Some great Press releases on LS400 and LS430
09-20-04, 11:07 AM
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Some great Press releases on LS400 and LS430
Hey Guys
Maybe you have seen these before but I had not and think many of you may not either.
September 1, 1999
Lexus LS 400 Ready to Lead Luxury Segment into the Next Century
September 1, 1999, Torrance, Calif. - The Lexus LS 400, flagship sedan of the Lexus model lineup, sets the standard for craftsmanship, performance and value in the prestige luxury segment. When introduced at the start of the decade, the LS 400 established a new paradigm for luxury cars. As the industry heads into a new century, this landmark automobile continues to influence the direction, content and character of the entire luxury category.
Painstaking attention to detail, from the design stage through manufacturing and retail preparation and on into customer care, has made the LS 400 the industry leader in quality. Lexus test-drives every LS 400 on a track adjacent to the factory. An inspection record accompanies each car, and inspectors sign it at every step, from the factory to the port of entry to the dealership. Since the introduction of the original LS 400 in 1989, this premium luxury sedan has been among the most honored models by J.D. Power & Associates quality awards.
Along with undisputed quality leadership comes a commitment to active and passive safety. For 2000, Lexus has again advanced the level of safety technology in the LS 400. The new Brake Assist interprets a quick, hard push of the brake pedal as emergency braking and, if the driver has not stepped hard enough on the brake pedal to activate the anti-lock brake system (ABS), Brake Assist supplements the applied braking pressure.
Brake Assist joins Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), introduced on the 1998 LS 400 and now available on most Lexus models. VSC helps maintain traction under demanding conditions by detecting and helping to correct for wheel spin. VSC uses a variety of sensor inputs to determine if the car is losing traction, then applies the brakes to individual wheels to help the driver maintain control. VSC can also use throttle intervention if selective braking alone does not restore vehicle traction.
The VSC system integrates traction control to help limit rear wheel spin on slippery surfaces. Both VSC and Brake Assist employ the sensors and actuators of the standard four-channel ABS.
Dual Personalities, and Both Get Along
The LS 400 packs a wallop of high performance with its opulent luxury. The car can sprint from 0-60 mph in just 6.6 seconds - quicker than many sports cars. The source of this performance is a second-generation Lexus 4.0-liter V8. Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) gives the engine the performance characteristics of an engine with at least another half-liter of displacement. The LS 400 V8 produces 290 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 300 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.
Just as impressive as the numbers is the way the power output makes the car feel to drive. The VVT-i system optimizes valve overlap throughout the engine's speed range (not just at one or two set speeds) and in all operating conditions, eliminating the traditional compromise between low-end torque and high-rpm horsepower. A wide-ratio five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission seamlessly transfers the power to the rear wheels. The transmission responds to road grade, delaying upshifts to maintain power on ascents and to provide engine braking for descents.
For 2000, the LS 400 adds an onboard refueling vapor recovery system (ORVR) and continues to meet Transitional Low Emissions Vehicle (T-LEV) certification. The LS 400 achieves admirable EPA fuel mileage ratings of 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, and a 21.9-gallon fuel tank provides outstanding driving range.
Just as the LS 400 engine combines high-performance with exceptional smoothness, the car's front and rear double-wishbone suspension systems provide both a supple ride and high-precision handling response. Rebound springs in the front shock absorbers contribute to stability through corners, and progressive rack-and-pinion steering helps to optimize the assist level according to vehicle speed. Hydraulic rear suspension and differential mounts help keep noise and vibration from transmitting through those components to the passenger compartment.
An optional air spring suspension provides an even smoother ride in the LS 400, and the option includes a semi-active damping system. Responding to road conditions, driver input and vehicle speed, the system continuously adjusts the shock absorber damping rate to help provide the best balance of ride comfort and handling response.
Safety
The LS 400 helps protect its occupants with an array of safety technology, starting with front and rear energy-managing crumple-zone body construction and a strong passenger compartment. The LS 400 has three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions as well as dual front airbag and front seat-mounted side airbag Supplemental Restraint Systems.
