I am wondering what the point of an 8 speed transmission in a luxury sedan would be?

Lexus revealed the all-new 2007 LS 460 & the company is first-ever long-wheelbase model, the LS 460L, today at a press conference at the 2006 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Seventeen years after its initial launch in Detroit, the redesigned LS now combines ''new levels of performance, sophistication, contemporary styling & luxurThe Lexus LS 460 was designed to expand the definition of the full-size luxury sedan,'' said Jim Press, Toyota Motor Sales president & COO. ''The new LS is the product of an advanced production process developed specifically for this vehicle with remarkable new levels of accuracy, refinement, precision & craftsmanship. Considering our record for quality over the last 17 years, that is quite a statement,'' he added.



High Output V8, World is First Eight-Speed Transmission



The LS will be powered by an all-new highly advanced 4.6-liter V8 engine that will produce approximately 380 horsepower & 370 pound-feet of torque. Combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission, a world-first, the LS 460 will travel from zero-to-sixty miles per hour in less than 5.5 seconds. With that level of performance, the new LS will achieve an estimated combined city/highway mileage in the mid-20s. Lexus is targeting an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle I l (ULEV II) rating for the LS 460.



The new LS is built on a sophisticated platform that maintains a delicate balance between ride comfort & responsive handling. The completely redesigned multilink suspension system includes an electronic power steering system & a next-generation Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system.



VDIM is an advanced stability system that integrates & manages a new Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB) system, Electronic Power Steering (EPS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Antilock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) & engine torque via the electronically controlled throttle.



Monitoring a variety of sensors, the system is designed to anticipate the onset of a vehicle skid or slide & then help correct the situation with a combination of braking, throttle & steering control in a way that is essentially transparent to the driver. Data is gathered from more sources & processed earlier & faster than in previous designs, helping to make VDIM less obtrusive & even more effective.



First Long-Wheelbase Sedan



At nearly 203 inches, the long-wheelbase LS 460L provides an even higher level of comfort & convenience features along with some of the most advanced technology ever offered in a production automobile. The four-passenger compartment of the LS 460L transports its rear-seat passengers in an environment whose luxury features closely resemble those of a private jet.



Intelligent technology & emotionally evocative design is clearly evident throughout the beautifully appointed cabin of the new LS sedans. Extra luxury & comfort touches include a heated steering wheel & seats swathed in one of four tones of semi-aniline leathers matched to one of three coordinating wood-grain trims.



Rear occupants can relax & enjoy power reclining seats equipped with power leg rests & even a massage feature. The new LS even offers body-heat sensors that help maintain the perfect temperature for all occupants. A fold-away table matched to the interior wood grain provides ample work space for rear passengers. The LS also features a nine-inch headliner-mounted rear-screen monitor along with an all-new 19-speaker Mark Levinson® audio system that provides a true theater-level entertainment experience. Additional luxury convenience features include a power rear-door closer & an automatic-powered opening/closing trunk lid.



New Lexus Design Direction



Over the last two years, Lexus has developed a new styling philosophy that it calls L-finesse. This new design language rests upon the inherent contrast between simplicity & elegance-and the beauty of achieving a balance between the two. Simplicity, in form & function, reflects styling that is uncluttered & void of extraneous elements. Lexus elegance, inside & out, avoids exaggeration by prioritizing understated luxury that is intriguing, subtle, seamless & slightly surprising.



Lexus imbued the development of the 2006 GS & IS series sport sedans with this new styling direction. Now the LS further expands the L-finesse visual philosophy, revealing a family resemblance in the new Lexus sedans-one that conveys elegance, refinement & a strong emotional appeal.



''During the next few months, we will provide more details about the all-new Lexus LS 460 as we prepare to launch this highly anticipated sedan,'' said Press. ''If u like the way the LS looks, u will be even more impressed when u hear about its advanced safety & innovative technology,'' he added.



The 2007 Lexus LS 460 & LS 460L r targeted for sale beginning in the fall of 2006.

The advantage is, it can move it is enormous weight very fast.
Also by having 8 gears the change between them is less rpm is so the change is much smoother.
It also gives the car move gear selection, so that it can change to the most economical for the current driving conditions.

By having more gears to chose from, this allows the engine to run in it is peak torque range. This is the most efficient place for an engine to run and will produce better fuel economy plus better acceleration. Compare it to an 18-speed bicycle, more gears lets you ride more efficiently.

Personally, l think an eight-speed is overkill, as the cost and complexity will probably outweigh the benefits.

It might be overkill but the basic idea of gears is to allow the engine to spin at the best rpm. Having more gears allows for better acceleration & better fuel economy. It was only a matter of time until someone went with 8. Theoretically, the best solution would allow an engine to always be at either peak power or the lowest rpm, & even an 8 speed transmission requires the engine to change rpm. CVTs or constantly variable transmissions offer infinite variability & allow the engine to stay in a very narrow rev range which should allow the best economy & performance but r not yet perfected & r still gaining acceptance.

My answer is the same as Aaron's, so l can save some keyboard wear here.