Lexus LS

Lexus LS
2007 Lexus LS 460 L
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota Motor Corporation
Production	1989–present
Assembly	Tahara, Aichi, Japan
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size luxury car
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Platform	S-Series
Related	Toyota Crown Toyota Celsior (until 2006)

The Lexus LS is a full-size luxury sedan that serves as the flagship of Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota. The LS is recognized as having one of the quietest automobile cabins in the world and is regarded as one of the most reliable vehicles ever built. Since Lexus' debut in 1989, four generations of the V8-powered, rear wheel drive Lexus LS have been produced. The fourth generation LS Series, launched in 2006, now includes a long wheelbase model along with an all-wheel drive hybrid version.

Lexus LS history

An early Lexus LS design sketch.

In August 1983, Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda initiated the F1 project ("Flagship" and "No. 1 vehicle"; alternatively called the "Circle-F" project), a top secret effort aimed at producing a world-class luxury sedan. Unlike past Toyota efforts, the F1 project was not bound by a specific budget or time constraints. It also did not utilize existing Toyota vehicle platforms or parts. Instead, chief engineer Ichiro Suzuki sought to develop an all-new design that would surpass existing flagship luxury sedans. Specific targets included: a more aerodynamic exterior, quieter cabin, smoother ride, and more fuel-efficient design versus American and European rivals.

To achieve their ambitious goals, F1 engineers produced new concepts and part designs, resulting in hundreds of patent applications. Their final design would have among the lowest drag coefficients of any production vehicle (Cd 0.29), record a quiet 58 dB of cabin noise at cruising speed (62 mph), and exhibit lower levels of vibration than rival sedans. The F1 design's 4.0L V8 engine produced 250 hp, had a maximum speed of 155 mph, and avoided the U.S. gas-guzzler tax.

File:LS first gen testing.jpg

Extreme weather testing for prototypes of what would become the Lexus LS 400 included cold weather terrain.

Over a period of five years, a team of over 3,900 engineers, technicians, and other F1 personnel built some 450 flagship prototypes. These vehicles were driven over a total of 4.3 million kilometers on testing locations ranging from the autobahn in Germany, deserts in Arizona, Australia, and Saudi Arabia, to U.S. highways and wilderness areas. To ensure quality, more precise manufacturing standards were developed to produce higher levels of fit and finish in the new sedan. Toyota's Tahara plant, a highly automated facility, was selected as the site of production. Materials selection tests examined multiple types of leather and scrutinized 24 different kinds of wood for use in the passenger cabin. Total costs for the project exceeded $1 billion.

By 1986, Toyota executives had decided to form a new luxury division, Lexus, to support the launch of their flagship sedan. The final design of the resulting Lexus LS 400 (UCF10) was approved in 1987, and the vehicle premiered at U.S. and international auto shows in 1989. Although the LS 400 was initially intended to launch as a standalone model for Lexus, it was ultimately sold alongside the ES 250, an entry-level luxury car based on the Toyota Camry. The first Lexus dealerships in the U.S. began sales of the Lexus LS and its stablemate in September 1989. Sales in Australia, Canada, and Europe began in 1990. In Japan, where Lexus was not established, the flagship sedan was sold as the Toyota Celsior.

The third generation LS 430 model debuted for the 2001 model year.

In its first four months on sale, the Lexus LS 400 exceeded Lexus' forecasts, with 11,574 models sold in the U.S. By 1991, on the strength of the LS' sales success, Lexus became the top-selling luxury import in the United States. The LS regularly outsold its rivals, becoming the top-selling luxury flagship vehicle in the U.S.—a title it achieved 15 out of the first 17 years since its debut. In 1995, Lexus unveiled the redesigned, second generation LS 400 (UCF20), featuring a longer wheelbase with similar styling and specifications as the original model. The third generation LS 430 (UCF30) premiered in 2001, introducing a new body design and a host of new interior and technological features. In 2006, Lexus debuted in the Japanese market, signaling the end of Toyota Celsior sales. From that point forward, the LS was exclusively sold under the Lexus nameplate in every available market.

The Lexus LF-Sh hybrid concept debuted in late 2005.

The fourth generation LS (USF40 / USF41) premiered as a hybrid concept car, the LF-Sh, in Fall 2005, and the LS Series was formally revealed at the North American International Auto Show in January 2006. For the first time, the Lexus LS was offered in both standard and long wheelbase versions. Innovations on the latest LS sedans included the world's first eight-speed automatic transmission, real-time traffic updates, automatic parallel/reverse parking, and more luxury features than on previous models. The LS Series of luxury flagship sedans went on sale worldwide in late 2006, furthering Lexus' efforts to establish itself as a global luxury brand. All LS sedans continue to be exclusively produced at the Tahara, Japan plant, which has since been awarded as the best automobile manufacturing plant in the world for quality.

