When it comes to the release of the Lexus LS 460 AWD version, this picture says it all:

As expected, the LS 460 AWD was introduced at the Moscow International Auto Show today, and the folks at Autoblog have a full photo gallery of the model. The only thing? That AWD badge in the photo above is the only discernible difference from regular version.

That said, here are the more technical particulars:

The LS 460’s outstanding performance, sure-footed dynamic abilities and advanced active safety systems have been further strengthened by the addition of permanent all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive system is a three differential configuration featuring a highly compact TORSEN® Limited Slip Differential (LSD) – shared with the LS 600h - which distributes drive torque between the front and rear axles with a 40:60 rear axle bias in torque distribution.

The LS 460 AWD will be on sale as from November.

It was only last week that we heard of Lexus' plans to release an All-Wheel Drive version of the LS 460/L, and now it's been confirmed for introduction at the Moscow International Motor Show:

The new model, to be sold along side the existing LS 460 and LS 460 L, features permanent all wheel drive system similar to the one found in the top-level LS 600h L. The AWD system uses three differentials and borrows the Torsen Limited Slip Differential from the LS 600h L to distribute power front and rear, for a 40/60 split.

The Moscow show opens August 28th (meaning more photos), with the LS 460/L AWD available to dealerships sometime during November.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Brandstudio, a Russian design firm, has been creating some wonderful websites for Lexus Russia, where each model has a separate Internet presence. Their latest work, for the GS 450h, is a incredibly interactive experience, though slightly confusing if you lack understanding of the Russian language.

Still, with the extensive use of video, and a very innovative interface, it's fun to poke around and try and make sense of it all.

The other Lexus Russia websites by Brandstudio are brilliant as well, there's one for the RX 350, and another for the IS.

[Via: The FWA]

Two GS Donut videos in one day? Seriously?

This second video continues on the grand tradition of Russian Lexus Destruction, only this time there's blood and exploding rubber:

For the life of me, I don't understand why the cameraman inside the car didn't pull back when he started seeing sparks. Crazy Russians!

If you're adverse to automotive violence, best avert your eyes, as this guy has some serious pedestrian rage:

As is the nature of this type of video, I'm left with more questions than answers:

• What was that all about?
• Where did he get the steel pipe?
• What is it with Russia and destroying Lexus'?

The transport of vehicles worldwide is not without its casualties, as this RX had to learn the hard way:

You can see more photos of the destruction over at English Russia, if you're feeling particularly sadistic.

Update:

The full story has appeared in English Russia's comments section:

Ten new Toyota vehicles with a value of over 165,000 euros were destroyed by the Federal Customs Service. The reason for the destruction was lodged in the Central Excise office of company Toyota Motor, which indicated a significant mechanical damage the vehicles caused by car accidents, in which they were transported. By the standards of vehicles not subject to rehabilitation, and the producer felt economically viable state regime destruction. The destruction, the regime under which foreign goods are destroyed under Customs control without paying customs duties and taxes and applying any prohibitions and restrictions economic established in accordance with Russian legislation on regulation.

Basically, it was cheaper to destroy the car than fix it.