Once the body has been smoothed, the painting process begins. During the application of alternating layers of paint and coatings, each Lexus LS 460 will be hand-sanded twice. This smoothes and refines the painted surfaces and enhances the deep, mirror-like quality of the finish.

A revolutionary production process was created, enhancing what was already widely recognized as the industry's finest, in order to build a vehicle that would redefine craftsmanship. The new Lexus LS 460 and Lexus LS 460 L are the product of an all-new build process developed specifically for the LS line at the award-winning Tahara, Japan plant.

Extraordinary new levels of fit, finish, accuracy and refinement were created by combining the skill and knowledge with advanced technology. The all-new Lexus LS 460 sedans showcase the Lexus belief that every element and phase of production is vital to the artistic evolution of an automobile.


World's First Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission; New High Output V8

In order to achieve the combination of acceleration performance and excellent fuel consumption, an all-new 4.6-liter V8 engine mated to the world's first eight-speed automatic transmission will power new Lexus LS 460. Producing 380 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque, the innovative V8 - Lexus' first all-new V8 engine since the brand's launch - features the world's first electric-motor driven Variable Valve Timing with intelligence and Electronically controlled intake cam (VVT-iE). The dual VVT-i combination of electrically controlled intake and hydraulically controlled exhaust achieves superior engine-startup operation and high-output performance.

A dual fuel-injection system, with both port and direct injection, sends an optimal air-fuel mixture to the combustion chamber, increasing efficiency. The dual-pipe intake system and an Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) ensure the proper amount of intake airflow to support increased engine power, with no variation among the cylinders. Maximized engine performance and efficiency also demanded a reduction in exhaust interference. This is achieved via a semi-dual exhaust manifold that carries the exhaust gas in a smoother, more economical fashion.

The new 4.6-liter V8 achieves new levels of rotational balance and reduced friction. A mirror-like finish is polished on specific areas of the crankshaft to minimize the friction generated between the pistons and the crankshaft. In the final assembly stage, a motor cranks the engine to check for any vibration; after assembly, an accelerometer is mounted to the front and rear of the crankshaft to measure any rotational difference. The adoption of direct-injection noise reduction via urethane insulators, with a master technician implementing a final vibration and sound check on each engine in the final phase, has created superior levels of NVH reduction.

In order to fully utilize the engine performance while achieving the smooth acceleration worthy of Lexus' flagship luxury sedan, the world's first eight-speed automatic transmission was created for the new LS. This allows gear ratios that generate torque up to the tire-grip limitations on the low end yet maintain quietness and fuel economy on the high end. A new transmission-control system was developed in order to simultaneously release and connect the clutches involved when up shifting and negate gearshift shock.

Lexus LS 460 will travel from 0-to-60 miles per hour in approximately 5.4 seconds. With that level of performance, the new LS is estimated at 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway by the EPA testing method. Lexus is targeting an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) rating for the LS.


Confident Driving Performance; Superior Ride Comfort

The new Lexus LS 460 achieves a superior level of ride comfort independent of the harshness of the road conditions, and a confident drive performance with new innovations in body structure, steering and suspension.

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