First generation (UCF10)

LS 400 (UCF10)
Overview
Production	1989–1994
Powertrain
Engine	4.0 L 1UZ-FE V8
Transmission	4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	110.8 in (2814 mm)
Length	196.7 in (4996 mm)
Width	72.0 in (1829 mm)
Height	55.7 in (1415 mm) (UCF10 I) 55.3 in (1405 mm) (UCF10 II)
Curb weight	3759 lb (1708 kg) (UCF10 I) 3858 lb (1750 kg) (UCF10 II)

UCF10 I (1989)

The UCF10 I LS 400, the first flagship of the Lexus line, debuted at the North American International Auto Show in January 1989. Designed to compete head-to-head with the luxury flagships of the leading auto manufacturers, the first generation LS was equipped with a 4.0L V8 engine, rear-wheel drive, and a leather-trimmed interior. The five-passenger cabin featured California Walnut accents, power-adjustable memory seats, soft-touch controls, electroluminescent Optitron gauges, and an available Nakamichi customized premium sound system. The LS 400 was among the first luxury sedans to feature digital A/C readouts, power adjustable shoulder belts, front seat heaters, an electrochromic rear-view mirror, and auto-off headlamps. An automatic tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel was also standard, and an air suspension which could be used to raise or lower the vehicle was an optional feature. An integrated cellular telephone with hands-free capability was offered. The LS 400's 4.0L V8 engine could propel the vehicle from 0-60 in 8.2 seconds, and the vehicle had a top speed of 149.1 mph.

The LS 400 introduced the Lexus nameplate to the U.S. and worldwide markets, and won critical acclaim from the press. Wheels magazine named the LS 400 its Car of the Year and Car and Driver magazine named it to its Ten Best list for 1990. In a December 1989 comparison test, Car and Driver magazine rated the LS 400 the best flagship luxury sedan over competing vehicles from Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Infiniti, Jaguar, and Mercedes-Benz. The reviewers found the LS 400 superior in comfort, engine performance, ergonomics, ride quality, styling, and overall value.

Several years after its debut, Automobile Magazine named the first generation LS one of the 24 Most Important Vehicles of the 20th Century, in recognition of the impact the vehicle had on the luxury market and the automotive industry at large.

The base price for the U.S. market first generation LS 400 in 1989/1990 was $35,000 ($54,600 in 2005 dollars) with an additional $350 destination charge in California. This initial base price undercut competitors by thousands of dollars, providing the LS 400 with a value incentive as it launched in the luxury flagship sedan market.

UCF10 II (1993)

UCF10 II LS 400.

For the 1993 model year, the LS 400 (now designated as the UCF10 II) was introduced with larger brake rotors, standard passenger's side front airbags, larger wheels and tires, additional body side moldings, a revised grille, selection of colors, and numerous other upgrades. Adjustments were made to the vehicle's suspension and power steering system to improve performance. In the interior, an external temperature gauge, new digital odometer, and seatbelt pre-tensioners were added; the air conditioning system now used CFC-free refrigerant. Overall, the LS 400 received more than 50 changes, largely in response to customer and dealer requests. These changes added to a number of existing improvements that were made to UCF10 I models in preceding years, including added convenience and performance features.

By 1994, the LS 400's base price in the U.S. exceeded $50,000 ($63,000 in 2005 dollars), a figure that had steadily risen since the first generation vehicle's introduction. Customer demand for the vehicle and shifts in foreign exchange rates contributed to the increase in price. During its production run, the first generation LS sold between 21,000 and 42,000 units annually, helping make Lexus the top-selling luxury import in the U.S.

Second generation (UCF20)

LS 400 (UCF20)
LS 400(UCF20)
Overview
Production	1995–2000
Powertrain
Engine	4.0 L 1UZ-FE V8
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic (UCF20 II)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	112.2 in (2850 mm)
Length	196.7 in (4996 mm)
Width	72 in (1829 mm)
Height	55.7 in (1414 mm) (UCF20) 56.5 in (1435 mm) (UCF20 II)
Curb weight	3650 lb (1659 kg) (UCF20) 3890 lb (1764 kg) (UCF20 II)

UCF20 I (1995)

A redesigned second generation LS 400 (UCF20) was introduced in 1995. Viewed from the exterior, the UCF20 strongly resembled its predecessor, with the overall design retaining the general profile and contours of the original LS 400. The wheelbase was increased by 1.4 in, resulting in more interior space and a slight reduction in trunk capacity, yet the overall length of the car remained the same. Even with similar dimensions, internally over ninety percent of the LS 400's components were completely new or redesigned for the new model. The upgraded 4.0L V8 engine gave the UCF20 more power and torque than the original. The body design, developed by the Calty Design Research center in the U.S., was more aerodynamic (Cd 0.28) than the preceding model. The UCF20 also featured increased sound insulation, a strengthened body structure, and suspension upgrades. The brake system was improved as well, with the front brakes changed to a larger, more capable design.

The interior also received a redesign with a more modern dashboard layout and the center console receiving a slight facelift. Rear seat legroom was increased by 2.6 in. Additional storage spaces, rear cupholders, and dual-zone climate control were included in the UCF20 cabin. An available in-dash CD changer was among the world's first.

UCF20 II (1998)

UCF20 II LS 400.

For the 1998 model year, the UCF20 II LS 400 was introduced. The exterior sported a new front fascia (with an increased gap between the headlights and grille), revised headlights (with a HID option), slightly refined tail lights and reshaped side mirrors that reduced the amount of wind noise. The headlights were also equipped with a programmable delay feature that allowed them to remain illuminated as the occupants exited the vehicle or while any door was left open or ajar. Window and sunroof controls were also added to the remote control. Five spoke alloy wheels rounded out it's freshened appearance.

