LEXUS LAUNCHES ALL-NEW FLAGSHIP LS460
The first of the new pinnacle vehicles of the luxury Lexus marque, LS460, will be made available in Australia on 1 May.
The all-new LS460 is the fourth generation of the original LS400 vehicle released in Australia in 1990.
Lexus has undertaken a back-to-the-source evaluation of its manufacturing and engineering techniques and has designed LS460 to even higher standards.
LS460 is a different vehicle from its predecessor in many of its major components.
There are no carry-overs in the major areas of chassis, suspension, engine or driveline.
LS460 for Australia will include the world's first eight-speed automatic transmission. LS460 also includes a number of category and Lexus firsts.
The new vehicle epitomises the styling concept known as L-Finesse, shown for the first time on the GS Line and then on the IS Line.
It is anticipated that Lexus LS460 will comprise less than five per cent of total Lexus sales in Australia.
"LS400 series has led Lexus since its inception," Lexus divisional manager John Roca said.
"It was the first Lexus launched in the world, in 1989, and it was responsible for a comprehensive overhaul of the upper luxury market, especially amongst the long-standing European brands.
"Lexus is the most accomplished luxury start-up brand of recent times.
"It competes strongly now in the most discerning automotive market of all."
Lexus has delivered more than 43,000 vehicles in Australia, with LS400 consisting of more than 3100 of those deliveries.
"The highest sales of LS400 series in any year have been just over 400, which is entirely consistent with demand for the vehicle's competitors," Mr Roca said.
"LS460 is not intended to be a high-volume vehicle.
"Like the flagships of all luxury ranges, it is an exclusive vehicle, to be appreciated by a fortunate few.
"Its influence throughout the Lexus range is undeniable and of benefit to all Lexus owners."
In 2006 Lexus delivered 7163 vehicles, in 2005 it was 6005 and in 2004 Lexus registered 5009 vehicles.
Deliveries this year have been buoyed by spectacular acceptance of the new IS250 series.
Lexus Australia delivered 3381 IS250 series in 2006 - an all-time volume record for any Lexus sedan, eclipsed only by initial take-up of the bestselling RX Line SUV.
Lexus sells six models in Australia, made up of 13 variants, through 22 exclusive dealerships.
Lexus has built around 900,000 of its LS400 series since 1989, comprising just less than one quarter of total Lexus vehicles, which are now approaching four million in worldwide use.