(July 31, 2012) Lexus has revealed its new 2013 LS model range, comprising the LS 460, LS 600h hybrid and, for the first time in its history, an F Sport version of its flagship model.

The new LS, now in its fifth generation, continues Lexus’s development of its model line-up, following on from the recent introduction of the new GS. It displays an even greater refinement and an evolution of the advanced technologies and superior quality that have been integral to each generation of the vehicle since the original model was launched in 1989.



The most obvious changes are to the exterior styling, where the new LS adopts the distinctive Lexus spindle front grille design, but the development of the model goes deeper to include improved driving dynamics, better sound insulation and more sophisticated and effective preventive safety systems.

In all more than 3,000 changes have been made to the current LS, including three world-firsts and 15 “Lexus-first” features and technologies. Lexus says it has not been a case of change for change’s sake either: Lexus has responded to customer feedback throughout every aspect of the car’s development. "The aim has been to raise the bar even higher in terms of refinement, comfort, driving performance, technical excellence and, above all, quality," Lexus says.

The engines and transmissions will be carried over from the 2012 models.

LS460 models continue to utilize a DOHC, 32-valve 4.6-liter V-8, though it gains a little extra power for the 2013 model year. In rear-wheel-drive applications, the engine cranks out 386 horsepower at 6400 rpm (a six-horsepower rise over last year's car), though its torque rating remains unchanged at 367 lb-ft at 4100 rpm. In all-wheel-drive LS models, engine output rises from 357 horsepower to 360, while torque inches up from 344 lb-ft to 347. Regardless of the driveline configuration, all LS460 models continue to use an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The driveline used in the all-wheel-drive hybrid LS600h L is carried over unchanged. A 5.0-liter DOHC V-8 is coupled with a pair of electric motors, which are powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. Though the system is capable of propelling the car at low speeds on electricity alone, the motors and V-8 can pair together to create a net output of 438 hp, which helps the large LS to sprint from 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds.

The LS’s exterior has undergone a comprehensive redesign. Reflecting the direction next-generation Lexus models will take, it adopts the distinctive spindle front grille arrangement that has become a feature of all new models since the introduction of the CT 200h last year.

The sharper, distinctive front-end treatment further serves to broadcast the significant advances made in the new LS’s driving dynamics.

In a first for Lexus, all lights — headlights, rear lamps and fog lights — are available with LED technology. The new shape vertical fog lights include new L-shaped, seamless light tube daytime running lights.

Lexus’s work to enhance the dynamic performance of the new LS extends right back to the production line and the introduction of advanced technologies that have increased the car’s body rigidity, including the use of laser screw welding and adhesive body bonding techniques. The result is a more comfortable ride, but with no loss of handling agility.

It has also developed the LS’s Adaptive Variable Suspension with a new four-wheel interlock control, which suppresses roll, pitch and heave vibration at all four wheels simultaneously. Damping response has been made smoother and more highly controlled to give a flatter, road-hugging ride.

Lexus says that revisions to the steering deliver noticeable improvements in accuracy and turn-in response, and the braking system has been adjusted to give more immediate power and better pedal feel. Even the length of stroke, angle and contact surface of the brake pedal has been tweaked to make braking more responsive and comfortable.

The new F Sport grade combines more sporting exterior and interior design elements with genuine dynamic enhancements, including lowering of the ride height by 10mm, Brembo 6-piston caliper front brakes and paddle shift controls.

The F Sport model further benefits from the addition of a Torsen limited slip differential and paddle shift controls that incorporate automatic throttle blipping on downshifts.