New interior amenities included retractable rear headrests, additional wood accents on the steering wheel and gear selector, and a GPS-linked, CD-based navigation system with a concealed antenna. The Homelink wireless control system and trip computer modernized the cabin. Adaptive cruise control was an option.

New safety features included a window jam protection system to reduce the risk of possible injury. This prevented the windows from closing if an object came in between the window and the door frame. Lexus' Vehicle Skid Control, a new stability control system, was a standard safety feature along with Traction Control. Front side air bags were now standard.

The UCF20 II featured Toyota's new 290 hp VVT-i 1UZ engine mated with a five-speed automatic transmission. These drivetrain improvements allowed acceleration from 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds while delivering an additional 30 ft-lbs. of torque. Fuel economy increased to 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway. Base pricing for the UCF20 in the U.S. increased slightly from $51,680 at its 1995 debut to around $54,000 for the 1998 revised model.

Third generation (UCF30)

LS 430 (UCF30)
2002 Lexus LS 430 2002 Lexus LS 430
Overview
Production	2001–2006
Powertrain
Engine	4.3 L 3UZ-FE V8
Transmission	5-speed automatic 6-speed automatic (UCF30 II)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	115.2 in (2926 mm)
Length	197.4 in (5014 mm)
Width	72.0 in (1829 mm)
Height	57.9 in (1471 mm) (UCF30 I) 58.7 in (1491 mm) (UCF30 II) 57.7/57.9 in (I/II) (air suspension)
Curb weight	3995 lb (1812 kg) (UCF30 I) 3990 lb (1810 kg) (UCF30 II)

UCF30 I (2001)

For 2001, the UCF30 I LS 430 was introduced. While previous LS redesigns were evolutionary, the 2001 update was a more thorough revision of the model's exterior and interior. The UCF30 had a completely redesigned suspension and a brand new 4.3 L engine generating 290 hp (216 kW) and 320 ft•lbf (434 N•m) of torque. Lexus claimed that the LS 430 could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The engine electronics featured new "torque-activated" powertrain control, which made throttle adjustments based on vehicle speed, engine rpm, and pedal position. A three-inch wheelbase stretch resulted in more interior volume than the competing Mercedes-Benz S-Class and allowed the engine to be positioned farther rearward for better balance. Features such as Dynamic Laser Cruise Control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a DVD-based navigation system, power door and trunk closers, and heated and cooled seats were available. These and other features, such as sonar-enabled Lexus Park Assist, semi-aniline leather, power reclining rear seats with massage, and a rear cooler were offered in the Ultra Luxury package.

In the interior, the most notable design changes included additional woodgrain trim on the dashboard and doors as well as the addition of an LCD touchscreen on the center console. New features included enlarged twin glove boxes, automatic oscillating air conditioning vents, additional storage drawers, and the optional Mark Levinson customized premium sound system. The driver's seat added dual lumbar controls and an adjustable cushion length feature for added thigh support. In the center console, a storage drawer was added, and the CD slot accessed behind a wooden panel. Full front and rear side curtain airbags provided additional cabin protection.

The exterior of the vehicle was completely new with the vehicle's dimensions increasing in terms of length and height. The restyled exterior was more aerodynamic than before (Cd 0.26; 0.25 with air suspension, making it one of the most aerodynamic sedans available), with the fenders, mirrors, and undercarriage designed for lower wind resistance. Some automotive critics praised the new design as being significantly different from previous generations, while others criticized a perceived resemblance to the earlier Mercedes-Benz W220 S-Class, largely because of headlight styling. Improved production standards achieved body panel measurements within 0.001 mm for the LS 430, ten times more precise than the previous generation.

In its first year of sales, the third generation Lexus LS again became the top-selling prestige vehicle in the U.S. with 31,473 units sold. The following years continued the LS 430's successful sales trend.

UCF30 II (2004)

UCF30 II LS 430.

The UCF30 II was introduced in 2004. Lexus freshened the front and rear fascias and added as standard equipment previously optional features, such as a one-touch power moonroof, power rear sunshade, and lighted rear-seat vanity mirrors. Some features previously included in the Custom and Ultra Luxury packages became available as individual options. The twin glove boxes were replaced by a single, two-shelf glove box. The transmission received an added sixth gear, Bluetooth technology became available, and the Lexus Pre-Collision System, similar to Mercedes-Benz's Pre-Safe, which used millimeter-wavelength radar to predict crashes and allow distance-aware cruise control, was added as an option.

Additional standard features included new knee airbags and the Adaptive Front Lighting System, which swiveled headlamps in the direction of vehicle turns. The keyless Lexus SmartAccess system became an option; with this system, the car could detect the key fob in the owner's pocket and unlock the doors by touch. Individual key fobs could also be programmed with driver memory settings, allowing the vehicle to prepare the cabin on the approach of a specific driver.

Ultra Luxury rear seat controls.

