The Lexus LS 460 receives a facelift across the range with the addition of a Sports model for people who want more performance. The LS 460 Sport has a unique grill, body kit and wheels.

Just as important as the sports looks is the cars performance, with sports tuned mechanical upgrades, retuned suspension, upgraded stabiliser bar, revised transmission, paddle shifters and Brembo brakes. The car will be able to live up to its sports image.

With an eight speed transmission based on the Lexus IS F, it has up-shift times of 0.3 seconds quicker than in standard form. With the option of a manual mode (M) or the normal automatic mode (D).

In M mode down-shifts occur in 0.2 of a second using a throttle blipping control to match engine speed to the gear.

Changes to the suspension consist of retuned air suspension and upgraded stabiliser bar to provide a firmer ride and help reduce body roll during cornering.

Non-sport models have four piston calipers with 357mm rotors for the front and two piston calipers with 335mm rotors for the rear. The new sport model gets Brembo six piston calipers with 380mm rotors for the front and four piston calipers with 334mm rotors for the rear.

Front seats also gain extra support for the hip, shoulder and thigh to give you more support.

The LS 460 Sport has a black weave grill, front spoiler, side rocker moldings and unique 20 spoke 19 inch alloy wheels.

Complimenting the addition of the LS Sports is the upgrade to the whole LS range. All LS 460 models get retuned air-suspension as well as changes to the dash, redesigned centre cluster with new switchgear and chrome highlights to improve the look of the cabin.

To improve fuel economy Lexus has introduced a new ECO mode which reduces power needed to run the air conditioning. ECO mode also informs the driver when the car is being driven in a fuel efficient way or not.

Lexus new rear seat entertainment with wireless headphones is also available in the LS 460 but the Sports misses out. This entertainment system was covered in a previous news report. www.caradvice.com.au/47908/lexus-introduces-premium-rear-seat-entertainment/

Entry and exit is assisted by an auto slide feature in the drivers seat and the rear seat has a massage function with  adjustable side supports on the headrests, also not available on the Sports model.

As expected with a facelift the LS has had minor visual changes, new front and rear bumpers, grill, new front headlights with a strip of LED running lights below the headlight and revised rear lights and now the indicators are incorporated in the side mirrors.

Now available in 10 colours with the added protection of scratch-resistant clear coating.

“With the introduction of IS F last year, Lexus has increasingly been asked about sportier versions of its vehicles and LS 460 Sports is an answer to those questions,” said Lexus Chief Executive John Roca.??”LS 460 Sport will appeal to those that want a comfortable tourer with a sporting kick. ??”Upgrades across the LS Line ensure that it remains the flagship of our range and top of mind with luxury saloon customers,” said Mr Roca.