In an interesting, perhaps unexpected, move Lexus has added a sport model to its topline LS460 series. Though it has the looks of a full-on sports model, the Lexus LS460 Sports isn't hard edged in the manner of rivals such as the BMW M, Mercedes AMG or Audi RS series. Rather the Japanese company has gone for a relatively mild variant of the LS.

To start with, the 4.6-litre V8 engine doesn't have any more power than the standard unit. Still 280 kilowatts is nothing to be sneezed at and when you step on the gas the big Japanese limo really gets up and shifts.

On the subject of shifts, Lexus engineers have given the LS460 Sports a bit more get up and go by retuning the eight-speed automatic transmission to give it faster shifting between ratios. They now claim upshifts in 0.3 seconds and downchanges in only 0.2 seconds. The downshifts are further enhanced by throttle-blipping to match engine revs to the transmission to give shift times that could never be achieved by the best racing car drivers in a manual car. These ultra-fast shifts are available when the transmission is in the M (pseudo-manual) mode.

As well as sharper transmission factors, the new-for-2010 Lexus LS460 Sports has suspension changes to reduce body roll and give a slightly firmer ride. This has been achieved mechanically by the use of sportier anti-roll bars, and electronically by different settings in the air suspension.

 

Even better, the braking system now features Brembo six-piston callipers working on 380 millimetre discs on the front, with four-piston / 334 mm at the rear.

The final step in the suspension package is a set of 19-inch diameter alloy wheels in a complex 20-spoke pattern.

To set off the new-design wheels, the Lexus LS460 Sports has a lower-body kit that includes a deeper front spoiler and side skirts. There's a revised radiator grille with what Lexus calls a black-weave theme to indicate to other road users that this is far from being a standard LS460.
 
Harder cornering puts more pressure on the vehicle occupants, so Lexus has installed a pair of semi-sports front seats. These have improved sideways support at the shoulders, hips and thighs. Not to mention new looks that add to the sporting feel of the interior.

Incidentally, Lexus buyers desiring a full-house Lexus performance machine can, of course, opt for the smaller, but far more potent Lexus IS F. Priced at $132,900, the IS F is a semi-race machine with big V8 acceleration and sharp dynamics. Test drive the ride quality of the IS F before falling in love with it, though. It's on the hard side in a manner that may suit only the serious driving enthusiast.

As well as introducing the new Sports model, Lexus has given the standard LS460 series a mild makeover. This includes changes to the shape of the bumpers and head- and tail-lights, as well as a redesign of the door mirrors. Daytime running lights are now installed.

There are significant changes to the interior of the LS, with a new design of centre console, slimmer video screens in the rear, versatile wireless headphones, and added connectivity by way of USB connections.

Lexus' new LS460 Sports has a manufacturer’s recommended retail price of $199,900, the same price as the standard LS460. There's also a hybrid variant, the Lexus LS600h, with a tag of $252,900 with five seats and $259,900 with four seats. On-road charges by governments and dealers have to be added to these figures.