Updates in the UCF30 II LS 430 further included different wheels, projector headlamps, the improved Lexus Generation IV Navigation System, and LED taillights. Customers were offered the choice of Bird's Eye Maple, California Walnut, or Antique Walnut wood accents. Additional new leather choices included cashmere, ash, ecru and saddle (replacing ecru nappa and bordeaux); satellite radio became an option.

The 2001-2006 LS 430 was the most reliable luxury sedan in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey, and the early and late models of this series were the most reliable cars in the survey. In later studies of defects after 3 years of ownership, the LS 430 is also at the top of the pack, with the average vehicle exhibiting few or no problems. On the strength of its reliability and overall quality, Consumer Reports in 2004 and 2005 named the LS 430 as the "Best Car We Ever Tested," highlighting its top-ranked overall score in independent testing, favorable customer reviews, and high ratings in predicted reliability, predicted depreciation, owner satisfaction, accident avoidance, crash protection, and fuel economy.

Pricing for LS 430 in the U.S. market ranged upwards from the 2004 base price of $55,750 to the over-$70,000 range when equipped with the Ultra Luxury package and other options. Most vehicles came equipped with one or more options packages, reflecting popular demand for additional comfort and convenience features.

Fourth generation (USF40 / USF41)

LS 460 / LS 460 L (USF40 / USF41)
Overview
Production	2007–present
Powertrain
Engine	4.6 L 1UR-FSE V8
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	SWB - 116.9 in (2969 mm) LWB - 121.7 in (3091 mm)
Length	SWB - 198 in (5029 mm) LWB - 202.8 in (5151 mm)
Width	73.8 in (1875 mm)
Height	58.1 in (1476 mm) 57.7 in (1466 mm) (air suspension)
Curb weight	4244 lb (1925 kg) (USF40) 4332 lb (1964 kg) (USF41)

USF40 / USF41 (2007)

Introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, the redesigned 2007 LS is the first Lexus model offered in both standard and long wheelbase versions. The LS 460 (USF40) uses the standard 116.9 in. (2969 mm) wheelbase, while the LS 460 L (USF41) features a stretched 121.7 in. (3091 mm) wheelbase. Based on the LF-Sh concept vehicle and using an all-new platform, the LS 460 and LS 460 L feature a new 4.6 L V8 producing 380 hp (283 kW) and 367 ft•lbf (498 N•m) of torque. The new LS also contains the world's first 8-speed automatic transmission. The car's complex electronic and safety systems were shown in further detail at the Geneva Motor Show in February 2006, while an all-wheel drive hybrid version, the LS 600h L, made its debut at the New York Auto Show in April 2006. A standard wheelbase hybrid model, the LS 600h, will be available in Japan and Europe, and all-wheel drive versions of the non-hybrid LS 460 are also expected. Lexus refers to the multiple variants of the 2007 LS design as the new LS Series.

The LS Series is the first generation of the LS to receive the styling cues of Lexus' new design direction, L-Finesse. Hallmarks of this design include sweeping lines, a grille set slightly below the level of the headlamps, and a sleek overall profile. Additional details of the design include headlamps inspired by Baccarat crystal, chrome exhaust vents integrated into the rear bumper, and "L"/"S" curve shapes.

High-tech options on the LS Series include a 19-speaker Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound System with a 30 GB hard drive (including space for 2,000 songs), HDD navigation system with XM NavTraffic and dynamic rerouting (for the U.S., and a similar system in Japan), Bluetooth, Lexus Intuitive Park Assist (a sonar based alert and guidance system), and a backup camera. The Dual-Swivel Adaptive Front Lighting System, SmartAccess with push-button start, electroluminescent Optitron instrument panel with thin-film transistor multi-information display, auxiliary mp3 player input, and a direct-type 5-position Tire Pressure Monitoring System are standard. A 24-hour concierge/emergency aid service, Lexus Link, is offered in North America.

One notable technological feature of the new LS Series is the Advanced Parking Guidance System, which can parallel-park or reverse-park the car into a preselected space with minimal brake input at the push of a button. This system is claimed to be the world's first applied in luxury cars. Other new technological features include Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which can accelerate and brake while monitoring traffic, a Brake Hold button, which prevents creeping forward motion when the driver's foot is off the brake pedal, and the Automatic Parking Brake, which can engage the parking brake simultaneously whenever the transmission is shifted to Park.

Executive Class rear seats.

Comfort and convenience features on the new LS include front and rear heated/cooled seats, a 16-way adjustable driver seat, up to five powered rear sunshades, power reclining memory rear seats, a rear cool box for storage of cold drinks, and multiple climate control systems, including ceiling air diffusers, air purification systems, and four-zone climate control with infrared body temperature sensors. A special-order Executive Class Four-Seat Package on long wheelbase LS models features a rear seat DVD entertainment system with ceiling fold-down LCD screen, fixed center console with a swivel tray table, passenger-side rear seat with ottoman, and the Rear Seat Relaxation System, which offers shiatsu or shoulder massages.

In Europe and Asia, the Rear Seat Upgrade Package for the LS 460 includes all of the Executive package features save the ottoman and fixed console. Japanese market LS sedans also include MiniDisc compatibility, television reception, onboard security surveillance cameras, remote cellphone access to vehicle systems, and G-Link, a 24-hour concierge/emergency aid service (similar to the U.S. Lexus Link). An ionic air purifier is available internationally. Additional individual and package options are available across the entire range of the LS Series.

