The Moscow Auto Show seems like the perfect place for Lexus to unveil the all-wheel-drive version of its LS460. Russians have a torrid love affair with rolling living rooms, evidenced by the 7-series and S-class-lined streets of Moscow’s high-end shopping districts. Add AWD to the equation and the LS460 makes a strong case against the Germans.

As previously reported, the Lexus LS460 AWD is fitted with the same four-wheel-drive system and eight-speed auto ‘box as the LS600h, and comes equipped with a Torsen rear LSD and 381 hp, 4.6-liter V8 as the standard model. Torque split is set to 40/60 in normal driving conditions, but if you need to make a dramatic getaway on the mean streets of Moscow, 70-percent of the power can be sent to the rear-wheels.

[Source:Autoblog]

The Moscow International Auto Show is shaping up to be a serious event. Audi is showing off the RS6 sedan, Mazda is bringing a new crossover concept, Mitsubishi will debut the redesigned Pajero Sport and plan on plenty of Lada love to spread around. Lexus is joining the ranks of other top-tier automakers showing their wares in Moscow with the unveiling of an all-wheel-drive version of its LS460 flagship.

The AWD system fitted to the LS460 is the same found on the LS600h, and includes a Torsen LSD integrated into the rear drive shaft that receives power from the 381 hp, 4.6-liter V8 via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. In normal driving conditions, torque is split 40/60 front-to-rear, with as much as 70 percent of the power being shoveled to the rear wheels depending on conditions.

Russia’s affection for stately sedans is one of the reasons that BMW decided to launch the redesigned 7-series in the planet’s largest country, and Lexus is obviously trying to tap into one of the world’s fastest growing automotive markets with the introduction of the LS460 AWD.

[Source:Autoblog]

In trying to establish a Japanese-market foothold for Lexus, Toyota has seemingly fallen prey to the same tactic that made the Cadillac Cimmaron such a maroon. When trying to launch a brand, especially an upscale brand, it’s not advisable to rebadge existing models and crank up the price. It doesn’t seem to matter how good the car is, or how swanky the new $10-million-a-pop showroom is, once an Altezza, always an Altezza, and paying 20 percent more for the same car with a different logo is rightfully galling.

Japanese luxury car buyers also have quite a taste for European iron, specifically German cars from the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes. Enthusiasts in Toyota’s own backyard echo the universal car-guy complaint that Lexus vehicles lack personality. There’s no denying that Lexus cars are well-made and capable, and the IS-F may finally infuse the brand with enough attitude to woo buyers of storied marques. Currently, most Lexus buyers in Japan are stepping up from Toyota ownership. Less than 5 percent of sales are conquests, and actual sales have lagged behind projections. Lexus offerings have been expanded from the initial IS, GS, and SC models to include the LS, and the RX will be coming in 2009. While it may appear less than successful so far, Toyota can afford to be patient. American buyers have fully embraced Toyota and Lexus nameplates to the point where they’re both smashing successes. In another two to three years, we’re betting Lexus will have a cheery song to sing in Japan.

[Source: AutoBlog]

So we recently got some seat time in the Lexus IS F, and we can proudly report that it’s not anything Lexus has ever been before. Does it really compare to the M3 and C63 AMG? In a little-kid-from-down-the-street-trying-to-get-in-the-game way, yeah. But that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be in the game.

[Source: AutoBlog]

Lexus’ L-finesse design language was meant to stand for “Seamless Anticipation,” “Intriguing Elegance,” and “Incisive Simplicity.” If we put aside the marketing speak for a moment, the point of L-f was to give Lexus design a greater emotional connection with consumers. While it certainly didn’t stop Lexus from selling more cars, we have a feeling that the increased number of wavy lines simply didn’t resonate with the public quite like it was meant to.

Now Lexus is looking for a successor to L-finesse. Emotional connection from a purely design standpoint — not “I just love my Toyota!” — has been a weak point for Japanese cars in this country. Even the GT-R, the LF-A and the last Supra, technological tour-de-forces that they are (or were or will be), and for as much emotion as they inspire, are not pretty cars. The LS is a good looking car, but we wouldn’t call it inspiring. Yet Lexus has a pretty good grasp on what its customers are looking for, so while we can’t imagine that whatever’s coming is going to be outrageous, we can hope that it will be a little less birds and clouds and a little more visceral.

[Source: AutoBlog]

Lexus announced today that its super sedan, the IS F, will hit the market with a base price of $56,000. In exchange for your money, Lexus will give you an IS sedan stuffed with a 5.0L V8 producing 416 horsepower and 371 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,200 rpm, with which you could reach 60 mph in 4.6 seconds if so inclined. Attached to the muscle car-like motor is an 8-speed automatic with lighting quick 0.1 second shifts, and Lexus has fortified the car with a suspension tuned in Germany on the Nurburgring and Japan on Fuji Speedway. There’s also bigger brakes, larger wheels and boy-racer bodywork that has yet to grow on us.

It would seem that the MSRP of the Lexus IS-F, while high by any Average Joe’s standards, compares favorably with at least the Audi RS4. We’ll have to wait on pricing for the rest of these next-gen super sedans before we can tell you which one’s the best value. The IS F’s engine, meanwhile, falls short of only the indomitable AMG 6.3L V8 and a detuned version of the Corvette ZR-1 engine, and there’s no shame in that.

[Source: AutoBlog]

Lexus has added its bigger, more powerful 5.7L truck engine to its premium SUV, and as a result, the new LX 570 has a bigger price to go along with it. The upscale ‘ute’s base sticker grows by a knee-wobbling $6,405, starting at a rather monumental $73,800. For those scoring at home, that’s about $18,000 more than the Cadillac Escalade, and within $3,000 of the top-end Mercedes GL550. While the LX 570 surpasses the outgoing LX 470 in both power and luxury, a $73,800 price tag is a substantial pill to swallow, even in this admittedly pricey segment.

[Source: AutoBlog]