There are as of science fiction in the air

It fell asleep in the back of this Japanese limousine... Ah, the silence of a Lexus! It is a trademark of division luxury Toyota since birth, soon two decades ago. But the latest model we almost forget that you move. Believe that the spacecraft is electric. And yet, under the hood, it is the mighty: a V8 which figures give the Vertigo: 380 HP (such as a Porsche Carrera S) and an automatic transmission 8 (first of its kind).

Guaranteed triumph It must keep... the called LS 460 is a limousine and to sell good year year to 50 copies in France. Price (104,000 euros) and dimensions (more than 5 metres in length) the intended especially to American highways, where Lexus is a misfortune. Alone, the North American eats more than the three-fifths of the production of the mark each year; or almost 350,000 best.

Artificial intelligence

Pleased us. Especially the fans of technology and comfort. Half of his voluminous file of presentation refers to "first world" safety and driver assistance. An exhaustive enumeration of computer talents would not hold in our column. Take us in, therefore, to conduct the most spectacular effects. Starting with this wheel which rotates itself to follow the curves of the highway. Magic, especially if you have activated the cruise control (intelligent, it slows the car for obstacle).

It is lead... up to a point. If the angle of the curve increases or you reach an unreasonable speed, should return to the commands. The mark is to keep a hand on the steering wheel to "help" the car to turn permanently. Useful precision the car actually reads the white bands on the road; the system works and correctly on the highway, much less on national (where the ground signal is less rich).

Another prodigy: this camera which scans your eyes, or rather the attention you give to the road. At least drowsiness, automatic order a recall alert. Better, if the artificial intelligence detected the imminence of a crash (radar identified such an obstacle to the hood or coming... back!), then the LS 460 hinders itself (up to 0.7 g of deceleration, specialists include) and prepares the occupants to shock ("pre-load" of belts). There are as of science fiction in the air.

You will understand that on Board of such car, is preferred to relax that lead. The rear seats (seats in setting worthy of a business class) are sublime and provide access to a DVD screen installed in the ceiling which will make the shadow out of home-cinema.

Is the design, a little mastoc. The Japanese still seek talents of European artists. But all is not unpleasant, rather discreet and never hindered the career of the model, with this fourth generation, celebrates 17 years.

A last word on the finish. Exterior painting, the treatment of all tactile surfaces, the choice of leather or the adjustment of the lower command button border to perfection. So we dare to touch. But go without discomfort, it is solid!

Apart from a few heated brake pads and sometimes excessive consumption (up to 17 l driving active 12 l for civilized people), the passage between the hands of the flurry of automotive journalists invited to the birth of this Lexus is indeed led by tiny scratches. This, also, it is really good sign.