2013 Lexus LS F Sport
Power: 386 hp, 347 lb-ft.
Engine: 4.6L V8
Fuel Consumption: 16 city/23 highway
Price Driven: $84,885
In 2002 R. Kelly and Jay-Z attempted to cash in on their top-of-the-heap status in hip-hop and R&B with the boldly titled
Best of Both Worlds. Despite lukewarm reviews, the record debuted at #2 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and prompted an (ill-fated) arena tour. Still, the project wasn't a bona fide success, prompting an eternal question: Can one product really deliver a perfect blend to two distinct things?
One might expect the hip-hop to provide the sporty punch and the R&B the comfort in car analogy. Except, with the
Lexus LS 460 F Sport, it's flipped. Jay-Z's populist stylings figure into the core of the car, whereas Kelly's unrestrained libido best articulate the hidden aspirations.
Detailing the two sides of the 2013 Lexus range is a common theme. The
all-new GS functions as a proper driver's car—and sells the brand's fresh muscular stance. The
ES, in contrast, retains some of its traditional entry-level luxury while managing to steal just enough of the GS' powerful fun. The Lexus flagship, the LS, should logically then serve to best articulate the Japanese automakers new positioning. But does it work?