With record sales and a flurry of new models, Lexus has been on a roll. Expect the Japanese luxury brand to keep the pressure on Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac with several significant new models in 2007.

2006 auto show videoEarlier this year, Lexus introduced two new cars, the IS and GS. Both are mainstream luxury sedans. However, at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, Toyota's top brand took the wraps off a completely redesigned flagship, the new LS. The original was introduced at Detroit in 1989, so it's fitting that the new model is unveiled there as well.

2007 Lexus LS
2007 lexus ls 460 2007 lexus ls 460­ ­2007 lexus ls 460­
­2007 lexus ls 460­

Click here for a video of the Lexus LS from the Detroit Auto Show.

Lexus dropped the veil on its redesigned 2007 flagship luxury sedan, the LS 460, at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show. Lexus claims, "this LS is the most car ever offered for the money." The new LS 460 will, for the first time, come in short- and long-wheelbase form--the stretched version being 5 inches longer. Powering the '07 ls is a 4.6-liter V8 boasting 380-hp. Along with an industry-first 8-speed automatic transmission, Lexus claims that the new LS will race from 0-60 mph in under 5.5 seconds. In addition, Lexus boasts the new LS will achieve an estimated combined city/highway mileage in the mid-20s.

A new multi-link suspension and electronic power steering system team with an integrated vehicle dynamics computer that anticipates and corrects vehicle skids. All work in conjunction with LS' electronically controlled brake system, antilock brakes, brake assist, and electronic brake-force distribution to make what Lexus calls one of the safest cars ever. In addition, Lexus claims that the LS' computers are so sophisticated that the car can park itself with almost no input from the driver. (Lexus promised more details about the LS's active and passive safety features would be announced at the New York Auto Show.)

Interior features include a heated steering wheel, seats covered in one of four tones of leather designed to match to one of three coordinating wood-grain trims, and available power-reclining rear seats equipped with power leg rests and even a massage feature. The new LS includes body-heat sensors that help maintain the individual temperature settings for all occupants. A fold-away table matched to the interior wood grain provides work space for rear passengers. Also available is a 9-inch rear-video screen and a 19-speaker Mark Levinson audio system that includes a hard drive that can store up to 4000 songs. the 2007 Lexus LS 460 and LS 460 L are targeted for sale beginning in the fall of 2006. Prices were not announced, but the LS is slated to move slightly upmarket and compete with the  Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series at the top of the luxury-car market.

2006 Detroit Auto Show

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