Lexus LS 460 AWD: All-Paw TractionMotoring Channel Staff - 25/August/2008 |  Lexus LS 460 AWD
 Lexus will use a Torsen differential to give its flagship V8 luxury car improved traction
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Moscow, Russia — Lexus is using the Moscow Motor Show to launch its first AWD luxury saloon. Joining
the likes of Audi and Mercedes-Benz, who already offer 4WD on their
high-end luxury limousines, Lexus now has the LS 460 AWD. Unveiling
the car in Russia makes sense for a couple of reasons. The Eastern
European country is now the largest - and still one of the fastest
growing - car market in Europe, having recently overtaken Germany as
biggest new car market in the region. Russia is also the home of
perennial snows and ice, so launching a high-traction version of its
luxury saloon in a region beset by snow and ice makes sense. Judging
from the images, the Lexus LS 460 AWD model doesn't exhibit
any visual cues that would identify it as a new model, save the
badging on the rear of the car. Powered by a Lexus V8 engine
displacing 4.6-litres, it is unclear if the AWD models get more power
than the usual 280kW (380hp) and 500Nm from the Japanese-made
8-cylinder powerplant. The V8 engine transfers its power via the
automatic gearbox to a Torsen centre differential, which in normal
situations splits the torque and power 40:60 between the front and rear
axles respectively. Being a Torsen differential, the system
automatically adjusts the torque distribution depending on grip levels,
and will provide much better traction on low friction surfaces, like
snow or rain covered roads. The zero to 100km/h sprint is also
expected to be improved slightly, and could drop by a tenth or two from
its current 6.2 seconds. The new model will launched in most
international markets in which Lexus currently operates, and
though no prices have been listed the LS 460 AWD is expected to command
a premium over the rear-wheel drive models. Related Links: - Lexus LX 570 (2008) - Lexus IS-F Sports Car (2008) - Lexus GS450h (Road Test) - Lexus
IS250 (Road Test) - Lexus LS460 (2007) - Lexus
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600h L (2007) - Lexus
GS430 (Road Test) - Lexus LF-Sh
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