Safety features on the LS Series include multiple airbags, standard stability/traction control systems (with disable button), anti-lock brakes, and additional emergency assist features. Newly developed safety features making their world premiere on the LS Series include the Driver Monitoring System and the Front and Rear Pre-Crash capabilities of the Lexus Pre-Collision System (see following). These systems include facial recognition, infrared night-vision, and pedestrian detection capabilities.

Global launch

The 2007 LS Series went on sale in Japan on September 19, 2006. It was the first time the car was sold under the Lexus marque in Japan, and marked the next phase of Lexus' launch as a global luxury brand. The LS Series arrived for sale in the United States on October 20, 2006. Sales of the LS 460 began in Europe in late 2006. In early 2007, the LS Series reached the Middle East and other Asian countries. The LS Series will be offered in Australia by mid-2007.

File:Oprah Lexus.jpg

The Advanced Parking Guidance System on "Oprah."

The fourth generation LS received significant media attention at its global launch. Automobile Magazine called the LS Series "a new benchmark for the category" of luxury flagship sedans. Edmunds.com described the standard wheelbase model (which carries a U.S. base price of $61,000) as having an interior of "perfection" while "not yet" an equal to its rivals in driving dynamics, and later praised the LS 460 L for its performance, "beautifully controlled" air suspension, "phenomenal" powertrain, and build quality. The Advanced Parking Guidance System was featured on news programs such as ABC's World News with Charles Gibson in the U.S., international cable news networks, popular talk shows such as The Oprah Winfrey Show, and numerous print publications and automotive news sites around the world.

One year after its press debut, the LS Series was named 2007 Car of the Year and Luxury Car of the Year at the 2007 North American International Auto Show's International Car of the Year (ICOTY) awards, selected by industry leaders and media. In November 2006, the LS Series was named 2006-2007 Car of the Year Japan, marking the second occasion the LS line had received this prestigious honor (the first generation UCF10 also received the award at Lexus' debut in 1989). The technology and safety features of the LS Series also received multiple awards in North America, Europe, and elsewhere internationally.

LS 460 L

The long wheelbase LS 460 L.

The long wheelbase LS 460 L, the ultra-luxury version of the latest Lexus LS, was the centerpiece of the LS Series debut at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. The LS 460 L sports an added 4.8 inches of length, affording rear-seat passengers additional legroom and overall space, and adds more luxury and performance features. Exterior-wise, the LS 460 L has a similar profile as the LS 460, with identical overhangs in both front and rear; the rear passenger doors are noticeably longer in the stretched model. Standard features on the LS 460 L include power open/close trunk, a heated steering wheel, backup camera, navigation system, XM NavTraffic with real-time traffic updates in the U.S., and Bluetooth compatability. Performance features exclusive to the long wheelbase model include Variable Gear Ratio Steering and the Adaptive Variable Air Suspension. In the U.S., these systems are featured on Touring Package-equipped vehicles. Compared to the standard wheelbase LS 460, the LS 460 L adds up to 250 lbs. of weight while matching the 0-60 acceleration of its lighter stablemate, listed at 5.4 seconds.

The LS 460 L is the first long wheelbase model for Lexus. The introduction of the "L" version matches the stretched wheelbase offerings of European competitors. With the added space in the rear compartment, the Executive Class Four-Seat Package, featuring massaging passenger-side seat with ottoman and other features (see previous), is offered as a special order option. This package, available in North American, Asian, and Middle Eastern markets, is geared towards typically chauffered customers who use the rear seat for work and relaxation. In the U.S., the optional Luxury Package for the five-passenger LS 460 L includes a semi-aniline leather interior, heated/cooled power memory rear seats, and power headrests. The long wheelbase Rear-Seat Upgrade Package adds four-zone climate control with air filter, rear seat air purifier and audio controls, a cool box, and five power sunshades. Other options include a headliner made out of ecsaine, a suede-like material used by couturier Yves Saint-Laurent (optioned in some Lexus markets as alcantara), headlamp washers, and larger 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels that are exclusive to the long wheelbase model.

The U.S. base price for the 2007 LS 460 L is $71,000. However, most models are sold with several options packages; from 2006-2007, the average price paid for a LS 460 L in the U.S. was $81,988.

LS 600h / LS 600h L

LS 600h L hybrid sedan.

Lexus introduced the LS 600h L, the world's first V8-powered full hybrid, at the 2006 New York Auto Show. Introduced in long wheelbase form (but to be made available in standard wheelbase form outside the U.S.), the LS 600h L uses a 5.0 L V8 engine mated to a high-output electric motor with Nickel-Metal Hydride battery packs to generate over 440 hp (328 kW). This output is comparable to V12 sedans such as the BMW 760Li, which produces 438 hp (327 kW). The LS 600h L will be available with an all-wheel drive system and a two-stage continuously variable (CVT) transmission. The LS 600h L is positioned as the halo vehicle of the LS Series, and is equipped with the highest levels of ultra-luxury features ever offered on the Lexus flagship. Lexus claims the LS hybrid is the most technologically advanced vehicle in the world, and predicts that the vehicle will be certified as a SULEV vehicle. Because of the silent nature of its hybrid design, the LS hybrid may be the quietest sedan in the world. More details such as curb weight, price (speculated to be in the region of $100,000) are yet to be released. The standard wheelbase hybrid LS model, the LS 600h, was unveiled in Japan in April 2006.

