2013 Lexus LS 460 and 600h L hybrid (pictures)
The quintessential Lexus car gets an update that brings it in line with the automaker's current style and tech.
2013 Lexus LS 460 F-Sport
Lexus is clearly tired of being referred to as a boring automaker, because it has injected its new 2013 LS 460 with a healthy dose of style, tech, and (in the case of the F-Sport) sportiness.
Spindle grill
All 2013 LS models feature the automaker's new "spindle" grill, but the F-Sport package features a mesh treatment with a dark finish.
More aggressive
More aggressive styling on the front and rear bumpers and 19-inch BBS forged alloy wheels distinguish the F-Sport model from other LS 460s.
Brake cooling ducts
Those enlarged lower intakes at the bumper's corners are cooling ducts for the big Brembo brakes.
Same 4.6L V-8
The 4.6-liter V-8's output doesn't get upgraded with the F-Sport package, but the handling and styling do. RWD and AWD power trains are available.
Lower ride, better grip
The F-Sport sits 10mm lower than other actively suspended LS 460s and 20mm lower than coil-sprung models.
F-Sport line
The LS 460 F-Sport is only the latest in a line of F-Sport variants of Lexus vehicles.
F-Sport interior
Inside, the LS 460 F-Sport features leather trim on the steering wheel and aluminum trim in place of the standard 460's wood. The seats are more deeply bolstered and should hold better while cornering.
2013 LS 460 L
Standard LS 460 models also feature the spindle grille, but feature horizontal chrome bars for the upper and lower portions.
LED headlamps
Lexus has upgraded the LED daytime running lamp with what it calls a "light tube" that illuminates as a solid strip, rather than a dotted line. The projector headlights can also be optioned up to LED illumination.
Long-wheelbase
The long-wheelbase model is the variant for Lexus owners who want to be chauffeured or spend time entertaining clients or friends in their car.
New rear end
Lexus has reshaped the taillamps to visually widen the car's stance. Here you can also see the spindle theme repeated in the sheet metal between the lights.
LED taillights
Taillamps are all LED for this generation. If you opt for the LED headlight package, all of the exterior lights (including reverse lights and courtesy lights) are upgraded to match.
Aerodynamics
Lexus claims this small aerofin placed between the wing mirror and the body helps to reduce wind noise at highway speeds and increase straight-line stability.
Noise-canceling wheels
These optional hollow-channel wheels are available in 18- and 19-inch sizes and feature an integrated sound-dissipating chamber in the rim to reduce road noise. Even after a lengthy explanation by Lexus' chief engineer, I'm not really sure how it works.
Solid build
The LS still looks like it was machined from a solid chunk of metal, but the spindle grille almost makes it looks like it's bursting out of itself. Personally, I think the LS 460 wears the new design well.
Two-tiered interior
Lexus splits the dashboard into two zones, the display zone up top and the operation zone below the beltline.
Analog clock
The LS's analog clock is tied to GPS. So, when you change time zones, it automatically adjusts.
Instrument panel
Whether you chose the standard or the hybrid (shown here) instrumentation is simple and classy.
12.3-inch, ultrawide screen
The 12.3-inch infotainment system from the 2013 GS makes its way into the LS' dashboard.
Lexus Enform
A version of Toyota's Entune system, dubbed Lexus Enform, brings apps to the dashboard, including OpenTable reservations, MovieTickets.com, Yelp reviews, Facebook check-in, and Pandora and iHeartRadio audio streaming.
Multitasking
With more space, the driver can perform simple multitasking, such as monitoring the map while keeping fuel economy info onscreen at the same time.
Physical controls
This is what Lexus' interior designers call the "interaction zone." Here you'll find the controls for the drive-select system, the remote touch controller, the shifter, and the seat heater/cooler controls.
Air suspension
Air-suspended models feature five drive modes with two distinct suspension tunes accessed with the drive selector. The body can be raised a few inches to clear obstructions with the touch of a button.
LS 600h L hybrid
The LS 600h L still sits at the top of the LS pecking order, its 438-horsepower hybrid engine also surviving the styling upgrade largely untouched.
Blu-ray in the backseat
The fold-down rear-seat entertainment system now features a Blu-ray player.
Rear seats
The long-wheelbase model features more legroom behind the driver's seat.
Power adjustment
Power seats are available for all four seating positions in some models.
Rear console
The rear seats feature their own console with controls for heating and adjustment.
Executive rear console
Spec the Executive package on long-wheelbase models and the rear seats gain their own climate controls, power reclining with an extendable ottoman, and shiatsu massage.
More controls
The rear passengers retain quite a bit of control over infotainment thanks to these stow-away remote controllers.
Mark Levinson audio
The available 19-speaker Mark Levinson audio system sounds as fantastic as it ever has with standard audio sources, but really shines when fed DVD audio with surround encoding.
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