Photo: Lexus
Just about 27 years ago, the Lexus brand established itself by bringing the LS full-size luxury sedan to market. No less than 2,300 technicians, 1,400 engineers, 200 support workers, and 60 designers were involved in the project. Now at its fourth incarnation, the LS prepares for a change of heart.
It’s no secret that the fifth-generation Lexus LS will be a dramatic departure from the current model, one that will see the flagship luxobarge borrow some styling cues from the LF-FC Concept. Other than the LF-FC design study and this rendering, nothing else was known about the upcoming LS. Until now.
Our friends at The Fast Lane Car spotted a test mule of the 2018 Lexus LS in the wild near the Rockies. The overall shape of the car is pure LS, only bigger than what we’ve been accustomed to. Sadly, the camouflage is too thick to reveal anything.
However, TFLcar highlights the following: “When this sedan accelerated from a stop sign, we heard a distinct whistle or whine. It sounded like a turbocharger or a supercharger helping the large sedan get moving.” Besides that, the said prototype was “closely followed by a 2016 Audi A8 4.0T and a 2016 BMW 750.”
Without a video to hear the whistle or whine for ourselves, it’s hard not to suggest to take this bit of news with a grain of salt. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if the 2018 Lexus LS adopted forced induction. How many Lexus models are currently available with a turbo mill? I am much obliged to tell you that the list consists of the NX, IS, RX, GS, and RC. All these models are available with a 2.0-liter turbo four-banger.
Be that as it may, I don’t expect the LS to be available with this engine, but I do expect Lexus to up the ante with a turbo V6 or V8. Another argument comes from Brian Bolain, the marketing manager at Lexus.
“What ‘turbo’ says to the typical consumer is you’re modern. People hear ‘turbo,’ and even for someone who doesn't know or couldn't explain how it works, they know it's something good and they know they want one. When the consumer is doing their side-by-side comparison online, it gives you parity,” Brian told Automotive News. Don't know about you, but the way of the turbo seems appropriate for the 2018 Lexus LS.
Our friends at The Fast Lane Car spotted a test mule of the 2018 Lexus LS in the wild near the Rockies. The overall shape of the car is pure LS, only bigger than what we’ve been accustomed to. Sadly, the camouflage is too thick to reveal anything.
However, TFLcar highlights the following: “When this sedan accelerated from a stop sign, we heard a distinct whistle or whine. It sounded like a turbocharger or a supercharger helping the large sedan get moving.” Besides that, the said prototype was “closely followed by a 2016 Audi A8 4.0T and a 2016 BMW 750.”
Without a video to hear the whistle or whine for ourselves, it’s hard not to suggest to take this bit of news with a grain of salt. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if the 2018 Lexus LS adopted forced induction. How many Lexus models are currently available with a turbo mill? I am much obliged to tell you that the list consists of the NX, IS, RX, GS, and RC. All these models are available with a 2.0-liter turbo four-banger.
Be that as it may, I don’t expect the LS to be available with this engine, but I do expect Lexus to up the ante with a turbo V6 or V8. Another argument comes from Brian Bolain, the marketing manager at Lexus.
“What ‘turbo’ says to the typical consumer is you’re modern. People hear ‘turbo,’ and even for someone who doesn't know or couldn't explain how it works, they know it's something good and they know they want one. When the consumer is doing their side-by-side comparison online, it gives you parity,” Brian told Automotive News. Don't know about you, but the way of the turbo seems appropriate for the 2018 Lexus LS.
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