photos

The 2010 editions of both the Lexus LS 600hL & LS 460 were at the Detroit Auto Show—the LS 460 was optioned with the Appearance package option that adds the LS Sport grille and ground effects: Really liked the Sport grille, it looks 100x better up close than in photos. The body kit didn’t look …
Kevin · January 14th, 2010

Chromed Lexus LS 460

The shiny foil is usually reserved for the Lexus LX, but someone in Kuwait went ahead and decided to give it a go with an LS 460: Chrome-wrapping is a disturbing trend, though there’s some solace in the fact that it’s unlikely to catch on in North America—too much potential for vandalism and public humiliation. …
Kevin · January 4th, 2010

Autoblog Reviews the 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport

Autoblog has posted their review of the 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport, where they were pleasantly surprised by the sedan’s newfound sportiness: Approaching the first tight turn along this curvy hillside ribbon of asphalt, we instinctively wanted to tap into the upgraded Brembos to scrub off some momentum. Expecting a fair amount of body roll, …
Kevin · December 16th, 2009

Lexus LS 460 Sport Photos from Australia

Lexus Australia has just released what has to be considered the best LS 460 Sport photos since the vehicle’s introduction, including a good look at the new daytime running light design: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1482”} My initial disappointment with the Sport grille design has subsided to a point where I may be going the other way. I …
Kevin · December 9th, 2009

Edmunds Track-Test: Lexus LS 460 Sport vs. BMW 750i Sport

Edmund’s Inside Line has pitted the new Lexus LS Sport package against the BMW 750i Sport in a performance track test, and in the process, somehow managed to add a full second to the LS 460’s official 0-60 time. According to the Edmunds numbers, the LS 460 Sport hits 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds compared …
Kevin · December 9th, 2009

Automobile Magazine Reviews the 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport

Automobile Magazine sure did fall for the 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport: A previously geriatric sedan is finally alive with youthful vigor and enthusiasm for twisty roads. Lexus has revealed an inner self we never knew existed. The LS platform has the moxie to handle much more power, speed, and throttle pressure. This toe dipped …
Kevin · November 30th, 2009

Lexus L-Select Customization Video

This video gives some detail on the new L-Select customization program currently offered with the Lexus LS in Japan (warning: the accompanying music is unique): If switching internal LS components is as easy as it’s displayed in this video, I don’t see any reason why L-Select couldn’t make it’s way to other markets. More likely, …
Kevin · October 29th, 2009

Lexus LS Commercial: Turntable

Loving this new Lexus LS commercial: What Lexus has achieved with the new LS is amazing, and it’s nice to see a commercial that focuses on just how exceptional a vehicle it is. As the (current) flagship model, I don’t think it gets enough attention—but then, maybe that’s the point? Oh, so subtle… [Source: Motiongrapher]
Kevin · October 27th, 2009

2010 Lexus LS on Lexus USA Website

The updated 2010 Lexus LS is now on the Lexus USA website: The first I checked out was the cost of the LS Sport package: The package, which is only available with the RWD LS 460, adds $6,185 USD to the $64,680 base price, and includes Brembo brakes, 19” 10-split-spoke alloy wheels, sport-tuned air suspension, …
Kevin · October 25th, 2009

The Lexus L-Select Customization Program

The new L-Select Lexus customization program has launched in Japan. This program, which is currently limited to the LS, makes it possible to pick and choose your leather, wood trim, even your roof material. Here’s a small sampling of the possible interior combinations: These are some serious interior options, I’m all over that IS-F inspired …
Kevin · October 13th, 2009

2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport Information & Photos

Even bigger than the 2010 LS 460 refresh is the introduction of an LS 460 Sport model, which brings a number of performance enhancements to the Lexus flagship: Mesh front grille Aero kit, which features a front lower spoiler, side rocker panels, and rear lower spoiler New 19” split 10 spoke wheels Bremo brake system …
Kevin · October 6th, 2009

2010 Lexus LS to Feature Self-Restoring Clear Coat

For 2010, the Lexus LS will be sporting an additional layer of clear coat paint that has the ability to heal itself: Unlike a conventional clear coat, TMC’s newly developed coat is not easily damaged and can even restore* itself even if it is deformed.  Moreover, it requires no special maintenance, prevents luster degradation caused …
Kevin · September 29th, 2009

