8-cogs leverage the V8’s output
The 357 horsepower 4.6-litre DOHC V8 powerhouse that thrusts life into LS 460 also produces 344 pound-feet of torque @ 4,100 rpm. While those ratings are impressive, they’re not as brutish as the ratings achieved by some competitors in this prestige segment. But wait…
The eight-speed autobox takes what the ultra-smooth 4.6-litre mill has to offer and leverages it with a few additional cogs, the outcome of which is stronger performance and allegedly, better fuel economy. The extra gears enable the engine to operate more efficiently in all power-demand scenarios.
Behind the wheel
Performance purists still consider luxury vehicles such as the LS 460 to be land-locked yachts but to their surprise much has changed since the days when handling dynamics were sacrificed at the stake in favour of exquisite ride comfort.
No, the current LS 460 isn’t a lithe performance sedan by any stretch, nonetheless most drivers will find little to lament provided their expectations are compatible with the vehicle’s intended purpose; this is a car designed to mollycoddle and soothe not excite and invigorate.
Despite its predilection toward tranquilized motoring, the optional AWD function aids immensely in launching the LS 460 out of corners with noteworthy composure and control irrespective of wet or dry pavement.
Including all four wheels in the act of propulsion lends a degree of stability to this car that’s unexpected when contrasted against the luscious ride quality it serves-up. And Lexus enables further driver-controlled contouring of the ride vs. handling equation.
A small three-position rocker switch on the fabulous wood trimmed centre console allows the selection of ‘sport,’ ‘comfort,’ or vehicle-managed suspension calibration.
Engaging the ‘sport’ mode noticeably stiffens the big sedan’s legs while nearly eliminating body roll during aggressive cornering but as expected, deterioration in ride comfort accompanies the newfound athleticism. That said, I favoured the ‘comfort’ setting.
The 357 horsepower 4.6-litre DOHC V8 powerhouse that thrusts life into LS 460 also produces 344 pound-feet of torque @ 4,100 rpm. While those ratings are impressive, they’re not as brutish as the ratings achieved by some competitors in this prestige segment. But wait…
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| The 357 horsepower 4.6-litre DOHC V8 powerhouse that thrusts life into LS 460 also produces 344 pound-feet of torque @ 4,100 rpm. |
The eight-speed autobox takes what the ultra-smooth 4.6-litre mill has to offer and leverages it with a few additional cogs, the outcome of which is stronger performance and allegedly, better fuel economy. The extra gears enable the engine to operate more efficiently in all power-demand scenarios.
Behind the wheel
Performance purists still consider luxury vehicles such as the LS 460 to be land-locked yachts but to their surprise much has changed since the days when handling dynamics were sacrificed at the stake in favour of exquisite ride comfort.
No, the current LS 460 isn’t a lithe performance sedan by any stretch, nonetheless most drivers will find little to lament provided their expectations are compatible with the vehicle’s intended purpose; this is a car designed to mollycoddle and soothe not excite and invigorate.
Despite its predilection toward tranquilized motoring, the optional AWD function aids immensely in launching the LS 460 out of corners with noteworthy composure and control irrespective of wet or dry pavement.
Including all four wheels in the act of propulsion lends a degree of stability to this car that’s unexpected when contrasted against the luscious ride quality it serves-up. And Lexus enables further driver-controlled contouring of the ride vs. handling equation.
A small three-position rocker switch on the fabulous wood trimmed centre console allows the selection of ‘sport,’ ‘comfort,’ or vehicle-managed suspension calibration.
Engaging the ‘sport’ mode noticeably stiffens the big sedan’s legs while nearly eliminating body roll during aggressive cornering but as expected, deterioration in ride comfort accompanies the newfound athleticism. That said, I favoured the ‘comfort’ setting.
 |
| The current LS 460 isn’t a lithe performance sedan by any stretch. |