Toyota rethinks THE FLAGSHIP

The 2018 Lexus LS moves to twin-turbo V6 power and piles on the takumi.

Toyota has engineered a complete road-to-roof redo of its flagship Lexus LS sedan, dropping the V8 engine in favor of a twin-turbo V6, adding Aisin's new 10-speed planetary automatic and retaining a hybrid-electric powertrain option-and that's just the beginning. The 2018 model marks the fifth generation of the luxury sedan that rocked the luxury-sedan establishment almost 30 years ago. While the LS has represented less than 2% of the brand's U.S. sales in recent years, its significance to Toyota exceeds its sheer numbers.

Chief Engineer Toshio Asahi and his team began work on the new LS500 and hybrid LS500h in late 2011. One key goal was to attract a younger buyer with what Asahi calls “Brave Design,” picking up the Lexus family ‘spindle’ grille theme and developing a longer, more muscular exterior form. Lowering the hood by 1.2 in (30.5 mm), the decklid by 1.6 in (40.6 mm) and dropping the roof 0.6 in (15 mm) versus the 2017 LS helps the new version look more ground-hugging as well.