In October 2006, Lexus premiered a gasoline-electric hybrid concept car, the LF-Sh (Lexus Future-Sedan hybrid), at the Tokyo Motor Show in Japan, publicly previewing the next Lexus flagship with a concept version for the first time. Introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show for the 2008 model year, the fourth-generation Lexus LS became the first Lexus model to be produced in both standard and long-wheelbase versions. Based on the LF-Sh concept and using an all-new platform, the LS 460 (USF40) uses the standard 2,969 mm (116.9 in) wheelbase, while the LS 460 L (USF41) features a stretched 3,091 mm (121.7 in) wheelbase. The fourth generation's technical specifications were shown in greater detail at the Geneva Motor Show in February 2006. In 2008, all-wheel drive versions of the nonhybrid LS 460 and LS 460 L models were introduced at the Moscow International Motor Show. The LS 460 and LS 460 L are both equipped with a new 4.6 liter 1UR-FSE V8 producing 283 kilowatts (380 hp) and 498 newton metres (367 ft·lbf) of torque,coupled to the first production eight-speed automatic transmission. The previous double-wishbone front suspension was replaced with a multilink design. To increase rigidity and lower unsprung weight, forged aluminum is now used for the suspension links and steering knuckles, along with a single-piece hollow machined die-cast aluminum front subframe, and approximately half of the body uses high-tensile steel.Acceleration from 0–100 kilometres per hour (62 mph) is listed at 5.7 seconds. The LS 460 L matches the acceleration of the lighter LS 460 despite added curb weight, 40 kg (88 lb) more than the standard-length model. The LS 460 interior gained a push-button start, thin-film transistor instrument display, and numerous luxury options, ranging from a hard disk drive-based GPS navigation system and song library to a heated steering wheel and XM NavTraffic. Standard equipment included power 16-way driver and 12-way front passenger seats with lumbar adjustment and seat heaters, leather upholstery, premium sound system, power moonroof, and trunk pass-through. The climate control offered the first infrared body temperature sensors and ceiling air diffusers in an automobile. An "Executive" seating package on the LS 460 L included a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, swivel tray table, and a shiatsu massaging ottoman seat. The LS 460 and LS 460 L arrived at dealerships in Japan, the U.S., and Europe in late 2006, and the vehicle reached Australia, East Asia, and the Middle East in 2007. The U.S. base prices for the 2007 LS 460 and LS 460 L were US$61,000 and US$71,000, respectively. In 2006 and 2007, the average price paid for U.S. market LS 460 L sedans exceeded US$80,000, due largely to added options packages, placing the Lexus LS in the same average price range as its long-wheelbase Audi, BMW, and Jaguar rivals for the first time. After debuting a hybrid powertrain with the 2005 LF-Sh concept, Lexus launched the LS 600h L (UVF46), the first production V8-powered full-hybrid vehicle, at the New York International Auto Show in April 2006. Beginning sales in 2007 for the 2008 model year, the long-wheelbase LS 600h L is equipped with Lexus Hybrid Drive, featuring a 5.0 liter 2UR-FSE V8 engine mated to a high-output electric motor with nickel-metal hydride battery packs. This system uses a continuously variable transmission and generates an output of 327 kilowatts (439 hp). Fuel economy is slightly higher overall than the lower-powered non-hybrid LS, and the hybrids achieve a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) rating. Features specific to the LS hybrids include the first production low beam LED headlights, a leather-trimmed dash, and blue-tinted hybrid badging. In April 2007, Lexus announced that the base price for the LS 600h L would be over US$104,000, surpassing the V12-equipped Toyota Century as the most expensive Japanese luxury car ever produced A standard-wheelbase version destined for Asia and Europe, the LS 600h (UVF45), was launched in Japan in April 2006.Fourth generation (USF40/USF41)
(USF40/USF41)
