The Toyota Company invested aesthetically in Lexus project to overthrow the monopoly of GMC and Ford, and with the newest 2018 Lexus LS500 is set to continue its legacy. The success story of Lexus in automobile manufacturing history is worthy of a Hollywood picture. The Japanese auto giants Toyota introduced Lexus in 1989. It was a revolutionary step towards breaking sales records and setting a benchmark for vehicular design. After launching as the LS400 in 1989, the Lexus has become a name in itself though it is only the luxury division of Toyota. It topped sales charts in this luxury sedan class in the USA for 15 straight years. Globally, only Mercedes-Benz S-class sedan is ahead in numbers.
Designers and engineers at Lexus follow a unique mantra or process of manufacturing. It challenges conventional automobile manufacturing mindset. Naturally, these vehicles produced have been able to find an instant liking among consumers continuously over the years.
2018 Lexus LS500 – Exterior Design Extravaganza
The Toyota is not one of the most liked car brands for no reason. Its designs, particularly through Lexus, have set many parameters in vehicular aesthetics for competitors around the world. The 2018 Lexus LS500, like its predecessors, is a part of the F1 project. This adds advanced sports-centric mechanisms. This platform in play is the global architecture for luxury vehicles – the GA-L architecture. The LC 500 sports coupe adopted the same platform.
Start with the front fascia and you will marvel at a front grille that has been redesigned. Designers at Lexus have invested 6 months in completing the spindle-shaped grille that has 5032 facets. Z-shaped LED headlamps to look classy and taillights seem like a slashed-meat style structure. The sedan’s side air intakes have also been enlarged.
The sides of the 2018 Lexus LS500 also follow a well-cut mold with unique rocker panels. Overall designs give this sedan a coupe-like outline. This upcoming Lexus sedan becomes more compact and sleeker. The 123 inches of wheelbase makes it a little longer than its current version. It will also be the lowest sedan in the class with just 57.1 inches of roof height. The sunroof slides on the outside to free the headroom for passengers.
The 20-inch alloy wheels have been added on 2018 Lexus LS500 for a sporty drive. Also, the high-strength steel and aluminum body parts reduce the overall weight of the car by 200 lbs.
Why worry about luxury when it is Lexus?
You might have driven ultra-luxury cars and marveled at its numerous features. Once you get into a Lexus sedan it gives a feeling of sinking into a comfortable couch.
In the 2018 Lexus LS500, you can find an abundance of suede leather. Contrast stitching on 24-way adjustable seats is fabulous to look at. Brushed aluminum trim covers parts of the cabin and controls. You can’t stop noticing its unique 6 thin magnesium bands incorporated on the dash. The Aluminum pedals and perforated shift lever enhances overall luxury. The Japanese Shimamoku wood patterns accompany the aluminum trims. The shifter is an unusually pretty looking palm-sized knob.
The myriad of multimedia controls on the Lexus Enform infotainment service will be available for you. Smartphones would be able to remotely access cabin controls. The cabin acoustics are one of the best in the class with 3D surround Mark Levinson audio system.
The 2018 Lexus LS500 will possibly have a 12.3-inch navigation display. But as the rumors have it, the 24-inch display could also be an option. This would be the world’s largest car display if fitted.
Powerful Engine and Agile Handling
The Toyota is very specific in engine fabrication as they follow a motto ‘to out-German Germans’ in technology. Till its 4th generation, V8 engines featured in Lexus sedans. The 2018 Lexus LS500 changes this trend and installs a 3.5-liter V6 engine. The twin turbocharged engine can generate 415 HP of power and 443 lb-ft. torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. A 6-speed automatic transmission backs this high-performance powertrain. The transmission ratios are placed closely for minimum fidgeting in gear shift by drivers. You can shift between Normal, Sports and Sport+ modes on its rear wheel drive system.
The 2018 Lexus LS500 also employs Lexus Dynamic Handling system. It includes features like variable ratio steering, active rear steering and a tuned air suspension with an active stabilizer system. This makes taking corners and sharp bends easier.
The chassis of 2018 Lexus LS500 is revolutionary with a control technology called Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, which enables advanced driving control especially in conditions like wet pavement and ice. The package provides you with cooperative controlled in braking, steering, powertrain management and suspension monitoring. This system lets you control basic, lateral, vertical and longitudinal motion, combined with roll, yaw and pitch factors. The engine block has a ladder frame structure that houses the cylinder block, engine mount structure and electric wastegates. All these ensure a smooth running engine.
Market Release, Rivals and Price
The 2018 Lexus LS500 will hit showrooms somewhere in early 2018. With an already established popularity, rivals like the Mercedes S-Class, Jaguar XF, and Audi A8 sedan would have to play a catch-up game.
According to industry estimates, the price of the LS500 will not be less than $75,000.
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