The LS 600h and LS 600h L contain a number of features which are exclusive to the LS hybrid sedans, including one of the world's first LED headlight systems, a leather-trimmed dash, two-tone interior designs, additional wood trim on overhead door-assist handles and the gear shifter, and unique exterior colors (including hybrid-specific Truffle Mica and Black Opal colors). Differently-hued trunk "600h" and side chrome "hybrid" badges are also unique to the LS hybrids, along with blue highlights to the Lexus emblem, headlamps, and taillamps. The air suspension is available with the optional Active Stabilizer Control system. Several advanced Lexus safety systems will make their debut on the LS hybrid (see following). The cabin features Multi-Zone Climate Control with infrared sensors monitoring eight zones and passenger body temperatures. The standard SmartAccess key fob can also be substituted with a SmartAccess wallet-sized "smart card"; at just 3.35 millimeters thick, the "smart card" is the world's thinnest automobile smart key.

For 2007, Lexus announced the LS 600h L Launch Edition for the first 100 LS hybrids in the U.S. Available only through the Neiman Marcus catalog for InCircle members, the Launch Edition is offered in Truffle Mica, with an Alabaster interior, individual badging, 19-inch hybrid alloy wheels, and a set of Italian luggage. By March 2007, the initial allocation of LS hybrids in the U.S. was nearly sold out, with 1,850 preorders placed months before debut.

Advanced safety systems

The LS Series incorporates multiple active and passive safety features, including several systems which are being implemented for the first time on production vehicles. The application of these features depends on the wheelbase type and regionally available options packages. The comprehensive active safety feature on the LS Series, the Lexus Pre-Collision System (PCS), utilizes front and rear millimeter-wavelength radar, stereo cameras, and infrared night vision projectors to prevent accidents. PCS includes an obstacle detection and warning system, and features the available Driver Monitoring and Lane Keeping Assist systems, Emergency Steering Assist, and the frontal and rear Pre-Crash response systems. The obstacle detection and warning system on the LS includes the world's first automotive implementation of an image processing chip capable of identifying vehicles, pedestrians, and lane markers in real time.

The Lexus Driver Monitoring System.

The Driver Monitoring System is the world's first to use a facial recognition camera (placed on the steering column) to track driver attentiveness. Using infrared LED detectors, the Driver Monitoring System will respond if the driver's head has moved more than 15 degrees to the side for longer than 15 seconds. If that occurs, a warning alarm will sound followed by a brief automatic application of the braking system. In the U.S. market, the Driver Monitoring System is scheduled to first debut on the LS 600h L sedan, coinciding with the introduction of the obstacle detection and warning system.

The Lane Keeping Assist system features two main components, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keep (LK). When activated, the LDW system will issue an audiovisual warning and apply a brief corrective steering response if it detects the LS veering out of its lane. The LK system can only be activated when the Adaptive Cruise Control is engaged. If it detects the LS veering out of its lane, LK will actively provide steering inputs to return the vehicle to the proper lane.

All LS sedans feature Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) as standard. VDIM is a stability/traction control system which incorporates electrically controlled braking, electric brake force distribution, Vehicle Stability Control, and also the available Adaptive Variable Suspension and Variable Gear Ratio Steering systems. VDIM integrates these systems to improve vehicle responsiveness to driver input and prevent loss of control.

In sudden maneuvers, the Emergency Steering Assist system acts to minimize body roll and improve vehicle responsiveness. Emergency Steering Assist utilizes the Variable Gear Ratio Steering actuator to reduce the steering gear ratio, and prompts the Adaptive Variable Suspension to adopt stiffer settings. These actions help make emergency maneuvers more stable and controlled.

The frontal Pre-Crash system is programmed with a sequence of response capabilities. If a potential hazard is detected in the vehicle's path, the obstacle detection system will activate a warning buzzer and red dash lights, alerting the driver. If the system detects a potential collision, Pre-Crash Brake Assist and Emergency Steering Assist will activate, increasing effectiveness in emergency maneuvers and stopping. If a collision is detected to be unavoidable, the Pre-Crash Seatbelt pretensioners will activate, and the brakes will automatically engage to slow the vehicle. In the U.S. market, the frontal Pre-Crash system is the primary feature of the Lexus Pre-Collision System available on the LS 460 and LS 460 L.

LS 460 Pre-Crash Intelligent Headrest system.

The rear Pre-Crash system is the world's first active rear collision safety system. It operates using a similar sequence of response capabilities as the frontal Pre-Crash system, and also utilizes the LS obstacle detection and warning systems. If a rear collision is deemed unavoidable, sensor-equipped Pre-Crash Intelligent Headrests in the front seats will adjust position upwards (up to 60 mm) and forwards (up to 25 mm) to cradle the head during impact. This system reduces the risk of whiplash.

