It is the fifth generation of the top of the range Lexus, a model that, according to the Japanese brand, “represents the pinnacle of luxury saloons from the perspective of Japanese tradition and culture”. As such, “it has to go beyond what the world expects from a luxury car”, revealed Toshio Asahi, responsible for the development of this new generation of the Lexus LS.
As is characteristic of the brand, in terms of design, there were no problems in taking bold solutions. It is possible to observe that many of the solutions presented in the Lexus LS flow directly from the LC 500 Coupé, making clear Lexus' bet on a more dynamic look – something unusual in this segment marked by sobriety.
In technical terms, the brand put all its know-how in this new Lexus LS. The new LS debuts a new 3.5 liter twin-turbo engine, capable of developing 421 hp and 600 Nm of maximum torque – a notable evolution compared to the V8 engine that equipped the generation that will now cease functions.
This new engine will be coupled to a 10-speed automatic gearbox, developed to offer “instant acceleration and constant progression throughout the entire rev range”. According to the brand, the Lexus LS will be able to reach 0-100km/h in just 4.5 seconds.
technology concentrate
If in mechanical terms evolution is notorious, what about the interior? Lexus is committed to offering an experience of absolute comfort to its occupants, not only in terms of rolling comfort but also in terms of acoustic comfort.
In addition to the traditional care in soundproofing the cabin, Lexus has equipped the LS with an intelligent Active Noise Control sound system that emits certain frequencies that reduce the perception of noise coming from the engine and exhaust system. The wheels are also equipped with an aluminum component, which substantially reduces the vibrations and noise generated by the rolling of the tyres.
With this silence on board, it would be a “crime” not to equip the Lexus LS with a luxury sound system. Audiophiles will be pleased to hear that the LS is equipped with a Mark Levinson signature 3D surround sound system, which can be controlled from the center console via a massive 12.3-inch head-up display (the world's largest according to the brand). ).
In dynamic terms, the adoption of the new generation GA-L platform is noteworthy – it is the most rigid platform in the history of Lexus. The wheelbase is 3,125 mm, that is, 35 mm plus
longer than the current LS model in the long version. Unveiled this week at the Detroit Motor Show, this new Lexus LS is not expected to hit the domestic market until early 2018.
