LS460 THE LUXURIOUS FLAGSHIP

The new flagship of the luxury Lexus marque and the most highly specified luxury sedan ever built by Lexus, LS460 will go on sale in Australia in the first half of 2007.

Lexus has unveiled its luxurious LS460 at the Australian International Motor Show.

The new flagship of the luxury Lexus marque and the most highly specified luxury sedan ever built by Lexus, LS460 will go on sale in Australia in the first half of 2007.

LS460 will employ sophisticated electronically controlled air suspension linked with world-class vehicle safety controls including intuitive braking and the advanced Pre-Collision System.

LS460 is the fourth generation of the LS400 series and is a completely new vehicle. Lexus has undertaken a back-to-the-source evaluation of its exclusive manufacturing and engineering techniques and has designed LS460 to even higher standards than its predecessors. There are no carryovers in the major areas of chassis, suspension, engine or driveline.

The LS460 for Australia incorporates the world's first eight-speed automatic transmission.

"LS400 series has led Lexus since its inception," Lexus divisional manager Scott Grant said. "In 1989 it was the first Lexus launched in the world, and it was responsible for a comprehensive overhaul of the upper luxury market, especially amongst the long-standing European and American brands.

"Lexus is the most accomplished luxury start-up brand of recent times. "It competes strongly now in the most discerning automotive market of all."

Lexus Australia has delivered more than 3100 LS400 series of a total 34,000 vehicles sold in Australia. "The highest sales of LS400 series in any year have been just over 400, which is entirely consistent with demand for the vehicle's competitors," Mr Grant said.

"LS460 is not intended to be a high-volume vehicle. "Like the flagships of all luxury ranges it is an exclusive vehicle to be appreciated by a fortunate few. "Its influence throughout the Lexus range is undeniable and of benefit to all Lexus owners."

Lexus sells six models in Australia (made up of 13 variants). Lexus has built around 900,000 LS400 series vehicles since 1989, accounting for just under one-quarter of total Lexus sales which are now approaching four million worldwide.