Passive safety systems include eight standard airbags, passenger detection systems, front and rear crumple zones, three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, and a reinforced steel body. Dual-stage driver and twin-chambered front passenger airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, front knee airbags, and Thorax-Abdomen-Pelvis (TAP) airbags are installed on the LS Series. On vehicles with specific rear seat packages, up to eleven airbags are installed. Additional standard active safety features on the LS Series include electronically controlled braking (ECB), anti-lock brakes (ABS), and traction control (TRAC).

In specific countries, different safety features are available depending on the national safety regulations and liability standards. In the U.S., the inclusion of the rear Pre-Crash system is pending FCC regulatory approval.

USF40 / USF41 variants

• LS Series 4.6L petrol V8 RWD sedan
  • 2007 LS 460
  • 2007 LS 460 L
• LS Series 4.6L petrol V8 AWD sedan
  • 200? LS 460 AWD*
• LS Series 5.0L hybrid V8 AWD sedan
  • 2008 LS 600h
  • 2008 LS 600h L

* wheelbase version has not yet been released

Technical specifications

Lexus LS model year
	1990–1994	1995–1997	1998–2000	2001–2006	2007-
Gears	4	4	5	5–6	8*
Power	173 kW (250 hp)	186 kW (260 hp)	214 kW (290 hp)	214 kW (290 hp)	283 kW (380 hp)*
Torque	353 Nm (260 ft•lbf) @4400 rpm	366 Nm (270 ft•lbf) @4500 rpm	407 Nm (300 ft•lbf) @4000rpm	434 Nm (320 ft•lbf) @3400 rpm	498 Nm (367 ft•lbf) @4100rpm*

*LS 460 and LS 460 L model versions, excluding hybrids

Future possibilities

In August 2006, Road & Track reported rumors that Lexus was considering a V12 "hybrid super sedan" that would be slotted above the LS V8 hybrids. The magazine speculated that this sedan, the "L 650h," could be built on the LS platform. Critics have pointed out the absence of a range-topping V12 as an omission in the Lexus lineup, with the closest competitors to the LS Series, such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, offering range-topping sedans with powerful V12 engines and prices exceeding US $120,000 (e.g. S600 and S65 AMG). Lexus has responded with a gasoline-electric hybrid LS 600h L (see above) which will join the Lexus lineup in 2007. This halo vehicle is expected to boost the esteem of the Lexus LS by offering a range-topping vehicle with V12 performance, lower emissions, improved fuel economy, and an ultra-quiet cabin. The price premium over the LS 460 L, which has a base price of $71,000 and runs past $93,000 with full options, remains to be seen. When fully optioned, it is possible that the LS 600h L will reach the $100K ultra-luxury segment mark.

Related rumors persist that a new and improved version of a Toyota V12 used in the Japanese Toyota Century will be upgraded to more than 500 hp (currently 280 hp) for the European and North American markets to more successfully compete in the ultra-luxury segment with the Mercedes-Benz S600 and BMW 760, but nothing concrete has been confirmed by Toyota. One possible future direction for the LS and the Lexus brand is a performance-focused flagship from Lexus' new F-Series performance line. Such a vehicle would be similar to those offered by Audi with its S8 model or Mercedes' AMG with its S55 AMG model. At present, the LS 600h and LS 600h L will provide the biggest performance leap of the LS lineup.

Awards

The LS has received numerous awards since its introduction.

The Lexus LS is one of the most honored vehicles in J.D. Power history.

