Lexus LS 460 2007 / Lexus LS 460 L 2007Fourth-Generation Lexus LS 460 Flagship Sedan Redefines Full-Size Luxury Segment
Lexus has revealed the all-new 2007 Lexus LS 460 and Lexus LS 460L, the company's first-ever long-wheelbase model. The fourth-generation LS blends new levels of performance, sophistication, contemporary styling, and luxury refinements while redefining the full-size luxury-sedan segment.
"The first LS that debuted in 1989 set new standards in luxury and refinement, and the new LS 460 continues that heritage," said Bob Carter, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. "This vehicle required novel approaches in craftsmanship, innovative styling and pioneering production processes in order to deliver unmatched refinement and elegance."
Distinctive Design Relationship
With the launch of the all-new LS, Lexus has adopted the new styling philosophy known as L-finesse across its entire sedan line-up. Fusing incisive simplicity and intriguing elegance, the design posture that began with the new GS luxury sport sedan has now sculpted the IS sport sedan, ES luxury sedan and the flagship LS.
With the all-new LS, Lexus elevated this philosophy. The exterior conveys greater prominence and strength, with a sense of quality and dignity befitting its position as Lexus' premier flagship model.
Styled at Toyota's Global Design center in Tokyo, 2007 Lexus LS uses complex lines and surfaces throughout the body. The vehicle not only portrays power but also an image of increasing speed. Minimal body gaps, a low front grille and deep drawn fenders all contribute to this look.
One of the defining elements of 2007 Lexus LS 460's appearance is the vehicle's headlamps. The LS engineers wanted the projector-type xenon front lights to have thick walled lenses with crystal-like properties. To better understand the properties of a "crystal" lens the Chief Engineer and his team made a headlamp lens out of crystal. Data was gathered on everything from transparency and the refractive index of light, to surface roughness. Based on the resulting data a new lens was molded and hand polished to reproduce the inherent look of crystal. In addition, the new headlamps reach 30-60 feet further than the lamps used on the previous generation Lexus LS.
An interior cabin focused on spaciousness was created for the new LS to delicately wrap around its occupants. This passenger-focused space has dual elements of stability and security in the lower half while keeping a sense of expansion and openness in the upper cabin. All passenger touchpoints were softened to create a relaxed atmosphere, with additional stitching for a richer look. Center console layout was designed to achieve perfect angles for elemental ease of operation from either the driver's or passenger's seat; it is arranged at the same height as the door armrests for a comfortable balance. Additional standard wood and chrome trim has been adopted as well as refinements to the interior lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere.
To compliment the interior and exterior styling, special attention was given to the paint. To prepare the exterior body surface for paint, buffing robots are used. In the past, the robots moved only in two directions, up and down. For Lexus LS, six-axis buffing robots with three-dimensional movements were built so that curved surfaces and ends can be polished as well. Six months were spent in developing the robots' control logic to achieve the right amount of buffing force and oscillation.
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