Production 2006–present Model year(s) 2007–present Engine(s) 4.6 L 1UR-FSE V8
(Middle East)Transmission(s) 8-speed AA80E automatic Wheelbase 2,969 mm (116.9 in) (USF40)
3,091 mm (121.7 in) (USF41)Length 2007–09:
5,029 mm (198.0 in) (USF40)
5,151 mm (202.8 in) (USF41)
2010–present:
5,060 mm (199.2 in) (USF40 II)
5,179 mm (203.9 in) (USF41 II)Width 1,875 mm (73.8 in) Height 1,476 mm (58.1 in)
1,481 mm (58.3 in) (hybrid)
1,466 mm (57.7 in)
(air suspension)Curb weight 1,925 kg (4,240 lb) (USF40)
1,965 kg (4,330 lb) (USF41)Fuel capacity 84 L (18 imp gal; 22 US gal)
USF40/USF41 (2006)
The development of the LS 460 and its variants, led by chief engineer Moritaka Yoshida, began as Lexus was shifting its design strategy towards a more diversified product lineup, with new-vehicle launches largely focused on global markets. Plans called for the next-generation LS to differentiate itself further beyond previous models in terms of design and technology. A "Super LS" model, priced above the US$100,000 ultra-luxury category, was also considered. Externally, the Lexus LS received the styling cues of Lexus' new design direction, called L-finesse. First shown on the LF-Sh concept, the vehicle gained body forms running the length of the car, wheel arches, arrow-shaped chrome trim, a lower-set grille, and crystalline adaptive headlamps. The long-wheelbase LS 460 L possessed a profile similar to the LS 460's, with identical overhangs in both front and rear and longer rear doors. The forward and aft coefficient of lift was reduced to 0.02 and 0.01, respectively, while aerodynamic drag remained the same (Cd 0.26).
The addition of an automated parallel parking assist feature, the first of its kind in the U.S., allowed the LS 460 to steer itself into preselected parking spaces. Other drive-assist features included a brake-hold system, radar cruise control, electric variable gear ratio power steering, and electronically controlled braking. The new stability control system was improved to anticipate skids and alter steering assist and gear ratios. The suite of new safety features extended from a eye-tracking driver monitoring system to a lane departure warning system. The pre-collision system added the first production image processing chip in a car capable of identifying vehicles and pedestrians in real time, along with millimeter-wavelength radar, stereo cameras, and infrared night visionprojectors. A rear pre-collision system with whiplash-preventing active seat headrests and dual-chamber front airbags was also introduced.
The 2006 Milan Design Week exhibition at the Museo della Permanente in Milan, Italy, featured an LS 460 concept with a sculpted body along with a fiber-optic "Evolving Fiber" landscape. Since 2007, a specialized Lexus LS 460 is used in a driving simulator at Toyota's Higashifuji Technical Center, in Shizuoka, Japan, for testing and development of automotive safety features. The vehicle is mounted inside a 4.5 m (15 ft) × 7.0 m (23.0 ft) high dome and surrounded by a 360°projector screen, along with a strut- and track-mounted driver occupant dome containing the forward cabin of an LS 460. Shown in 2009 at Tokyo's Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS-Safety) 2010 exhibition at the Miraikan museum, the LS 460 ITS-Safety concept included road-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-vehicle information-exchange technologies.UVF45/UVF46 (2007)
In early 2007, specialty department store Neiman Marcus offered 100 individually numbered LS 600h L "Launch Edition" sedans, available only through the Neiman Marcus catalog for InCircle members. These models came in a separate Truffle Mica color with Alabaster interior. For the 2007 Milan Design Week, an "Invisible Garden" exhibition at the city's Zona Tortona presented a frosted LS 600h hybrid model. First shown at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the LS 600h L "Pebble Beach Edition" was produced in partnership with the Pebble Beach Company, operator of the namesake golf courses and resorts. Limited to 50 units, these vehicles featured a two-tone interior with Pebble Beach badging and tags.
