Lexus announces 2009 LS 460/460 L AWD for U.S. market
08-28-08, 11:31 AM
#1
Lexus Champion
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Lexus announces 2009 LS 460/460 L AWD for U.S. market
http://pressroom.lexus.com/Releases/...T2008082879174
The worldwide premiere of the LS 460 AWD occurred this week, discussed here:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=374179
Lexus Offers All-Wheel Drive Performance on its LS 460 and LS 460 L Flagship Luxury Sedans
08/28/2008
August 28, 2008 - Torrance, CA - Lexus has announced the addition of all-wheel drive (AWD) versions of its flagship luxury sedan, the LS 460 and long-wheelbase LS 460 L. The 2009 model year expands Lexus' AWD lineup, making the LS 460 the fourth luxury sedan to offer AWD performance following the IS 250, GS 350 and LS 600h L.
The AWD versions of the LS 460 and LS 460 L will utilize a drivetrain almost identical to their hybrid counterpart, the LS 600h L. The AWD system features a highly compact center TORSEN® Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) that distributes drive torque between the front and rear wheels. In normal driving conditions, the front and rear torque distribution ratio is set at a rear-bias 40:60, but it can instantly and optimally vary between 30:70 and 50:50 depending on driving conditions, thus helping to ensure excellent traction performance and driving stability.
The AWD LS 460 and LS 460 L are powered by a 4.6-liter V8 mated to the world's first eight-speed automatic transmission, identical to their rear-wheel drive equivalent. The AWD versions will produce 357 horsepower and 344 lb.-ft of torque and can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in about 5.9 seconds.
In addition to the luxury, convenience and safety features found on the current LS 460, both AWD versions will come standard with air suspension, Variable Gear-Ratio Steering (VGRS), and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). The computer-controlled AVS system continuously adjusts shock-absorber damping rates to help provide comfort and handling precision. The VGRS system selects the steering gear ratio according to vehicle speed, enhancing responsiveness and driver control. VGRS also partners with the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, making minor steering adjustments to help improve control during challenging road conditions.
The AWD models will also come standard with 18-inch wheels with all-season tires, a wood and leather-trimmed heated steering wheel and power rear sunshade for added luxury.
The 2009 LS AWD models will be available in dealerships in October 2008.
08/28/2008
August 28, 2008 - Torrance, CA - Lexus has announced the addition of all-wheel drive (AWD) versions of its flagship luxury sedan, the LS 460 and long-wheelbase LS 460 L. The 2009 model year expands Lexus' AWD lineup, making the LS 460 the fourth luxury sedan to offer AWD performance following the IS 250, GS 350 and LS 600h L.
The AWD versions of the LS 460 and LS 460 L will utilize a drivetrain almost identical to their hybrid counterpart, the LS 600h L. The AWD system features a highly compact center TORSEN® Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) that distributes drive torque between the front and rear wheels. In normal driving conditions, the front and rear torque distribution ratio is set at a rear-bias 40:60, but it can instantly and optimally vary between 30:70 and 50:50 depending on driving conditions, thus helping to ensure excellent traction performance and driving stability.
The AWD LS 460 and LS 460 L are powered by a 4.6-liter V8 mated to the world's first eight-speed automatic transmission, identical to their rear-wheel drive equivalent. The AWD versions will produce 357 horsepower and 344 lb.-ft of torque and can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in about 5.9 seconds.
In addition to the luxury, convenience and safety features found on the current LS 460, both AWD versions will come standard with air suspension, Variable Gear-Ratio Steering (VGRS), and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). The computer-controlled AVS system continuously adjusts shock-absorber damping rates to help provide comfort and handling precision. The VGRS system selects the steering gear ratio according to vehicle speed, enhancing responsiveness and driver control. VGRS also partners with the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, making minor steering adjustments to help improve control during challenging road conditions.
The AWD models will also come standard with 18-inch wheels with all-season tires, a wood and leather-trimmed heated steering wheel and power rear sunshade for added luxury.
The 2009 LS AWD models will be available in dealerships in October 2008.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=374179
08-28-08, 11:56 AM
#6
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08-28-08, 12:03 PM
#7
AWD vehicles have historically cost more than the RWD counterparts with the same engine specification. There shouldn't be a reason why the LS460 can't follow this trend. I can't see why Lexus would downgrade on power. After all, this is a luxury class where money isn't an issue to most buyer. You dont save money by detuning an engine. We'll need to see if the engine has changed mechanically, or if Toyota reprogrammed the ECU for lower power spec.
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08-28-08, 12:32 PM
#9
Racer
Congrats on the AWD but how stupid on downgrading the hp. In this economy do you really think when someone is about to spend over 60k on a luxury vehicle they want a downgrade in hp.
08-28-08, 01:33 PM
#11
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Me=officially confused by Lexus HP rating system 
Well at least Lexus is listening to its core group. This is another shot at the Audi A8 which is only AWD and already sells poorly but surely sells better in the NE. Now Lexus will bite into those sales. I know the S-class has 4matic, I don't think the 7, XJ or Quattroporte does.
Not a big seller but should help keep LS sales going around 1500-1800 units or so.
Well at least Lexus is listening to its core group. This is another shot at the Audi A8 which is only AWD and already sells poorly but surely sells better in the NE. Now Lexus will bite into those sales. I know the S-class has 4matic, I don't think the 7, XJ or Quattroporte does.
Not a big seller but should help keep LS sales going around 1500-1800 units or so.
08-28-08, 02:07 PM
#12
They must've detuned due to engineering/reliability or fuel economy reasons. I don't see it as a big deal at all. If it has reasonable fuel economy I'd take that over an extra 23HP...
It should be good for sales where it snows.
I will be curious to see how it drives - hopefully less of a float boat than the RWD version...
It should be good for sales where it snows.
I will be curious to see how it drives - hopefully less of a float boat than the RWD version...
Last edited by marshmallo; 08-28-08 at 02:12 PM.
08-28-08, 02:15 PM
#13
Extra weight + extra drag + less power = ???
I'm not exactly sure how much fuel is being saved here. Then again, who knows what the power curve looks like. There is always an argument when it comes to power vs fuel economy. Some say detuning an engine will increase fuel economy, however; you also have an argument of having less power will decrease fuel economy because the car has 'work harder' just to pull the weights around. I wonder which argument this LS460 lies under.
I'm not exactly sure how much fuel is being saved here. Then again, who knows what the power curve looks like. There is always an argument when it comes to power vs fuel economy. Some say detuning an engine will increase fuel economy, however; you also have an argument of having less power will decrease fuel economy because the car has 'work harder' just to pull the weights around. I wonder which argument this LS460 lies under.