2010 Lexus LS 460, LS 600hL & LS SZ Revealed!

A brochure for the 2010 Lexus LS has leaked, and there are now images of the LS 460, the LS Hybrid, and the new LS “Version SZ”—let’s start with the hybrid: 2010 Lexus LS 600hL So it turns out the image from last week was indeed correct, and the LS 600hL will be sporting a …
Kevin · August 25th, 2009

Lexus LS Takes First Place in 2009 Motorist Choice Awards

The Lexus LS was named the top vehicle of 2009 Motorist Choice Awards, a US joint survey by AutoPacific and Intellichoice that “recognizes new cars and trucks that give their owners both economic and emotional satisfaction”: “Clearly, consumers still get great satisfaction from large and luxurious cars, despite the economy, rising fuel costs and manufacturers’ …
Kevin · August 14th, 2009

Ward’s Looks at Lexus Manufacturing

One of the defining characteristics of Lexus has always been the care taken in assembling their vehicles, and the Toyota Tahara Plant is the very definition of that attention to detail—Ward’s Auto takes a closer look at some of the manufacturing processes that go into building a Lexus: Toyota Motor Corp.’s Tahara plant, now in …
Kevin · June 30th, 2009

Lexus LS Sport Rumors

Late last year, there was a rumor that Lexus was planning a performance-oriented variant of the LS 460, and today there’s more information to back it up. According to Japanese magazine Best Car (by way of 4wheelnews), there are plans to release the curiously named LS SZ, which will be an LS souped up with …
Kevin · June 23rd, 2009

Lorinser Prepares Lexus LS 460 Body Kit

Long-time Mercedes tuner Lorinser has taken its first step into the Lexus body kit market by releasing an aero-kit for the LS 460. Here are the photos: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1206”} Breaking down the kit, it starts off with a new front bumper with squared-off edges and round foglights, then adds side-skirts, a rear trunk spoiler, a …
Kevin · June 16th, 2009

Lexus LS 460 Crashes, Audience Claps

As a rule, I avoid posting any crash videos, but I suspect the only thing injured in this Tatry Donau Cup race footage is the driver’s pride: At least the crowd was entertained. Really though, who enters a race in a LS? Update: Looks like the LS driver wasn’t the only one who had a …
Kevin · May 13th, 2009

New Job Design Lexus LS Body Kit

Job Design, a Japan tuning firm specializing in Lexus & Toyota modifications, has released a new body kit for the Lexus LS, consisting of front wheel vents, a super-dropped suspension and new front & rear bumpers. {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1133”} I think it’s only natural, in light of the LS’ rather somber and elegant design, that body …
Kevin · March 18th, 2008

Lexus LS 460 Lane Keep Assist Video Demonstration

The Lane Keep Assist feature, which effectively locks you into a highway lane, may only available on the European & Asian Lexus LS, but it’s incredibly effective, at least in the context of this video: I’m of two minds with this feature. You can never discount added safety, but the movement towards automated driving makes …
Kevin · December 16th, 2007

CNet Reviews Lexus LS 460 Technology

No doubt it’s a little old, but this video from CNet detailing the technology in the LS 460 is quite entertaining: Being such a fan of the LS 460, I didn’t even get bored during the inevitable parking assist demonstration.
Kevin · December 7th, 2007

Lexus LS is the World’s Most Beautiful Large Sedan

Not exactly sure how it happened, but for the 15th Annual L’Automobile più Bella del Mondo (Most Beautiful Cars in the World) Awards, Lexus managed to snag first and second place in the Limousine (Large Sedan) category, with the LS 600h taking top spot and the LS 460 taking second. I’m surprised they didn’t just …
Kevin · November 26th, 2007

The Lexus Symphony Orchestra Audio & Video

This past summer, Lexus staged two unique concerts in Britain using twelve LS 460s in place of an orchestra. These cars, with no modification or amplification, performed two pieces originally recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra, which you can now listen to at a Lexus site dedicated to it. I really enjoyed the site, there’s …
Kevin · November 22nd, 2007

The Hyundai Genesis Crosses the Line

A slew of Hyundai Genesis spy shots have surfaced, and it’s guaranteed that Lexus and BMW are none too happy with the car’s appearance: No matter the argument that all cars are derivative of each other, this is going over the line. The front-end is clearly inspired by the Lexus LS, but what’s much, much …
Kevin · November 19th, 2007

