Lexus LS - WikiHQ

The is a series of full-size luxury sedans that have served as the flagship model of Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, since 1989. For the first four generations, all LS models featured V8 engines and were predominantly rear-wheel-drive. In the fourth generation, Lexus offered all-wheel-drive, hybrid, and long-wheelbase variants. The fifth generation changed to using a V6 engine with no V8 option, and only one length was offered.

As the first model developed by Lexus, the LS 400 debuted in January 1989 with the second generation debuting in November 1994. The LS 430 debuted in January 2000 and the LS 460/LS 460 L series in 2006. A domestic-market version of the LS 400 and LS 430, badged as the , was sold in Japan until the Lexus marque was introduced there in 2006. In 2006 (for the 2007 model year), the fourth generation LS 460 debuted the first production eight-speed automatic transmission and an automatic parking system. In 2007, V8 hybrid powertrains were introduced on the LS 600h/LS 600h L sedans.

Development of the LS began in 1983 as the F1 project, the code name for a secret flagship sedan. At the time, Toyota's two existing flagship models were the Crown and Century models – both of which catered exclusively for the Japanese market and had little global appeal that could compete with international luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar. The resulting sedan followed an extended five-year design process at a cost of over US$1 billion and premiered with a new V8 engine and numerous luxury features. The Lexus LS was intended from its inception for export markets, and the Lexus division was formed to market and service the vehicle internationally. The original LS 400 debuted to strong sales and was largely responsible for the successful launch of the Lexus marque.

Since the start of production, each generation of the Lexus LS has been manufactured in the Japanese city of Tahara, Aichi. The name "LS" stands for "Luxury Sedan", although some Lexus importers have preferred to define it as "Luxury Saloon". The name "Celsior" is taken from Latin word "celsus", meaning "lofty" or "elevated".

First generation (XF10; 1989)

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1989–1992

In August 1983, Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda initiated the F1 project ("Flagship" and "No. 1" vehicle; alternatively called the "Circle-F" project), as a clandestine effort aimed at producing a world-class luxury sedan for international markets. The F1 development effort did not have a specific budget or time constraints, and the resulting vehicle did not use existing Toyota platforms or parts. Instead, chief engineer Ichiro Suzuki sought to develop an all-new design, aiming to surpass rival American and European flagship sedans in specific target areas, including aerodynamics, cabin quietness, overall top speed, and fuel efficiency. During development, the 60 designers with 1,400 engineers in 24 teams, 2,300 technicians and over 200 support workers built approximately 450 flagship prototypes and 900 engine prototypes. The teams logged of testing on locations ranging from winter Europe roadways to deserts in Arizona, Australia, or Saudi Arabia, to American highways and wilderness.

thumb|left|An early Lexus LS design sketch

In May 1985, designers started work on the F1 project. In late 1985, designers presented the first exterior study models to F1 management, featuring a sports car-like design with a low-slung bonnet and narrow front profile. By 1986, the sedan used a three-box design with an upright stance, more prominent grille, and a two-tone body. For the passenger cabin, the materials-selection tests evaluated 24 different kinds of wood and multiple types of leather for two years before settling on specific trim combinations. By 1986, the Lexus marque was created to support the launch of the flagship sedan, and the vehicle became known as the Lexus LS. and over US$1 billion in development expenses, the final design for the production Lexus LS 400 (chassis code UCF10) was frozen in May 1987 with design patents filed on 20 February 1987 and 13 May 1987.

thumb|left|1990–1992 Lexus LS 400 (UCF10R; Australia)

In January 1989, the LS 400 made its debut as a 1990 model at the North American International Auto Show, in Detroit, Michigan. Production began on 15 May 1989, with the first shipments leaving Japanese ports in late June 1989. The first cars were available in August 1989, and U.S. sales officially began on 1 September 1989, followed by limited exports to Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom starting in 1990. Sales in certain, lesser markets only started in late 1991, nearly three years after the car's introduction, as Lexus chose to focus on the North American and home markets. Production was limited to about 50,000 cars per year in order to maintain desired quality standards; 40,000 of these were earmarked for the United States, 8,000 for Japan, and only about 2,000 examples for the rest of the world.

