The Japanese luxury automaker Lexus has revealed the other day the facelift for the flagship LS model. For the 2013 model year, the LS is offered in four variants: LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600hL and LS 460 F SPORT. The first two will be available in both rear-wheel drive and AWD configurations, while the hybrid is offered exclusively with an AWD setup. This facelift is based on the fourth generation of the LS that came out back in 2006. The unveiling of the car took place in San Francisco during a special event organized by Toyota’s luxury division. Lexus said that the price list for the 2013 LS lineup along with details concerning availability will be revealed later on this year closer to the car’s launch.
The exterior changes follow the trend introduced by Lexus with the updated RX and GS, providing a crispier front fascia by installing a spindle grille and redesigning the bumper, headlights and the hood. The back of the car now features darkened tail lamps that have a chrome strip divider, a new look for the bumper and also a modified boot.
As for the F SPORT model, this adopts a more muscular appearance by using a body kit that has a different bumper in the front which can accommodate bigger side air vents. Also new is the front grille that has a zig-zag mesh pattern, while the side skirts are also more masculine. The suspension has been lowered, while a diffuser sits between the tailpipes.
Customers can choose from one of the two engines available, just as before. There’s a V8 4.6-liter engine mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox that pumps out 386 hp and 367 lb.-ft. in the RWD model, while in the AWD version this engine produces 360 hp and 347 lb.-ft. The rear-wheel drive model needs 5.4 seconds to do the 0-62 mph sprint, while the all-wheel drive will do it in 5.9 seconds. Lexus says that the RWD can return an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the combined cycle, compared to the 16 / 23 / 18 mpg of its AWD sibling.
As for the hybrid version, this comes with a V8 5.0-liter engine which is paired to two electric motors for a total power output of 438 hp. The 0-62 mph sprint is done in 5.5 seconds, en route to an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. The LS600hL can return 19 / 23 / 30 mpg.
Source: Lexus
