2018 Lexus LS F Sport boasts design, chassis tweaks

The new 2018 Lexus LS, which made its debut early this year, has received the F Sport treatment. This aggressive-looking limo, on display at the ongoing 2017 New York International Auto Show, “moves the driving emotion needle even farther” with handling enhancements and a “performance-infused design” Lexus says.

Lexus designers didn’t hold back with the LS F Sport’s styling. No effort spared too. Apparently, developing the F Sport grille you see here took computer-aided design (CAD) operators five months to achieve the desired texture and interaction with light. Even then, they adjusted 7,100 individual surfaces to achieve the desired look and texture (5,000 for the standard LS grille). When combined with the enlarged side grille, the F Sport grille is functional in terms of cooling as well.

That elaborate grille, rocker panel, and trunk mouldings accentuate the big sedan’s slim and rakish profile, while F Sport badging on the fenders and exclusive 20-inch alloys complete the exterior transformation. For those looking to really stand out, White Nova and Heat Blue are colours unique to the F Sport.

Inside, the LS’ Omotenashi concept of Japanese hospitality remains, but Lexus applied unique trim and features. The F Sport-exclusive front seat provides enhanced support for dynamic driving. A perforated-grill pattern on seating surfaces and unique aluminium trim add additional sporty flair.

There’s also an F Sport steering wheel, a movable meter (LFA-inspired, also found in the IS 200t F Sport), aluminium pedals and a perforated shift handle and footrest. There’s ultrasuede in the seats and headliner, and a red interior is available exclusively on F Sport models.

The LS F Sport rides on 20-inch wheels with 245/45 and 275/40 tyres, along with larger front and rear brakes (six-piston front calipers, four-piston rear). It’s equipped with LDH (Variable Gear Ratio Steering and Dynamic Rear Steering) and has a sport-tuned air suspension with rapid height function. The result is “sports coupe-like response through curves”.

Lexus designed an all-new 3.5 litre V6 specifically for the new LS 500. This new twin-turbo V6 offers V8-level performance – 415 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque – paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in just 4.5 seconds is impressive for such a big car.

The new LS 500h uses the LC Coupe’s Multi Stage Hybrid System, which combines a naturally aspirated Atkinson-cycle 3.5 litre V6 with two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery. The V6 engine uses D-4S direct fuel injection and Dual VVT-i for ample torque across the engine speed range. Combined system output is 354 hp.

The hybrid’s new transmission fuses the planetary-type CVT from Lexus Hybrid Drive with a unique four-speed automatic. Working in concert, the two gearsets alter output in four stages to utilize the V6 engine across the entire speed range. In manual mode, the two gearsets act together to provide the effect of 10 ratios.

The Multi Stage Hybrid System enables the LS 500h to operate with the petrol engine off at speeds of up to 140 km/h. It also enables the RWD LS 500h to propel from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 5.2 seconds – which is on par with the previous-gen V8-powered LS 460 and three tenths of a second faster than the AWD LS 600h. More on the 2018 Lexus LS here.

GALLERY: 2018 Lexus LS F Sport

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