The LS 400's new 4.0-litre 1UZ-FE 32-valve V8 engine, capable of and of torque, was linked to a new four-speed automatic transmission with ECT-i electronically controlled shifts, super-flow torque converter and rear differential. The chassis used an independent, high-mount upper arm double-wishbone suspension setup with twin tube shock absorbers, The LS 400's 0– time was 8.5 seconds, and its top speed was . Compared to its rivals, namely the BMW 735i (E32) and Mercedes-Benz 420 SE (W126), the LS 400 had a quieter cabin, with 58 dB at ; a higher top speed; a lower drag coefficient and curb weight; it also avoided the U.S. Gas Guzzler Tax. In European tests, the noise level at was measured at 74 dBA, equal to a BMW 735i at . At its introduction in 1989, the Celsior won the Car of the Year Japan award.

The LS 400 was among the first luxury sedans to feature an automatic tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with SRS airbag, power adjustable shoulder seat belts, and an electrochromic rear-view mirror. The five-passenger cabin included California walnut and leather trim, power-adjustable seats, and soft-touch controls. A back-lit electro-luminescent gauge cluster featured a holographic visual effect, with indicator lights projected onto the instrument panel. The memory system stored the driver's seat, side mirror, steering wheel, and seat belt positions. Available luxury options included a Nakamichi premium sound system and an integrated cellular telephone with hands-free capabilities. The LS 400 further contained some 300 technological innovations to aid smooth operation and silence, vibration-insulating rubber mounts, and sandwich steel body panels.

thumb|1989 Toyota Celsior

In Japan, the launch of Lexus was complicated by Toyota's existing four domestic dealership networks at the time of its introduction. The Toyota Crown and Toyota Century were exclusive to Toyota Store locations. During the LS 400's development, local dealers' requests for a Japanese domestic market version had grown, The Celsior, named after the Latin word for "supreme," was largely identical to the LS. The Crown and the Crown Majesta, which appeared later in 1991, were only available at Toyota Store locations which carried Japan-only Toyota luxury models, like the Century. The Celsior introduced two world firsts: high-performance twin-tube shock absorbers and an air suspension combined with an upgraded version of Toyota's semi-active Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension, called Piezo TEMS.

Adding incentive for early U.S. sales was a base price of US$35,000 ($ in dollars ), which undercut competitors by thousands of dollars and brought accusations of selling below cost from rival BMW.

In Germany, the first Lexus didn't convince the motor journalists yet. In a comparison test by Auto Motor und Sport between the BMW 735i L, Lexus LS 400 and Mercedes-Benz 420 SEL, it finished last. Despite the highest marks for its power train, the Japanese opponent fell behind for bodywork, road holding and comfort.

thumb|left|First-generation LS 400 cabin (UCF10 II)

In December 1989, shortly after the LS 400's launch, Lexus ordered a voluntary recall of the 8,000 vehicles sold so far, based upon two customer complaints over defective wiring and an overheated brake light. All vehicles were serviced within 20 days, and the incident helped establish Lexus' customer service reputation. By 1990, U.S. sales of the LS 400 had surpassed those of competing Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Jaguar models. Production of the first-generation LS 400 totaled over 165,000 units. The LS 400 made Consumer Reports 2007 list of recommended vehicles that regularly last or more, with proper maintenance.

1992–1994

thumb|right|1992–1994 Lexus LS 400 (UCF10 II)

Debuting in September 1992 as a 1993 model, the refreshed LS 400 (designed through 1991) was introduced with more than 50 changes, largely in response to customer and dealer requests. The vehicle received larger disc brakes, wheels, and tires, and adjustments were made to the suspension and power steering systems to improve handling. Stylistic changes included additional body side moldings and a revised grille, along with a greater selection of colors. external temperature gauge, digital odometer, seat belt pretensioners, and chlorofluorocarbon-free refrigerant were added. In 1992, the Celsior introduced the world's first GPS navigation system with voice instructions, supplied by Aisin. By 1994, the LS 400's U.S. base price exceeded , a figure that had steadily risen since the vehicle's introduction. Customer demand for the vehicle and shifts in foreign exchange rates contributed to the increase in price.

