Job Design, a Japan tuning firm specializing in Lexus & Toyota modifications, has released a new body kit for the Lexus LS, consisting of front wheel vents, a super-dropped suspension and new front & rear bumpers:

I think it’s only natural, in light of the LS’ rather somber and elegant design, that body kit manufacturers would feel the need to gussy it up, but surely there’s a better option than making it look like a mix between VIP & Buick.

[Via: Kultivate’s Weblog]

Autoweek has turned in their long term report on the Lexus LS 460L, and the result was just what you’d expect, they didn’t like the prospect of returning the keys whatsoever:

…when it comes to extended, over-the-road, full-zoot, family-vacation luxury, our long-term Lexus LS 460 L can’t get enough.

Or it couldn’t. We turned in the keys in December, and the bigger bummer is that we’ve yet to figure out what can equal its long-haul abilities.

What makes the Lexus perfect for road trips are its ultrasealed cabin and a ride as plush as that of an old-school Caddy. That is to say, it couldn’t be smoother or quieter.

“The LS is a terrific cruiser, but a great driver? Not so much,” said one editor. “It loves the open highway, and it gobbles up miles faster than my kid eats Skittles. On a long road trip, you really appreciate a quiet ride, and few cars are quieter than this big Lexus. And the sound system rocks; with all the choices of XM at your fingertips, finding something to listen to is easy. For this trip, I used the navigation system, and XM traffic alerted me to a couple of construction tie-ups. Very nice.”

There were some minor issues experienced, including an accidental triggering of the pre-collision system (which resulted in an unimpressed editor) and an issue with the automatic trunk release, but all in all, it looked to be a very positive experience with the LS 460L.

I have yet to play the Test Drive Unlimited video game, but my interest just went up ten-fold after discovering that the Lexus LS 460L is an available car. This video clip from the game is pretty funny, it even includes a fully-virtual Lexus dealership showroom:

I don’t understand the inclusion of a flagship full-size luxury sedan in a racing game, but the fact that it’s the long-wheelbase version makes it twice as bizarre.

Right from the start, there was something off about Autoblog’s review of the Lexus LS 460L:

It’s tough to pity Lexus LS owners. After all, Executive-Class luxury sedans don’t exactly suck. We wouldn’t blame LS drivers for feeling pangs of over-inconspicuousness whenever they see a Camry, though. Understated luxury is one thing, but when you’re devoting something like two years of the average worker bee’s salary to a frivolity such as a luxury sedan, it’d be nice to have at least some indication to the Serfs that you’re the better man.

I can understand that the subtle and understated look of the LS 460L is unappealing to some, sure. But from that point onwards, it became quite clear there was a distinct break between the reviewer’s preferences and what the car was intended for. You wouldn’t, for instance, expect that “hooning” would be anywhere near the priority list when designing a long-wheelbase executive-class flagship sedan.

The bulk of the review is a very valid critique, but ultimately, it feels like a mismatch.

The Lane Keep Assist feature, which effectively locks you into a highway lane, may only available on the European & Asian Lexus LS, but it’s incredibly effective, at least in the context of this video:

I’m of two minds with this feature. You can never discount added safety, but the movement towards automated driving makes me nervous. At least it doesn’t work if you remove your hands from the steering wheel.

Lexus has set the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for an assortment of models, including the 2009 RX 350, which will skip up $100, bringing the front-wheel-drive version to $37,500 and the all-wheel-drive version to $38,900. The 2009 RX 350 is expected in dealerships by early February 2008.

Other models see a price bump as well:

• The LS 460 will jump up $500 to $62,000, and the LS 460L will start at $72,000
• The ES 350 increases by 0.3%, or $100, to $33,820
• The entire IS range will see $100 increase on all the various versions
• The RX 450h also sees a $100 increase.

In general, the price increases are rather insignificant, considering, with the exception of the LS. The more significant news is that the 2009 RX 350 price has already been set, which makes me think that the redesigned model (based on the LF-Xh concept) will be released in 2010.

[Source: The Earth Times]

No doubt it’s a little old, but this video from CNet detailing the technology in the LS 460 is quite entertaining:

Being such a fan of the LS 460, I didn’t even get bored during the inevitable parking assist demonstration.

Not exactly sure how it happened, but for the 15th Annual L’Automobile più Bella del Mondo (Most Beautiful Cars in the World) Awards, Lexus managed to snag first and second place in the Limousine (Large Sedan) category, with the LS 600h taking top spot and the LS 460 taking second.

I’m surprised they didn’t just judge the cars as a single entity. The differences between the LS 600h & 460 are technical for the most part, and as far as I can tell, the awards are based strictly on looks. Still, a dominant performance by the LS all round.

[Via: Autoblog]

This past summer, Lexus staged two unique concerts in Britain using twelve LS 460s in place of an orchestra. These cars, with no modification or amplification, performed two pieces originally recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra, which you can now listen to at a Lexus site dedicated to it.

I really enjoyed the site, there’s a behind-the-scenes section with a half-hour documentary on the recording and development of the event, which is a very interesting watch. Also included are Video and MP3s of the original recordings. Top Notch.

While I’m certainly no expert about what it’s like to be wealthy in the Middle East, this Lexus commercial really captured my imagination — beautiful homes, giant yachts, private jets and LS 460s all round:

As strange as it is to say, they picked a great actor for this ad, who carries it with his authenticity. Fantastic job.