Lexus LS460 Launched in Japan

Press Release

The LS460 is designed to appeal to the sensitivities of drivers and passengers alike as a way of providing the superior excitement and driving comfort characteristic of a Lexus vehicle through "pursuit of the essence of luxury"�the core principle of the Lexus brand.

By featuring a completely new interior and exterior design, engine, transmission, platform, suspension and other elements, as well as a full array of advanced systems and vehicle manufacturing more precise than the eye can see�made possible by state-of-the-art production engineering and practiced craftsmanship, the new LS460 represents the ideal form of prestige luxury vehicles to come.

Today's launch of the LS460 is to be followed in the spring by the launch of a hybrid model known as the LS600h and a long-wheelbase hybrid model known as the LS600hL. Both will host a newly developed hybrid system that combines a high-performance motor with a newly developed 5.0-liter V8 engine.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices

* Excluding recycling fees; 23,100 yen higher in Hokkaido


Vehicle Outline

1. Innovative Design Combining Sophistication and Beauty

Based on the Lexus design philosophy of L-finesse^*1, the design, which combines a sophisticated presence with artistic beauty, is that of a unique flagship sedan.

• The vehicle body, designed to blend a cool beauty with a strength that hints at the power within, adopts an "arrowhead"^*2 profileâ€â€ÂÂ�one of the distinctive features of Lexus designâ€â€ÂÂ�emphasizing the originality of Lexus vehicles.

• The headlights with their resolute appearance and the robust appearance of the hood and fenders give the vehicle's front a solid presence.

• The side view exploits the long-cabin proportions shared by all Lexus sedans to present a surface makeup of bold contrasts and a feeling of dynamism.

• The combination taillights with their L-shaped motif make for a distinctive rear view.

^*1L-finesse: created by combining "leading-edge" and "finesse" design concepts
^*2An original Lexus vehicle design motif combining sharp outer corners with artistic curving lines on their inner edges


2. Outstanding Driving and Environmental Performance

Driving Performance

The components that determine basic driving performance�notably the 4.6-liter V8 gasoline engine, the eight-speed automatic transmission (8 Super ECT), the platform, and the front and rear multi-link suspension�have all been developed afresh to impart characteristics befitting a prestige luxury vehicle of the new age. Additionally, the adoption of VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) and other advanced electronic control technologies contributes to an incomparably smooth ride.

Engine Specifications

^*1Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent ^*2Variable Valve Timing-intelligent by Electric motor ^*3Direct injection four-stroke gasoline engine, superior version ^*4Specified under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles ^*5Outlined by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport ^*68.7 on LS460 "version U" and "version U-I package"

• The newly developed high-torque 4.6-liter V8 1UR-FSE engine powers up smoothly from low to high speeds.

• The world's first^* 8 Super ECT combines outstanding starting and acceleration performance with high fuel efficiency and quiet operation.

• The front and rear multi-link suspensionâ€â€ÂÂ�comprising a newly developed platform and an electronically controlled air suspension system fitted with AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension)â€â€ÂÂ�provides outstanding maneuverability and cruising stability along with smooth and gentle riding comfort.

• Excellent quietness, cruising performance and riding comfort along with superior collision safety are ensured by the high-rigidity vehicle body, while the high aerodynamic performance contributes to stability and quietness at high speeds and improved fuel efficiency (with an aerodynamic drag coefficient, or Cd value, of 0.26).

• The relationship between the amount the steering wheel is turned and the angle of the front wheels is maintained at the optimum level per vehicle speed by VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering), which gives a feeling of stability to the steering.

• The VDIM stabilizes the vehicle by coordinating control and achieving an optimum balance among drive power, steering and braking, thus allowing high preventive safety and ideal vehicle performance.

• The 235/50R18 tires deliver not only good cruising performance but also excellent riding comfort and reduced road noise, while the brakes provide solid stopping power, precise control and a sense of firmness (standard on all vehicles in the series except the "version S" and "version S-I package").

• The LS460 "version S" and "version S-I package" are equipped with specially developed wide, large-diameter 245/45R19 tires and large-diameter brakes and have a specially tuned suspensionâ€â€ÂÂ�features designed to realize a more attractive cruising performance.

^*As of August 2006, according to a TMC survey


One of the World's Highest Fuel Efficiencies in its Class and Clean Exhaust Emissions

The LS460 features the D-4S (D-4S = direct injection four-stroke gasoline engine, superior version) engine, which has a dual-injector system that combines direct fuel injection with port fuel injection. This V8 engine, the maximum potential of which is drawn out by the world's first^*1 electric motor-driven VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent by Electric motor) installed on the intake side of the Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent), and the 8 Super ECT transmission, which simultaneously performs optimal control of the gear ratio and engine torque, achieves class-leading^*2 fuel efficiency and clean exhaust emissions.

• All vehicles in the series have been certified as having emissions levels 75% lower than the 2005 standards under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles. The "version U" and "version U-I package" vehicles both achieve fuel efficiency that is 10 percent greater than the Japanese 2010 fuel efficiency standards^*3, while all other versions meet these standards. (The "version U" and "version U-I package" vehicles qualify for incentives under the Japanese government's Green Taxation System.)

• By using Toyota's original comprehensive environmental impact assessment system known as Eco-VAS (Eco-Vehicle Assessment System), environmental targets were set in the development stage and a lifecycle assessment was conducted to achieve a reduction of CO2 emissions and other atmospheric pollutants throughout all stages of the vehicle's life from production and use to disposal.

• In addition to using materials with excellent recyclability, greater attention has been paid to the environment by, among other means, reducing VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions and the use of substances of environmental concern such as lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium, achieving the Japanese automobile industry's voluntary goals of eliminating the use of these substances.

^*1As of August 2006, according to a TMC survey
^*2Compared to vehicles of similar engine displacement
^*3Specified by the Japanese Law Concerning the Rational Use of Energy