Lexus LS 460 Commercial from The Middle East

While I’m certainly no expert about what it’s like to be wealthy in the Middle East, this Lexus commercial really captured my imagination — beautiful homes, giant yachts, private jets and LS 460s all round: As strange as it is to say, they picked a great actor for this ad, who carries it with his …
Kevin · November 8th, 2007

SEMA 2007: Lexus LS 460 by VIP Auto Salon

Here’s the Lexus LS 460 by VIP Auto Salon that’s now showing at SEMA 2007, which is basically an application of the Wald International kit, right down to the Portofino wheels. Additionally, the Dakota Digital Air Ride System was installed, allowing for direct manipulation of the car’s height, making it easy to VIP your wheels …
Kevin · November 2nd, 2007

Video: Lexus LS 460 on Fire

Now this is something you don’t see every day: Don’t know exactly what would cause a car to catch fire like this, but I’m sure it’s a special sort of circumstance, especially with no other cars involved. I can’t believe people are driving right up near it, that’s just crazy.
Kevin · October 14th, 2007

Lexus LS 460 Commercial: Anechoic Chamber

As a companion to the commercial I posted on the weekend, the message in this LS 460 advert is certainly much clearer: Something about this pair of commercials fails to impress me, the cabin isolation and ultra-quiet engine are definitely features to promote, but I found the sound in both to be incredibly abrasive. It’s …
Kevin · October 8th, 2007

Lexus LS 460 Commercial: Pin Drop

I’ll admit, the first time I watched this commercial I actually felt confused: I understood the concept, the LS 460 being so quiet while running that you could hear a pin drop, but the commercial is muddled enough that I had to watch it a couple times to really get it. I blame it on …
Kevin · October 6th, 2007

Motor Trend: Long-Term Lexus LS 460 Update 2

Now five months into their long-term test, Motor Trend continues to appreciate what the Lexus LS 460 brings to the table: [Truck Trend art director] Voehringer, a guitar-playing rock aficionado, adores the 19-speaker Mark Levinson reference surround-sound system, observing that it “supplies a lush spectrum of highs, mids, and especially bass” — the ideal setup …
Kevin · September 24th, 2007

Lexus LS 460 with Air Runner Suspension

Ridiculously dropped suspensions can be a great look, but not without a huge sacrifice of ride quality and the potential for some serious body damage. However, for every problem there is a (expensive) solution, as evidenced by this video of an LS 460 with an Air Runner suspension system, which allows for variable ride height …
Kevin · September 23rd, 2007

A Look at the Lexus LS 600h/L’s Driver Monitoring System

When released next month, the Lexus LS 600hL will be equipped with a group of technologies, collectively dubbed the Driver Monitoring System, that takes automotive safety to an entirely new level. From the Lexus press release: The system uses an algorithm to map the position of the driver’s facial features and monitors movement of the …
Kevin · September 8th, 2007

The Lexus Body Kit Series: LS 460/460L/600hL

The first vehicle to be featured in my new Body Kit series is the Lexus LS 460/460L/600hL. If anything can be said about the majority of the available body kits for Lexus’ latest flagship model, it would be that they exhibit a very strong subtlety. None of the kits change the vehicle’s look substantially, and …
Kevin · August 6th, 2007

The LS 460 Symphony Orchestra Takes the Stage

Twelve LS 460’s will be filling in for a symphony orchestra this August for two very special performances in Britain: The twelve vehicles will be arranged onstage to emulate a typical orchestral layout of individual instruments, with strings, brass, woodwind, basses and percussion being performed by each section. In essence each LS 460 will be …
Kevin · August 2nd, 2007

Comparison: Lexus LS 460 vs. Volkswagen Phaeton

A member of German Car Zone was nice enough to translate an article from German car magazine Auto Motor Und Sport pitting the Volkswagen Phaeton against the Lexus LS 460. (The full text appears on Autospies, if you don’t feel like signing up for GCZ account.) Now, whether it’s a case of German bias or …
Kevin · July 26th, 2007