Mounting the side airbags in the seats keeps them properly placed, regardless of seat position. The front seatbelts include pretensioners and power height-adjustable anchors, along with force limiters that help reduce forces to the upper torso in a serious collision. All five seating positions include a height-adjustable headrest. New child restraint seat (CRS) top tether brackets comply with the phase-in of the CRS Anchorage Point Regulation.
Daytime running lights help make the LS 400 more visible to other drivers under diverse lighting and weather conditions. For even greater night-time visibility, the optional High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights produce a daylight spectrum and increase both definition and contrast. The HID headlights automatically maintain a constant level, regardless of vehicle load or road conditions.
Luxury in the Details
The original Lexus LS 400 changed the definition of luxury by combining innovative technology and construction techniques with true hand craftsmanship and unprecedented attention to detail. That detail starts outside with a super-low 0.28 coefficient of drag (Cd) (among the lowest of any current production car), which minimizes wind noise. Asphalt dampening sheets and steel-resin-steel sandwich construction in many parts of the body effectively damp out noise and vibration and help give the LS 400 its serenely quiet ride.
The Optitron instrument panel, which silhouettes the gauge pointers and markings, has become a widely imitated Lexus signature feature.
Leather and wood interior trim receive extraordinary attention in the LS 400. Skilled piano makers select and process the interior walnut trim for each car. The color-staining process includes three coats and three hand-sanding steps. Craftsmen conduct the final finishing and buffing only when each individual car's trim pieces have been mated. The hand-crafted wood and leather steering wheel takes three weeks to make, with wood that's selected and stained at the same time as the other interior wood.
Lexus selects as many as 10 hides to achieve the best interior upholstery match. Individually laying out the seating shapes on the hides achieves the best match and smoothest finish. Most stitching is done by hand on sewing machines rather than with automated equipment.
Additional luxury details include extra thick and soft leather under the interior door handle pulls - unseen but felt with every drive. The hydraulically damped push-to-open cupholder, ashtray and coinholders all open at the same rate. Rear seat coathooks remain out of sight until needed, then retract smoothly with hydraulic damping.
Dual-zone automatic climate control features an activated charcoal filter to trap dust and pollen. A smog sensor automatically switches the system into recirculation mode when it detects certain levels of pollution outside.
The in-key remote entry system eliminates the need for a separate fob. Even the front seatbelt buckles illuminate for ease of use at night.
The Customized Body Electronic System (CBEST) allows fine-tuning of certain functions to personal taste, including length of headlight turnoff delay, volume of remote entry beeper, ignition key warning chime frequency and dome light fade-out time. The standard LS 400 audio system plays through five power amplifiers, seven speakers (including a subwoofer) and includes an Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL). The optional Lexus/Nakamichi audio system features 280 watts of power and a glovebox-mounted six-CD changer.
GPS Navigation
A Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) navigation system, available as an option, features a touch-screen LCD display that also provides control functions for the standard audio system, climate control systems and trip computer. The navigation system provides turn-by-turn guidance by voice and on-screen prompts. Unlike some navigation systems that require inserting a CD-ROM disc to operate, or purchasing additional CD-ROM discs, the Lexus system houses a map database for nearly 90 U.S. metropolitan areas and all major national highways on a 2.0-gigabyte hard disk.
Standard Equipment Highlights
Dual-zone automatic climate control with smog sensor
10-way power front seats with 2-point power lumbar support and power-adjustable headrests
Four-way adjustable outboard headrests, two-way adjustable center rear headrest
Memory system for driver's seat, steering wheel, shoulder belt and outside mirrors
One-touch up/down power windows with pinch protection
Power tilt/telescope steering wheel with automatic tilt-away for easy exit
Leather trim upholstery
Auto-dimming rearview and side-view mirrors
Heated outside mirrors
Vehicle-speed sensing intermittent windshield wipers
HomeLink® programmable garage door opener
Outside temperature gauge
In-key remote keyless entry
Engine immobilizer security system
UV-absorbing tinted glass
Cruise control
215-watt Lexus premium audio system
Vehicle Skid Control (VSC)
Wood and leather trimmed steering wheel
http://www.lexus.com/about/press_rel...ndex_1999.html
Maybe you have seen these before but I had not and think many of you may not either.
