Gear we go again... In a world first, the Lexus LS460 luxury car is set to re-write the rulebooks with an eight-speed automatic box. It will debut at next week's Detroit Motor Show, and rival the all-new Mercedes S-Class, which only has a seven-ratio self-shifter. Love it or eight it, the LS460's smart styling will be based on the Lexus LF-Sh concept which was displayed at last year's Tokyo exhibition. The newcomer is expected to provide class-leading refinement, with an advanced 4.6-litre V8 pumping out more than 370hp and 500Nm of torque. The clever box isn't the new model's only hi-tech feature. The company has confirmed that the flagship will use a special air-suspension set-up in a bid to steal sales from its European rivals. Despite its superior refinement, the biggest Lexus has traditionally lagged behind its Continental competitors dynamically - but that could all change with the latest machine. There may even be a long-wheelbase variant to tackle the extended BMW 7-Series and Mercedes S-Class models, although there are no plans for a diesel. Instead, the big range-topper is set to become the first-ever hybrid luxury car. Set to debut at the New York Motor Show in April, the hybrid will boast a 5.0-litre V8 rumoured to generate 450bhp with the aid of a Toyota Prius-style electric motor. The entry-level LS460 is expected to go on sale in November, starting from around £50,000. Source:AutoExpressUK
When will the gear race end? I guess they finally gave up on the cupholder race. With today's high-power, high torque engines, like anything more than 4 really matters... I would expect the hybrid LS460 to use the same planetary gear arrangement as the other Toyota hybrids and ditch the transmission and all its associated frictional losses. Gary
Yes it does. I'd say 5 or 6 speed is a good number. 4 is a bit lacking (even on our 02 Camry) and 7 is typical MB overkill. 8? I don't know what to say. Btw, the LS460 will be available with IPA or Intelligent Parking Assist. IOW, they're bringing auto parking stateside.
