New Lexus = 8 speed auto

http://autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060108/FREE/60108005/1041

The Lexus philosophy for its new flagship sedan can be summed up as “leave no new technology untouched.”

Here’s a partial list:

# Eight-speed automatic transmission

# Built-in hard disk that can hold up to 4,000 songs of digital music.

# Combined port and direct-injection fuel system for the 4.6-liter V-8 engine. The engine will be rated at about 380 horsepower and 370 pounds-feet of torque. That powertrain is expected to move the sedan from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5.5 seconds.

# A Mark Levinson sound system with 19 speakers.

# Reclining rear seats with foot rests and massage systems.

# Individual DVD monitors for rear-seat passengers.

# Sensors for the climate control system that measure cabin temperature and body temperature of the occupants.

# Electric power steering.

# A hands-free parking system that will enable the car to pull itself into a parking space – a feature already offered by Toyota on some vehicles in Japan.

holy sh*t... 8 speed auto with 380hp, wonder if that is turbo powered 380hp or all engine.

it wont be turbo. 380hp is easily done NA

Kewl...Automatic parking would be interesting to see in action. Hope it isn't similar to the BRAKE Assist on the new S class.

i know it can be done. my gripe with it is v8 @ 380 is gonna not be very fuel efficient

seemingly toyota have been offering it as an option in japan for a while. interesting stuff.

i'm assuming it's a development of the classic 1UZ-FE which is commonly known as one the best motors around. economical, powerful and pretty much bulletproof. it's possible to get 2500hp of it it with many stock internals. no shit.


anyway, it's a flagship luxury sedan. fuel economy isn't as much of a concern as it is on a Prius hybrid.


lexus economy sidebar: they are moving to making the top trim level of each of their models a hybrid.

thats one hell of a sexy machine!