Second generation (XF20; 1994)

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1994–1997

The second-generation Lexus LS 400 (UCF20) debuted in November 1994 (for the 1995 model year) with a longer wheelbase and similar specifications as the original model. The public unveiling of the vehicle occurred in a gala ceremony held at the San Francisco Opera House in California. The sedan was equipped with an updated 4.0-litre 1UZ-FE V8 engine, producing and of torque. Internally, over 90% of the redesigned LS 400's composition was new or redesigned,), and improved brakes.

Development of the second-generation LS 400 began after worldwide launch of the first generation under program code 250T. Given the first-generation model's successful reception and high level of customer satisfaction with its design, replicating the original LS 400's attributes with its successor was one of chief engineer Kazuo Okamoto's primary goals (he stated that "a tradition cannot be founded if you reject the first generation"). and was the work of the Calty Design Research center in the U.S. More prominent side lines provided a reference point for parking maneuvers, and forward visibility was improved.

The redesigned LS 400 interior received upgraded features, varying from dual-zone climate controls to rear cupholders. Several optional features, such as a compact disc-based Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation system and reclining rear seats, were available only in Japan.

At its U.S. debut, the redesigned LS 400 retained a pricing advantage over European competitors in its largest market, launching with a base price of US$51,000. Subsequent negotiations averted the sanctions by the second quarter of that year, and sales recovered in the following months.

1996 Lexus LS 400 4.0 Rear.jpg|1996 Lexus LS 400 (UCF20; pre-facelift, UK)

1994-1997_Toyota_Celsior.jpg|Toyota Celsior (Japan, pre-facelift)

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1997–2000

Designed through early 1996, in September 1997 a revised LS 400 was introduced for the 1998 model year. Changes were a five-speed automatic transmission, increased engine output to , with variable valve timing (VVT-i), and an added of torque. Stylistically, the vehicle sported a new front fascia, side mirrors, and updated wheels; It controlled speed only through throttle control and downshifting, but did not apply the brakes. A CD-ROM-based GPS automotive navigation system became an option in the U.S. Added safety features included front side airbags, vehicle stability control and in 2000, brake assist.

1998-00 Lexus LS400.jpg|1998–2000 Lexus LS 400

1997-2000 Toyota Celsior front left.jpg|left|1997-2000 Toyota Celsior (Japan)

File:Lexus LS 400 model UCF20 cabin.jpg|Second-generation LS 400 cabin (UCF20, facelift)

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Third generation (XF30; 2000)

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2000–2003

The third-generation Lexus LS 430 (UCF30) debuted at the North American International Auto Show in January 2000 as a 2001 model, introducing a new body design with a host of new interior and technological features. It was the first US market Lexus with adaptive cruise control (called Dynamic Laser Cruise Control). It employed a lidar sensor and (unlike the laser ACC introduced in 1997 on the Celsior) was able to activate brakes for deceleration. The standard suspension had been completely redesigned, with a double-wishbone setup at all four wheels; a tuned suspension was offered for the first time. The LS 430 sported a 0– acceleration time of 6.7 seconds. Sales began in October 2000 in the United States. accordingly opted for a more thorough exterior, interior, and technological redevelopment. The development of the LS 430 took four years. Selected from 16 different concept designs, the resulting vehicle of December 1997—when the final design (by Akihiro Nagaya) was approved—saw the sedan's dimensions increase in terms of wheelbase and height. The exterior featured a larger grille with rounded edges, quarter windows on the rear doors, and rounded trapezoidal headlamps. The body was also more aerodynamic than previous LS sedans (C<sub>d</sub> 0.26; 0.25 with air suspension), and was the product of wind tunnel testing at facilities used for Shinkansen bullet train development. Boot space was increased by one-third due to repositioning of the fuel tank. While sharing the same body style, variants were differentiated by chassis configuration and onboard equipment. Models with the tuned sport suspension, sold as the "Touring" package in the United States, Lexus also introduced a Mark Levinson premium sound system.

