It was a busy NAIAS 2017 for Lexus in Detroit. In addition to showing off the market version of their latest halo car, the Japanese automaker introduced the latest version of its top sedan, the 2018 LS.
Fresh off the news that the gorgeous LC 500 would start under $100,000, Lexus announced the latest LS will offer a brand new twin-turbo V6 producing 415 horsepower. The latest in Lexus luxury rides now features more aggressive styling to keep it in tune with the rest of the company’s model line.
Also: NAIAS 2017 | Lexus Releases Final Details, Pricing for Elite LC 500
Going on sale in the U.S. near the end of 2017, the LS is built on a new, lower and wider platform (brought over from that LC 500) for better agility and comfort in an attempt to make this LS grand-tourer more sporty. Its V6 engine is wed to a 10-speed automatic transmission — a pairing developed via Lexus’ racing research. Drivers can further upgrade the handling using active stabilizer bars and the Lexus Dynamic Handling System with independent front and rear steering.
While all the talk of performance is key to the sedan’s 2018 evolution, it couldn’t be a luxury car without plenty of time devoted to the interior and comfort. The LS uses new seating designs with available 28-way power front seats offering heating, cooling and massage. Extensive wood trim wraps around those seats in the tradition of Japanese Shimamoku wood patterns (according to Lexus).
The LS will feature the Lexus Safety System, while offering the Advanced Safety Package in some trim levels with Intuitive Pedestrian Detection with Active Steering within lanes.
