Al-Futtaim Motors, the exclusive distributor for Lexus in the UAE, today announced the official launch of its all new Lexus LS 460 luxury sedan, the flagship of the Lexus range.
In addition to many existing Lexus customers and VIP guests, the launch was also attended by Mr. Moritaka Yoshida, the Chief Engineer from the Lexus Product Development Centre in Japan, who led the team responsible for developing this unprecedented new luxury sedan.
Colin Leitch, the Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Motors, said at the event, 'We confidently believe that the new LS 460 will re-define and set new benchmark standards for luxury sedans. This car is the ultimate expression of the Lexus L-Finesse design philosophy of simplicity and purity, intriguing elegance, and welcoming hospitality. In developing this car, Yoshida-San and his team were driven by the pursuit of perfection that remains fundamental to the Lexus brand philosophy.'
The development of the new LS 460 was based on a concept of 'Challenging Automotive Evolution', that is of creating entirely new premium automotive values that focus on dynamism, the fundamentals of engineering excellence, human-centred technology, and revolutionary manufacturing techniques.
The LS 460's strong and purposeful design achieves a unique harmony of simplicity and complexity, through the dynamics of contrast. It blends the incisive simplicity of powerful, sweeping lines with the intriguing elegance of natural but striking contrasts in form, to convey the power, dynamism and sheer elegance of this new Lexus flagship.
So successfully does the LS 460 combine the elegant aesthetics of the L-Finesse design philosophy with the dynamic requirements of a premium luxury sedan, that it boasts a class-leading drag coefficient of just 0.26. Combined with an all new multi-link front and rear suspension system, this results in an exceptionally agile, quiet and relaxing ride, which has long been a hallmark of the Lexus marque.
Welcoming hospitality, which anticipates a guest's needs, is a key element of the L-Finesse design philosophy. The LS 460's interior design evokes a carefully considered synthesis of luxury, tranquility and protection. It reflects a richness of craftsmanship fundamental to Japanese aesthetic traditions. the very highest level quality of wood, leather and elegant metal highlights are combined with an unprecedented precision of fit and finish throughout. Indeed, entering the LS 460 is like entering the opulent interior of a private jet, and ensures that the driver and passengers always travel first class.
The Lexus design team believes that the world's latest advances in technology can be harnessed to enhance human comfort, and deliver a feeling of welcoming hospitality. This notion of human-centred engineering is evident from the moment you approach the LS 460. The world's thinnest electronic Smart Card enables key-less entry, engine start, and sets the memorized positions for the seat and steering wheel. This hospitality continues with easy door closing assistance and anticipatory guiding illumination that is sequenced to correspond with the entry and exit of driver and passengers.
The luxurious front seats are power-adjustable in 16 different ways, with a position memory function. The LS 460 long wheelbase is the only model in its class that offers an optional ottoman rear seat, with a massage function, for the ultimate in relaxed motoring.
The advanced technology on board can be easily controlled by one of the most intuitive, user-friendly interfaces. The interface is one of the few on the market to combine the advantages of both touch-screen and voice-command to control several functions of the navigation, audio, air-conditioning and Bluetooth hands-free phone systems. The spacious and highly equipped interior will immediately make the LS 460 driver and their passengers feel at home, relaxed and in control.
The LS 460 also features a new, advanced Mark Levinson Reference Surround audio system with 19 speakers, specifically designed for the LS 460 to provide the finest in-car audio experience available. In conjunction with the electro multi vision and rear display screens, this system delivers a complete 5.1 home theatre entertainment experience within the luxurious cabin.
The LS 460's engine is the most technologically advanced engine ever developed by Lexus engineers, coupled with the most sophisticated automatic transmission ever. The ultra-advanced 4.6 litre (342HP) V8 engine combines deep reserves of effortless power with a smooth responsive drive, and excellent fuel economy. The engine features the world's first Dual VVT-iE variable valve timing system, which is quicker to respond, provides greater engine flexibility, reduced exhaust emissions, and improved fuel economy over a wider range of speeds. This powerful and quiet engine will effortlessly accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 6.3 seconds, and delivers 46.4kg-m of torque at 4,000 rpm.
To fully exploit this engine's performance potential, it is teamed with an all new transmission, the world's first 8-speed automatic transmission for even smoother acceleration and economy. This unique transmission performs seamless multiple and skip gear shifts, optimizing torque in all driving conditions, to provide the driver with unprecedented driving pleasure.
The LS 460 has been designed with the aim of delivering class-leading driver and passenger safety in the event of a collision. It has the most comprehensive range of airbags in its segment, with Dual Supplemental Restraint front airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, front and rear side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags. The SRS Twin-chamber passenger airbag is offered in this segment for the first time.
Combined with an exceptionally strong body, and a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system that features ABS brakes, Traction Control, and Vehicle Stability Control, the LS 460 continues and enhances the Lexus promise of providing an exceptionally safe and reassuring driving experience for driver and passengers.
The LS 460 will be available in three versions, a Standard Wheelbase with 5 seats, a Long Wheelbase with 5 seats, and a Long Wheelbase with 4 seats. The highly equipped range will have a very competitive starting price of AED 284,000.
At the launch event Tony Barlow, the General Manager of Sales & Marketing at Al-Futtaim Motors remarked that, '2006 was an exceptional and pivotal year for Al-Futtaim Motors and the Lexus brand. Building on the tremendous sales success of the new ES350 and IS300 models, Lexus vehicle sales in 2006 were 29.8% higher than in 2005, reflecting the strong demand for luxury cars in the UAE, and the continuing growth in the strength of the Lexus brand.'
He also commented that, 'This Lexus brand strength is also a result of our strong reputation for the superior ownership experience we deliver to our Lexus customers. We have continued to make huge investments in new facilities throughout the UAE to provide the quality of retailing environment, and service experience, that Lexus buyers can rightfully expect. But providing a superior ownership experience is also about having the right team of professional employees who are trained, knowledgeable and customer focused.
'We were therefore delighted in December when, in the prestigious Autocar Middle East Magazine Awards, Al-Futtaim Motors was voted the People's Choice for 'Best Ownership Experience' and for 'Best Dealer'. This was the crowning moment to a very successful year and a testament to the strong customer loyalty to the brand in the UAE.
'The new LS 460 is going to excite and please the most discerning drivers, and I think the only challenge we will face will be ensuring sufficient supply to satisfy the very strong customer demand we are already experiencing.'
-Ends-
© Press Release 2007
