2007 Lexus LS Preview

(Photo: Lexus)

It seems as though every luxury automaker wants to blow away the competition with each of its new-generation models. Guess what? Toyota's premium division has done exactly that with the upcoming 4th generation of the Lexus LS flagship sedan, which sports the new L-Finesse design vocabulary.

What makes it so special? Well, first of all, the new high-output 4.6-liter V8 engine with direct injection of what will be called the LS 460 is coupled with the world's first 8-speed automatic transmission. Take that, Mercedes! Using variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-iE), the engine sends an amazing 380 horsepower and 367 foot-pounds of torque to the rear wheels. The car also benefits from a redesigned multilink suspension and a new generation of Lexus' Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system.

But that's far from the whole picture. The company has also unveiled a stretched version that's 4.8 inches longer in wheelbase than the regular full-size sedan. The LS 460 L will take luxury, comfort and convenience to new heights. An executive four-passenger seat package with rear-seat DVD entertainment and massager will be available.

(Photo: Lexus)

Surely, there is no topping that, you say. Guess again. In an attempt to shatter every single performance and fuel economy standard on the planet, Lexus will introduce a hybrid model called the LS 600h L. Combining a 5.0-liter direct injection V8 engine with a pair of high-power electric motors and a new two-stage continuously variable transmission, the car will generate up to 430 horsepower. Fuel economy has not yet been disclosed but is said to be similar to that of mid-sized V6 AWD sedans. Its Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) rating means the emissions levels are approximately 70 percent lower than those of the competition.

Pricing for all LSs will be announced closer to their arrival in dealerships.