I6turbo

iTrader: (1)

I'll try to keep it fairly short...

-- Rides very good, not too unlike LS430 Sport

-- I don't think it's any quieter than the LS430

-- Wind noise seemed to be more than in my LS430 ???

-- Seat feel is somewhere between the new GS430 and the 3rd gen LS -- very nice -- a slight improvement over the 3rd gen I think, but I'd need more time to know for sure and just how much of an improvement

-- Overall interior feel of the car is great

-- Sound system is improved vs. the ML system in the 430 -- not TOO noticeable on FM and run-of-the-mill CDs, but stick in a well-mastered disc, such as a good DVD and it's pretty awesome. The demo DVD clip from Master and Commander is literally chilling (the scene where the Captain sees the enemy ship's cannon flash in the fog, and a couple seconds later the cannonballs rip through his ship).

-- Steering feel is improved vs the LS430. I'm not sure if I prefer the stock LS460L or my LS430 with Tein CS and performance tires.... I suppose the 460 is in a way better because it doesn't seem to have as much power assist as the 430, but then my 430 provides more feedback and feel... I'd like to drive the 19" wheel version of the LS460 to see if it's any better.

-- The 460 didn't feel any quicker than a LS430 with the 6-speed tranny. I didn't completely romp on it, but in spirited driving, it felt pretty much the same as the '04+ 430. I didn't really notice the 8-speed tranny, which I suppose is Lexus' intent...

-- The dash looks great -- 3-D effect to the central instruments, good-looking nav screen, etc.

-- I tried out the parking assist -- parked exactly the same scenairo as the Motor Trend clowns did in their video. It worked perfectly. That being said, I think that feature is a PR gimmick with very little utility to people who are worthy of their driver's license. I can't imagine that I'd EVER use it other than just goofing around.

-- My bottom line impression is that the car is an evolution of the LS, not a revolution. I might own one someday, but it definitely doesn't make me want to run out and pay the difference to trade right now. I guess the biggest downside for me is the "generic" look of the exterior -- I was hoping that Toyota would step their game up a little in that area, but instead I think they took the safe approach (and you can't second-guess that decision as they have proven that they know how to sell cars in the US). I look forward to seeing some 460s with well-chosen aftermarket wheels and a little working-over (I think the 430 needs this as well). Looks-wise, that might change the game for me. VERY nice luxury car, though.

jeffofla

I drove one Saturday and felt that the response on the throttle was delayed, much like my 2002 ES. My 2007 ES has no such delay. Once the LS 460 got going though, it was all about power. But I want that instant response that I have with my 2007 ES.

Has anyone else noticed this?

encore888

I think evolution of the LS is the name of the game...they got it right the first time, and each time after that has been an improvement without radical differences...although the 430 made significant changes and new packaging that added distinct classes within the LS series, and now the 460 comes along with new wheelbases, etc.

Probably it will be another generation or later that would see something more radical, as they seem very methodical about this.

I6turbo

iTrader: (1)

Hmmm... I didn't notice that on the one I drove. Have you driven an LS430? If so, was it the same? It might just be the way the throttles are programmed on the LS cars to tip in kinda slowly and as a result you have to give it a little more spur if you want to move out quickly.