• The Lexus LS has won the J.D. Power award for the "Best High-end Luxury Sedan" 12 years in a row, the most for any manufacturer, due to vehicle dependability.
• The Lexus LS was the highest-ranked vehicle in J.D. Power's Initial Quality Survey for seven consecutive years from 1997 to 2003. In 2004 and 2005, the Lexus LS 430 was second only to the Lexus SC 430 in the Initial Quality Survey. The LS 430 was again ranked in the top spot in 2006.
• In 2006, Consumer Reports awarded the Lexus LS as the highest ranked vehicle in reliability in the luxury car class, continuing the Lexus trend of scoring highly on Consumer Reports surveys. Based on Consumer Reports a five year old Lexus LS is more reliable and dependable than a brand new BMW 7-series, Mercedes S-class and Audi A8, owing to the wide disparity in reliability scores between the top-ranked LS and below-average German makes.
• The 2005 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study found just 90 problems per 100 LS vehicles, the first time in the study's 16 year history for a vehicle to have less than one problem per vehicle over a three-year period. In 2006, the Lexus LS repeated this feat, averaging just 88 problems per 100 vehicles.
• The Lexus LS 430 was named the Most Appealing Premium Luxury Car by J.D. Power in 2001. The second generation LS 400 was also named Most Appealing Premium Luxury Car in 1996.
• In 1989, the Motoring Press Association of the U.S. named the LS 400 the Best Imported Car of the Year.
• The first-generation LS earned a place on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list and became Wheels magazine's Car of the Year.
• For 1989-1990, the UCF10 design of the first generation Lexus LS was named Car of the Year Japan.
• The 1991 LS 400 was named Best New Luxury Sedan and awarded the Car of the Year title at the Canadian Car of the Year awards, selected by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.
• The LS 400 was named the Best Import Car of 1993 by Robb Report.
• Automobile Magazine in 2005 listed the first Lexus LS 400 as one of the 24 Most Important Vehicles of the 20th Century, a title it bestowed on the vehicle in 1996.
• Ward's Auto named the LS 400's 1UZ-FE V8 engine to its 10 Best Engines awards lists in 1998, 1999, and 2000.
• The LS 430 was judged as the "Finest Luxury Sedan In America" by Automotive Marketing Consultants, Inc. in a 2002 comparison test. Competing against ten other luxury models, including the Mercedes S500 and the BMW 750iL, the LS placed first in three out of seven categories: NVH, ergonomics, and utility. The LS 430 was also the quietest car in the comparison, with an idle reading of just 31.1 dB in the front seat.
• Edmunds.com lauded the LS 430's Mark Levinson premium sound system as the "best sound system in cars over $30,000" in consecutive top 10 lists in 2002, 2004, and 2005.
• Car and Driver magazine awarded the 2004 LS 430 first place in a December 2003 comparison test of $70,000 luxury sedans. The LS 430 ranked above competing vehicles from Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen, with reviewers pointing to the LS 430's superior ride quality, highway performance, interior design, and technology as winning factors.
• Kiplinger's Personal Finance report named the Lexus LS 430 First in Class and Best in Safety for cars $40,000 and over in 2005.
• Intellichoice gave the Lexus LS its Best Overall Value award for the Luxury Class in 2004 and 2005.
• AutoPacific and Intellichoice gave the LS 430 the Motorist's Choice Award in the Cars category in 2006.
• Kelley Blue Book gave the LS 430 its Best to Hold Value Award in 2001, 2002, and 2003.
• R. L. Polk & Co., automotive marketing research firm, gave the LS 430 its Polk Automotive Loyalty Award in the Prestige Luxury Car category in 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2005 for customer retention.
• Edmunds.com gave the LS 430 its Most Wanted Car award in the Large Luxury Class in 2002.
• The 2006 Lexus LS 430 won Best luxury sedan overall on ConsumerSearch's review of Best Luxury Cars on September 2006.
• Popular Science gave the LS 430 a Design & Engineering award in 2001, and named the LS 460 to its Best of What's New in Automotive Technology in December 2006.
• Popular Mechanics gave the LS 460 its 2007 Automotive Excellence Award in the Luxury category. The second generation LS 400 was honored with Popular Mechanics' Design and Engineering Award in 1995.
• Automotive research firm TRG declared that the 2007 Lexus LS 460 offered the most technological features of any vehicle in the North American market, surpassing the newly launched Mercedes S-class and 2006 BMW 7-Series.
• Automotive data analysis firm Vincentric, LLC named the LS 460 L the "Best Value in America" in the Prestige Luxury segment in its 2007 Best Value Awards.
• Technology reviews site CNET.com named the Lexus LS 460 L the "Tech Car of the Year," the top prize of its Car Tech Awards 2006. The CNET.com editors recognized the Lexus LS for its sound system, navigation, NavTraffic, Bluetooth integration, and self-parking technology in naming it the most technologically advanced vehicle of the year.
• German automotive magazine Auto Bild awarded the Lexus LS 460 with its "Innovation Prize 2007" in its "Auto 1" yearly awards for its Advanced Pre-Crash Safety System, highlighting the LS' infrared cameras, front and rear radar sensors, and pedestrian/driver detection systems.
• MotorWeek, the automotive television program, awarded the Lexus LS the title of "Best Luxury Sedan" in its 2007 Drivers' Choice Awards; the LS was selected over its German competitors for its integration of advanced technology and driving qualities, with special mention of the long wheelbase and hybrid models. The original Lexus LS also received this award in 1990.
• The fourth-generation Lexus LS was named the 2006-2007 Car of the Year Japan, taking the prestigious top prize among 10 finalists in a competition juried by Japan's top automotive journalists.
• The LS 600h was named Limo of the Year in Top Gear's Car of the Year awards for 2006.
• The LS 460 outranked same-class competitors to be named Most Respected Luxury Car of the Year, and outranked all competition to be crowned 2007 Car of the Year at the International Car of the Year (ICOTY) awards, held at the North American International Auto Show in January 2007.

Notable owners

• Lexus LS owners include CEOs and business executives such as Microsoft's Bill Gates (1990 LS 400 in burgundy, later donated to the Pacific Crest Outward Bound School in Portland, Oregon), Ford CEO Alan Mulally (called his LS 430 the "finest car in the world"), Bloomberg's Michael Bloomberg (gray LS 430), Samsung's corporate leadership (seven 2005 LS 430 sedans), and Creative Technology CEO Sim Wong Hoo (LS 430 owner for three years, later donated as grand prize of a Creative 25th anniversary promotion drive).

External links

• All New LS.com launch site
• Lexus LS official U.S. site
• Lexus LS Showcase Europe launch site
• Lexus LS 460/600h official Europe site
• Lexus.jp/models/ls official Japan site
• LS460.ca official Canada launch site
• 2008 Lexus LS hybrid official U.S. preview site
• LS 600h Showcase Europe launch site
• 460 Degrees Lexus LS launch-sponsored art galleries
• Lexus LS at Curlie - additional links