Lexus updates flagship LS sedan for 2010; prices begin at $64,680

Special to the Star-Telegram

Lexus has made some styling changes and added new technological features to its flagship LS 460 sedan for 2010 – and has added the first optional Sport package.

To some, that might seem a bit out of character, as Lexus in general, and the LS in particular, have never really been associated with the concept of sport driving.

To that end, Toyota’s luxury brand says the new LS 460 Sport Package for 2010 brings "performance tuning" to this comfortable large sedan.

While the LS continues to be offered in two lengths – the basic LS 460 and the extended LS 460L with a cavernous back seat – the Sport package is offered only on the shorter version.

The LS also is available with either a rear- or all-wheel-drive configuration, but the Sport Package will be an option only on the rear-drive model.

Base prices for 2010 are $64,680 (plus $875 freight) for the LS 460 rear-drive model and $68,205 for the all-wheel drive; LS 460L models begin at $70,225 with rear drive, and $73,750 with all-wheel drive.

No price has been posted yet for the Sport Package, but it includes a special perforated black/saddle leather interior with sport front seats, along with a leather-trimmed steering wheel and paddle shifters for the eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The performance upgrades include sport-tuned air suspension, stabilizer bars and special shock absorbers, along with Brembo brakes and an aero kit that tacks on a front lower spoiler, side rocker panels and a rear lower spoiler.

There also is a special grille, along with 19-inch, 10-spoke forged-aluminum wheels.

No modifications are offered for the powertrain, though, and no manual gearbox is available.

The engine remains the same 4.6-liter V-8 used in the regular models, coupled with the eight-speed automatic. A manual gearbox might be a good way to help attract enthusiasts to the LS, though.

This engine is rated at 380 horsepower and 367 foot-pounds of torque, which allows the car to accelerate from zero-60 mph in 5.4 seconds (5.9 seconds with all-wheel drive). That’s not too shabby for a car this big and heavy.

It features "the world’s first electric motor-driven variable valve timing with intelligence and electronically controlled intake cam," Lexus says, adding, "The electrically controlled intake achieves superior engine-startup operation and high-output performance."

The engine also has a dual fuel-injection system, which combines port and direct injection, Lexus says.

EPA ratings are 16 mpg city/24 highway with rear-wheel drive, and 16/23 with all-wheel drive. The engine meets Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle II certification, and an "ECO drive" indicator helps the driver to maximize fuel economy.

Lexus says the all-wheel-drive models have a powertrain "almost identical to their hybrid counterpart, the LS 600h L."

The system includes a compact center Torsen limited-slip differential designed to vary the power allocated between the front and rear wheels, depending on driving conditions.

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