2018 Lexus LS 500 F Sport debuts

Having premiered its reinvented flagship sedan earlier this year – the all-new 2018 LS 500Lexus is putting an exclamation point on the new LS with the an F Sport model. The LS 500 F Sport, unveiled today and on display this week at the New York International Auto Show, moves the new LS’ emotion needle even farther with a performance-infused design outside and in.

The 2018 LS 500 set the basis for the most dynamic design in the model’s history and F Sport enhances it further. At the front there’s an even more dramatic rendition of the Lexus signature spindle grille, flanked by enlarged side grille. Lexus says the F Sport grille is functional as well, helping to maintain the vehicle’s cooling performance.

The special F Sport front grille, rocker panel, and boot moldings accentuate the sedan’s rakish profile, while F Sport badging on fenders and exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels complete the exterior transformation. And for those looking to really stand out, White Nova and Heat Blue are offered as F Sport-exclusive exterior color.

As it did with the exterior, Lexus shifted the LS 500 cabin into F Sport spec by applying trim and features exclusive to this version. Highlights include the F Sport-exclusive front seat, which provides enhanced support for dynamic driving. A perforated-grill pattern on seating surfaces and unique scored aluminum trim elements add additional sporty flair.

The driver faces a special F Sport steering wheel, behind which rests a movable meter with a meter ring that slides to display information, a design adapted from the limited-production Lexus LFA supercar. There are also aluminum pedals, as well as the F Sport perforated shift handle and footrest. Ultrasuede in the seats and headliner is the crowning touch. For those desiring the ultimate sporty look, an exclusive Circuit Red interior is available.

The LS 500 F Sport rolls on standard 20-inch wheels shod with 245/45RF20 front and 275/40RF20 rear tyres. Improved braking performance is provided by larger front and rear brakes – 6 piston calipers on front and 4 pistons on rear, while handling is enhanced with Variable Gear Ratio Steering and Dynamic Rear Steering, Active Stabiliser, and sport-tuned air suspension with rapid height function. The result is a full-size premium luxury sedan that responds more like a sports coupe through curves, helping to underline what F Sport stands for, according to Lexus.

Like the rest of the LS range, two powertrains are offered for the F Sport: a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 is found in the LS 500 producing 310kW of power and 600Nm of torque, matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission to allow for a 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 4.6 seconds, and 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with two electric motors, together delivering a total output of 264kW and 348Nm in the LS 500h, enabling a 0-100km/h sprint time of 5.3 seconds.

The new LS 500 and 500h F Sport will arrive into showrooms later this year.

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