I don’t know, but it’s going to be shifting a lot: Lexus LS460L Gets Eight Speeds
Lexus is determined to outdo its German rivals – that much became apparent at the world launch of the LS at the Detroit show, at which Lexus showed the long-wheelbase version of the car. The new vehicle gets a 4.6-liter V-8 with 380 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque, coupled to an eight-speed automatic. Zero to 60 times of 5.5 seconds are promised. Power is up 36 percent from the previous generation with equal or better fuel economy, Press said. “Yes, we’ve one-upped them,” U.S. sales chief Jim Press said during the unveiling. In a dig at rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Press also noted that the five-year-old copies of the LS are more reliable by Lexus’ measures than brand-new sedans from the competitors.
The new 203-inch long-wheelbase LS gets a raft of tech equipment that Lexus officials said they would delve into more deeply at March’s Geneva Motor Show. They include a 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system with an internal hard-drive server that can store 4000 songs, making an iPod seem hopelessly retro. There’s also a reclining rear-seat option with extendable ottomans a la Maybach, and a cooler and a separate DVD entertainment system. An intelligent park system will help drivers put their cars into tight spaces with only a little brake assist from the driver, Press added. The “ultimate Lexus,” Press promised, will be on display at the New York show in April. it will be powered by a hybrid powertrain.
the 3 series is still very much the best, with MB a close 2nd…If Audi could pull off a computer problem free A4 that I think would have a real shot. The 5 series however I think gives up the edge to MB E class and Acura RL.
