German Car Zone

This item was just released by the Car Connection. It previews the new Lexus LS460 which will be shown at the Detroit show.


"Lexus LS460L Gets Eight Speeds

Lexus is determined to outdo its German rivals--that much became apparent at the world launch of the LS at the Detroit show, at which Lexus showed the long-wheelbase version of the car. The new vehicle gets a 4.6-liter V-8 with 380 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque, coupled to an eight-speed automatic. Zero to 60 times of 5.5 seconds are promised. Power is up 36 percent from the previous generation with equal or better fuel economy, Press said. "Yes, we've one-upped them," U.S. sales chief Jim Press said during the unveiling. In a dig at rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Press also noted that the five-year-old copies of the LS are more reliable by Lexus' measures than brand-new sedans from the competitors.

The new LS gets a raft of tech equipment that Lexus officials said they would delve into more deeply at March's Geneva Motor Show. They include a 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system with an internal hard-drive server that can store 4000 songs, making an iPod seem hopelessly retro. The 203-inch-wheelbase car will be offered with a reclining rear-seat option with extendable ottomans a la Maybach, and a cooler and a separate DVD entertainment system. An intelligent park system will help drivers put their cars into tight spaces with only a little brake assist from the driver, Press added. The long car is joined by a short-wheelbase version also on display. The "ultimate Lexus," Press promised, will be on display at the New York show in April. it will be powered by a hybrid version"

jmm it looks like a large tank.. im not liking it to much

LS sells more than S-class or 7er in US.
Now they will even extend the margin.

Globally? Probably not. They have Audi A8 first to catch.

Overall nice car, nice lines. But: if you look closely at hi-res pics you can see they copied sherk fin antenna design and also CELIS LED rear position lights from BMW.

I think all the new lexus vehicles are ugly...only noce looking lexus in my opinion is the good old LX 470

In the U.S. it might be popular, I don't see much chance of it distrupting the status quo in Europe. Lexus has impressive and very reliable technology, but as long as the cars look like that they'll remain rare on this side of the pond.
Or who knows, I actually spotted my first new GS here some time ago (only a couple of weeks after the car's launch here), didn't expect it to happen so soon, it usually takes more than a year.

LOL IMO it looks too toyota-ish. It's definetly not a threat.

Lexus are alwyas a threat.

eight-speed automatic.

W/ out question I'd rather have an S or a 7, but this car most definately poses a threat to the competition, mainly in part to Lexus already well established reputatio n and the fact that this car has the worlds first eight speed auto, which may not be much to us, but in terms of the competition means the world.

eight-speed automatic doesn't impress me. I have 18 gears SMG tranny on my bike.

Yes they are especially in the US.