2013 Lexus LS
New flagship builds on proven formula
By Shahzad Sheikh
Lexus has revealed the new LS for next year which draws heavily on the new ‘spindle grille’ face of the design language set by cars like the all-new GS and ES saloons. This appears to be an extensive facelift, rather than a completely new model – you can see the side profile is almost identical as is the top edge of the bootlid compared to the current car. However Lexus says there have been more than 3000 changes to the LS.
Admittedly the face, particularly in F-Sport guise (which will now be the range-topper sitting alongside LS460 and LS600h variants carried over), is distinctive and has a lot more style and aggression than the previous car and the rear is nicely finished too. There’s also massive changes inside, with a greatly updated dashboard.
The structure has been improved for greater rigidity for improved handling and ride and the Adaptive Variable Suspension has been revised with four-wheel interlock control that suppresses roll, pitch and heave vibration. The steering has been livened up, brakes and brake pedal feel have been worked on. There are five driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport S and Sport S+.
F-Sport gets the more aggressive front lower bumper and spoiler, a ride-height lowered by 10mm, Brembo brakes and paddle shift controls, plus the rear-drive supersaloon gets a Torsen limited slip differential and a sound-generator to enhance engine sound.
And yet Lexus insists it will continue to be one of the quietest cars on the road and even features the option of hollow chamber noise reduction wheels. There’s a new climate control system inside with 13 sensors around the cabin, and a world-first cabin illumination system, it is also claimed. There’s a large new 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen display to control the cars infotainment systems.
Plus internet connectivity and a 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system with Blu-Ray disc players for the rear passengers. To keep everyone safe there is crash safety systems to help you avoid running into things, plus lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitors.
We’ll bring you more details, specs and prices as we get them.
