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Competition in the upper reaches of the luxury sedan segment is boiling over. Brands that aren't fronting advanced technology, improved mileage, enhanced performance, or combinations of all of the above are relegated to the back burner. To avoid that fate, Lexus has introduced a surprise Sport model addition to its range of placid LS sedans. Not a whit of extra power has been added but the exterior, interior, and chassis upgrades in this $6200 package are thoughtfully executed, setting the stage for a full LS-F performance flagship to follow in due course. We hope.

Spiffed Exterior

All Lexus LS models - standard, long wheelbase, AWD, and the 600hL hybrid - benefit from a modest facelift in their fourth (third in the case of the hybrid), model year. The alterations list includes bumper fascias, all lamps, the grille, color palette, and wheels.

The Sport model gets its own dark, more aggressively textured grille, nifty 20-spoke 19-inch wheels, and a 360 degree body kit that lowers the car's visual center of gravity. Thankfully designers have resisted the urge to soil the exterior with sport badging and a rear spoiler.

The split-spoke forged aluminum wheels shod with summer 45-series radials are a convincing touch, especially with hairy Brembo brake calipers peeking through the front wheel spokes.

More Interesting Interior

All 460s benefit from new active front seat headrests, updated metal accents for the center stack, redesigned audio controls and display, and cashmere instead of parchment toned leather. In addition, an ECO lamp has been added

LexFather

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2010 Lexus LS460 with Sport Package - Quick Spin
Lexus adds some starch and spice to its sedan patriarch.

BY MIKE SUTTON
December 2009

Pages: 1 Photos

2010 Lexus LS460 with Sport Package



News & Reviews

* 2010 Lexus LS460 with Sport Package - Quick Spin
* 2010 Lexus LS460 / LS460L / LS600hL - Auto Shows

Top Competitors

* Audi A8
* BMW 7-series
* Jaguar XJ / XJL
* Maserati Quattroporte
* Mercedes-Benz S-class

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

BASE PRICE: $73,775

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 281 cu in, 4608cc
Power (SAE net): 380 bhp @ 6400 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 367 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic with manumatic shifting

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 116.9 in Length: 199.2 in
Width: 73.8 in Height: 58.1 in
Curb weight (C/D est): 4500 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 6.0 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.5 sec
Top speed (governor limited):130 mph

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 16/24 mpg

Shell


What Is It?

A more dynamic, driver-focused version of the Lexus LS sedan. Currently available only on short-wheelbase, rear-wheel-drive models, the Sport package adds functional upgrades such as the IS F’s quicker-shifting version of the standard LS's eight-speed automatic gearbox—which includes full manual control via paddle shifters or the console shifter, along with lock-up clutches for all gears except first—as well as larger Brembo brakes all around. The electric power-steering system has been tweaked for better turn-in response, while the adjustable, sport-tuned air suspension has firmer anti-roll bars and specific tuning for the dampers. Split 10-spoke, 19-inch wheels with all-season tires round out the performance improvements. Lower body extensions and a darkened honeycomb grille differentiate the exterior, while the interior is only offered in a two-tone, black/saddle configuration with unique matte-finished wood trim.

How Does It Drive?

Exactly like the normal LS460—quiet, isolated, and smooth—in Normal and Comfort modes, but with slightly sharper reflexes in the more aggressive Sport setting. Our brief drive around San Diego didn’t allow us to push the car much, but the new transmission is noticeably faster than the standard eight-speed automatic. Activating the Sport mode for the suspension also provides better body control without any sacrifice to ride quality. The brakes feel strong and linear, as well, but the steering remains a bit light and numb. No changes to the powertrain mean the 380-hp, 4.6-liter V-8 should get the car to 60 mph in about six seconds with little drama, with EPA fuel economy remaining at 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

How Does It Stack Up?

While not as comprehensive of an upgrade as on, say, an AMG Benz—it only has 380 hp, after all—the Sport package gives the LS a bit more personality, particularly the two-tone interior, as well as more willingness to heed the driver’s commands in the twisties. The overall ride is more composed and Germanic than before, but closer in feel to that of a standard Mercedes-Benz S-class, rather than one of its high-performance variants. Those wanting to get to executive meetings with greater speed will likely find the more powerful S-class or BMW 7-series a better fit.

What’s the Cost?

At $6185, the Sport package is a decent value, in that it adds a significant number of performance upgrades and aesthetic improvements, both of which are welcome on the mostly dowdy LS. Bundled with the no-cost navigation system and the Lexus Enform telematics service, along with the $2035 Comfort package—heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, soft-close doors, and a mostly useless park-assist system—the LS460 Sport starts at $73,775 and is on sale now. That’s more than $10K less than a BMW 750i with the M Sport option and nearly 25 grand less than a Mercedes S550 with its mostly aesthetic Sport package. If parent Toyota truly is serious about making its vehicles more fun to drive, as it has claimed, this is at least a step in the right direction.