Wednesday, August 1, 2012

2013 LS: 12 Reasons to be Impressed

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By now, you’ve seen it—and if you haven’t yet really seen it, take a few seconds with the image above before reading further.

“It,” of course, is the redesigned 2013 Lexus LS, revealed last night via Facebook.

First, the broad strokes: The vehicle, in addition to the LS 460, LS 460 L, and LS 600h L hybrid, now offers an F SPORT version for the gas models. It also includes Lexus’ enormous 12.3-inch navigation display screen, the new spindle grille front end (nicknamed the “King of Spindles,” as it’s the largest Lexus spindle grille yet), as well as a long list of performance innovations from the previous generation, from the gas version’s eight-speed automatic transmission (a world’s first when it came out) to the hybrid version’s power and efficiency.

But, as always with a Lexus LS redesign, what you can’t see in the first images is as interesting as the new look. We’re, of course, talking about the 2013 LS technologies and innovations—some improved, others new—and all ahead of the curve.

1. The vehicle can stop by itself: On the safety front, the vehicle’s optional Advanced Pre-Collision System (ACPS) with pedestrian detection[1] can identify obstacles, pedestrians, or other cars ahead and completely stop the LS—from speeds of up to 24 miles per hour—if it determines that a collision is imminent.

2. It helps cover your blind spots: The 2013 LS also includes a new Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)[2] with Cross Traffic Alert that employs radar to help drivers detect vehicles at 10 miles per hour or more (the turn signal must be on). This is a standalone feature that’s not part of APCS.

3. More built-in massage: In the model’s long wheelbase models, the optional Ottoman Seating Package includes both a conventional vibration massage system and a new air-assisted massage system (both in the passenger-side rear seat). With the latter, eight pneumatic chambers cover the occupant’s shoulders, back, and hips, reproducing massage techniques such as shiatsu and shoulder and lower back acupressure.

4. Blu-ray in the back: Also part of the optional Ottoman Seating Package—rear occupants can now enjoy favorite movies on a new Blu-ray DVD Rear Seat Entertainment System.

5. Lasers!: No, the vehicle doesn’t shoot lasers. Instead, body components around the doors are joined with an advanced welding technique—a Lexus first—called laser screw welding. Essentially these are targeted laser welds between spot welds for enhanced ride comfort and agility.

6. Fins: Lexus also gave the 2013 LS its new autodynamics package: a mix of stabilizing fins on the outer door mirror, front pillar, and rear combination lamps, as well as “Underbody Rectifier Fins” beneath the car. The “above ground” fins pull air tightly to the vehicle’s sides, while the underbody fins help hold the vehicle tightly to the ground. Together, they enhance the car’s handling and improve high-speed stability—as Lexus aerodynamics boss Koshi Yamada explains.

7. Anti-fatigue seats: Lexus LS designers thought a lot about how you sit, and what makes car seats uncomfortable during longer drives. To that end, engineers designed the front-seats’ cushion shape and seatback positions to keep occupants from slipping forward or tilting the pelvis back—basically keeping you in a posture that counters fatigue.

8. Climate Concierge: This system coordinates the cabin-comfort features so they work together to maintain the desired cabin temperature—in each of the four passengers zones—thanks in part to 14 sensors. For example, the climate control system not only turns on the HVAC system—it also controls the climate control front and rear seats and the heated steering wheel for greater comfort.

9. Believe it or not, the cabin is even quieter: A current LS driver might ask how this is even possible, and it took some fine-tooth-comb analysis, but Lexus designers found ways to make silence even more silent. The car now sports special noise-reducing hollow-chamber wheels, and there’s additional sound-blocking material all around the vehicle. These changes make the LS one of the quietest cars in the world.

10. Shimamoku: The 2013 LS now offers a beautiful, high-end synthetic wood trim called Shimamoku. It takes skilled craftsmen to make and involves 67 manufacturing steps that require more than five weeks to complete—the result is a work of art.

11. Drive modes: Dial selections include NORMAL, for, well, normal driving; ECO for better fuel economy; and SPORT for performance-oriented driving. For LS vehicles with the optional adaptive variable air suspension, there’s also a COMFORT mode, which makes suspension adjustments to emphasize smoothness, as well as SPORT+, which helps minimize body roll; sharpens vehicle handling, throttle mapping and shift points; and optimizes steering feel.

12. And finally...apps, apps, apps: The LS comes with a one year trial subscription for the Lexus Enform[3] mobile app suite[3], which essentially gives 2013 LS owners online access while in the car. Among the apps: Bing™ for online searching; OpenTable® for making restaurant reservations; Pandora®[4] and iHeartRadio for Internet radio; and Facebook Places check-ins.

Courtesy of Lexus Magazine

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