LEXUS: SMART SUIT, ATHLETIC HEART

LEXUS is putting an exclamation point on its signature LS line-up, with the addition of a new F Sport model. The company’s spokespeople said the LS F Sport moves the driving emotion needle further with handling enhancements and a performanceinfused design, in and out.

There are some noteworthy additions to the LS F Sport model in comparison to the LS 500 launched earlier this year, including:

Exclusive mesh design F Sport spindle grille and design concept F Sport 20-inch wheels

F Sport badges

Unique F Sport interior package, including steering wheel with F Sport logo and sports pedals

Sports seats with F Sport logo Suede roof lining

Bespoke aluminium door trim. The LS F Sport provides a driverfocused cockpit and a front passenger seat area designed to gently envelop the occupant. Elements such as smooth leather, precise stitch-work, and detailed metal and wood accents, add to the welcoming ambiance with a range of textures and surfaces that are pleasing to the eye and touch. Three interior colour ranges are available: white, black, white and grey, as well as Flare red.

Lexus claim that equipping the

LS F Sport with standard 20-inch wheels and 245/45RF20 (front) and 275/40RF20 (rear) tyres, along with larger front and rear brakes (six-piston callipers on the front and four-piston on the rear), unlocks more of the LS platform’s intrinsic performance capability.

“The LS F Sport is equipped with LDH (variable gear ratio steering) and has a sport-tuned air suspension, with rapid-height function.

The result is a full-size premium luxury sedan that responds more like a sports coupé through the curves, helping to underline what F Sport stands for,” they added.

An all-new 3.5-litre V6 engine has been designed specifically for the new LS, providing both high power and good fuel efficiency.

It’s said to offer V8-level power without sacrificing fuel economy.

Power and torque wise, you’ll be able to make use of 310kW and 600Nm. Lexus said the engine’s long stroke and optimised stroke-tobore ratio contribute to high-speed combustion and the efficiency of the twin turbos helps the LS F Sport post a projected 0-100km/h acceleration time of five seconds.

The LS F Sport comes with the same safety kit as the LS 500 and offers a comprehensive suite of exclusive, semi-automated driving technologies, honed on one of the most complex highway systems in the world – the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway. The vehicle’s pre-crash system with pedestrian detection reduces the likelihood and severity of collisions by detecting imminent frontal impact and automatically preparing brake assist, reacting before the driver does – while the emergency brake signal acts, to prevent rear-end collisions.

High-speed dynamic radar cruise control also uses advanced radar and camera technology to maintain a safe distance between your LS F Sport and the car in front – completely stopping your vehicle if necessary.

Lane departure alert with lane keep assist, steering control and steering vibration keeps the LS F

Sport in the correct lane, preventing unintentional drifting across road markings.

Should you want one for your garage, the LS F Sport retails for

R1 975 900 and comes with a sevenyear/105 000km warranty and full maintenance plan. The vehicle’s service intervals are every 15 000km, alternatively once a year.