New luxury Lexus LS460 goes on sale

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Lexus is looking to reinforce its image as a supplier of opulent vehicles with the release of the new LS460 luxury car.

In addition to all the trappings you'd expect on a high-end car, this fourth-generation LS boasts safety systems designed to help prevent accidents and protect passengers.

Pre-crash systems adjust seatbelts, headrests, brakes and the suspension in the moments before an accident to minimise passenger danger. The car also uses radar and infra-red video cameras to scan the road ahead to warn of possible collisions, and is even capable of alerting a driver if he or she appears to fall asleep or lose concentration.

There are three versions - the LS 460, LS 460 SE and the LS 460 SE-L, all using a 375bhp V8 engine. The car also features the world's first eight-speed automatic transmission. A petrol-electric hybrid will appear in the summer.

Prices start at £57,000 for the entry-level model, rising to £71,000 for the SE-L range-topper.