In every year of production, the LS 430 was the most reliable luxury sedan in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey (with the early and late models of this series the best performing), and the highest recorded scorer in the history of J.D. Power's Vehicle Dependability Survey. Thatcham ratings data via the UK Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre listed the theft-prevention capabilities of the LS 430 as a maximum 5 stars, with the LS 430 being the first automobile to achieve the maximum theft-deterrence rating in 2001.

2003 Lexus LS430 Automatic 4.3 Rear.jpg|2003 Lexus LS 430 (UCF30; pre-facelift, UK)

2000-2003 Toyota Celsior.jpg|Pre-facelift Toyota Celsior

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2003–2006

The facelifted LS 430 was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003. The first radar (instead of previous lidar) sensor on a Lexus sedan allowed the new Dynamic RADAR Cruise Control to work in any weather conditions. The millimetre-wave radar technology also enabled the first Pre-Collision System (PCS) on a Lexus sedan (with partial autonomous braking only on the Japanese market Toyota Celsior version).

The facelifted LS introduced a new six-speed automatic transmission and revised styling. The powerplant remained the same as before. Exterior changes included restyled front and rear fascias, light-emitting diode (LED) taillights, and different wheels. and also the first AFS adaptive curve headlights, which swiveled the projector headlamps in the direction of vehicle turns.

The interior received knee airbags, lighted rear-seat vanity mirrors, and new trim selections, including bird's eye maple wood.

04-06 Lexus LS430.jpg|Lexus LS 430 (UCF30; facelift, US)

2007 Lexus LS 430 (rear).jpg|Lexus LS 430 (UCF30; facelift, Spain)

2003-2006 Toyota Celsior.jpg|Facelift Toyota Celsior

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Fourth generation (XF40; 2006)

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thumb|left|LS 600h (SWB; pre-facelift)

Introduced at the January 2006 North American International Auto Show for the 2007 model year, the fourth-generation Lexus LS became the first Lexus model to be produced in both standard and long-wheelbase versions. Using an all-new platform, the LS 460 (USF40) uses the standard wheelbase, while the LS 460 L (USF41) features a stretched wheelbase. A hybrid version, LS 600h L (UVF46), was previewed at the New York International Auto Show in April 2006. At its introduction in 2006, it won the Car of the Year Japan award for the second time.

The new LS came equipped with a new 4.6-litre 1UR-FSE V8 producing and of torque, coupled to the first production eight-speed automatic transmission. The development of the LS 460 and its variants, led by chief engineer Moritaka Yoshida, began as Lexus was shifting its design strategy towards a more diversified product lineup, with new-vehicle launches largely focused on global markets. First shown on the LF-Sh concept, the vehicle gained body forms running the length of the car, wheel arches, arrow-shaped chrome trim, a lower-set grille, and crystalline adaptive headlamps. in May 2007 for the 2008 model year. All-wheel drive versions of the non-hybrid LS 460 (USF45) and LS 460 L (USF46) models premiered at the Moscow International Automobile Salon. Debuting in late 2009 for the 2010 model year, the revised LS 460 and LS 460 L included restyled front and rear fascias, side mirror turn signals, and new wheel designs. A more substantial facelift was first shown in July 2012, incorporating the new Lexus corporate fascia, comprising the "spindle" grill and consequently sees the fitment of a redesigned bonnet, reshaped front wings and headlamps, and a new bumper. The tail-lamps, boot lid, and rear bumper were also updated.

File:Lexus-LS600h-L forward view.jpg|2007–2009 Lexus LS 600h L hybrid (UVF46)

File:2013 Lexus LS 460 launch Cannes 01.jpg|2012–2017 Lexus LS 460 (second facelift)

File:Lexus LS 2013 launch Cannes 02 (2).jpg|2012–2017 Lexus LS 460 (second facelift)

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Fifth generation (XF50; 2017)