Super Street Magazine Reviews the Lexus LS 460

It’s far and few between to find an genuinely amusing car review, but Super Street Magazine manages just that with their review of the Lexus LS 460. Here’s a few of the more salient passages: Enter the LS 460. Right off the bat, this car is pimp. Scratch that, capital P-I-M-P. Plush roomy leather interior …
Kevin · July 25th, 2007

TOM’S LS460 Body Kit & Modifications

I spent some time today on TOM’S, Toyota’s authorized tuning shop, taking a look at their various Lexus body kits and modifications. Their new tuned LS 460 is a beauty, matching the exteriors of the Fabulous and Wald offerings in subtlety, but also adding an extensive range of very real performance modifications. Here’s a list …
Kevin · July 16th, 2007

Motor Trend: Long-Term Lexus LS 460 Update

Motor Trend staff have been driving their LS 460 for three months now, which makes it time for a seasonal update: “The first time I tried it [parallel parking], it worked perfectly. Since then, however, I’ve tried it twice more, and it’s either scared me or just refused to work at all. Undoubtedly, I need …
Kevin · July 12th, 2007

Fabulous Body Kit for the Lexus LS 460

My favorite part about the body kits put out for the Lexus LS 460 is how absolutely subtle they are — first was the Wald International’s offering, and now we have the full gear from Fabulous: The changes are so minute, the only part of the kit that’s immediately obvious is the mini-wing on the …
Kevin · July 7th, 2007

The Lexus LS 460 Riding on Sevas Forged Wheels

Here we have an LS 460 dropped low on a set of Sevas Forged Wheels: Not a very big fan of the multi-mini-spoke rim, and the sheer size of these wheels overpower the car, but they do have a certain charm. I especially like the look of these wheels in motion, they give off an …
Kevin · July 3rd, 2007

Motor Trend & The Splendid Isolation of the LS 460

The latest Motor Trend editorial by Arthur St. Antoine really captures what makes the new LS 460 special: I discovered the perfect antidote to L.A.‘s roadgoing toxins: our long-term Lexus LS 460. If there’s an automobile that better defends its driver from the slings and arrows of outrageous things that happen on the other side …
Kevin · June 13th, 2007

Lexus LS 460 Hold Button Demonstation

Youtube user h4×0r0x was nice enough to post a demonstration of rather unique LS series feature found on the steering wheel, namely the Hold button: As you can see, this button allows you to hold your brakes, meaning that you can rest your feet while at a stoplight. In essence, we’re looking at the anti-cruise …
Kevin · June 12th, 2007

Hyundai’s Azera vs. LS 460 Commercial

After the results of the Total Quality Index survey, I decided to do a little Hyundai Youtube surfing and found a recent Azera ad comparing it to the LS 460: My personal disdain of Kelsey Grammer notwithstanding, and the fact that there are far more differences than similarities between the Azera and the LS 460, …
Kevin · June 7th, 2007

Wald International Body Kit for the LS 460

Wald International, a Japanese tuning company, has been one of the premier body kit & modification developers for Lexus since the LS 400. The new LS 460 is their latest subject, which they treated with a very distinctive reverence: Save for the rims, the USF40 Executive Line body kit is nothing overly flashy, and is …
Kevin · June 6th, 2007

What would an LS 460 Coupe look like?

Photochopper CWW Cardesign has put together a virtual LS 460 Coupe and it’s a real beauty: Imagined to compete with the Mercedes CL-Class and BMW 6-series, it’s nothing but a pipedream to think Lexus would actually release such a vehicle. Of all the sedans, an IS Coupe is much more likely. [Source:Auto Spies]
Kevin · June 5th, 2007

The LS 600h vs. the LS 460: Is the hybrid really worth the extra money?

Bruce McCulloch over at Autosavant asked the question “Does the 600h really offer any true advantage over the lesser LS460?” and came away with a resounding “NO!” Let’s summarize his major points: The 600h costs $35,000USD more than a similarly equipped 460. People buying a car in this price range ($100,000USD +) don’t really care …
Kevin · June 5th, 2007

Fifth Gear Review of the LS460

Tom Ford of Fifth Gear, the British car show, takes a ride in the new LS460 and really talks up the technology (most of which is not available on North American models): the advanced obstacle detection system, the car’s ability to stay in lane with no user input, driver monitoring and one of the smoothest …
Kevin · May 29th, 2007