September 1, 1999
Lexus LS 400 Ready to Lead Luxury Segment into the Next Century
September 1, 1999, Torrance, Calif. - The Lexus LS 400, flagship sedan of the Lexus model lineup, sets the standard for craftsmanship, performance and value in the prestige luxury segment. When introduced at the start of the decade, the LS 400 established a new paradigm for luxury cars. As the industry heads into a new century, this landmark automobile continues to influence the direction, content and character of the entire luxury category.
Painstaking attention to detail, from the design stage through manufacturing and retail preparation and on into customer care, has made the LS 400 the industry leader in quality. Lexus test-drives every LS 400 on a track adjacent to the factory. An inspection record accompanies each car, and inspectors sign it at every step, from the factory to the port of entry to the dealership. Since the introduction of the original LS 400 in 1989, this premium luxury sedan has been among the most honored models by J.D. Power & Associates quality awards.
Along with undisputed quality leadership comes a commitment to active and passive safety. For 2000, Lexus has again advanced the level of safety technology in the LS 400. The new Brake Assist interprets a quick, hard push of the brake pedal as emergency braking and, if the driver has not stepped hard enough on the brake pedal to activate the anti-lock brake system (ABS), Brake Assist supplements the applied braking pressure.
Brake Assist joins Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), introduced on the 1998 LS 400 and now available on most Lexus models. VSC helps maintain traction under demanding conditions by detecting and helping to correct for wheel spin. VSC uses a variety of sensor inputs to determine if the car is losing traction, then applies the brakes to individual wheels to help the driver maintain control. VSC can also use throttle intervention if selective braking alone does not restore vehicle traction.
The VSC system integrates traction control to help limit rear wheel spin on slippery surfaces. Both VSC and Brake Assist employ the sensors and actuators of the standard four-channel ABS.
Dual Personalities, and Both Get Along
The LS 400 packs a wallop of high performance with its opulent luxury. The car can sprint from 0-60 mph in just 6.6 seconds - quicker than many sports cars. The source of this performance is a second-generation Lexus 4.0-liter V8. Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) gives the engine the performance characteristics of an engine with at least another half-liter of displacement. The LS 400 V8 produces 290 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 300 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.
Just as impressive as the numbers is the way the power output makes the car feel to drive. The VVT-i system optimizes valve overlap throughout the engine's speed range (not just at one or two set speeds) and in all operating conditions, eliminating the traditional compromise between low-end torque and high-rpm horsepower. A wide-ratio five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission seamlessly transfers the power to the rear wheels. The transmission responds to road grade, delaying upshifts to maintain power on ascents and to provide engine braking for descents.
For 2000, the LS 400 adds an onboard refueling vapor recovery system (ORVR) and continues to meet Transitional Low Emissions Vehicle (T-LEV) certification. The LS 400 achieves admirable EPA fuel mileage ratings of 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, and a 21.9-gallon fuel tank provides outstanding driving range.
Just as the LS 400 engine combines high-performance with exceptional smoothness, the car's front and rear double-wishbone suspension systems provide both a supple ride and high-precision handling response. Rebound springs in the front shock absorbers contribute to stability through corners, and progressive rack-and-pinion steering helps to optimize the assist level according to vehicle speed. Hydraulic rear suspension and differential mounts help keep noise and vibration from transmitting through those components to the passenger compartment.
An optional air spring suspension provides an even smoother ride in the LS 400, and the option includes a semi-active damping system. Responding to road conditions, driver input and vehicle speed, the system continuously adjusts the shock absorber damping rate to help provide the best balance of ride comfort and handling response.
Safety
The LS 400 helps protect its occupants with an array of safety technology, starting with front and rear energy-managing crumple-zone body construction and a strong passenger compartment. The LS 400 has three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions as well as dual front airbag and front seat-mounted side airbag Supplemental Restraint Systems.
Mounting the side airbags in the seats keeps them properly placed, regardless of seat position. The front seatbelts include pretensioners and power height-adjustable anchors, along with force limiters that help reduce forces to the upper torso in a serious collision. All five seating positions include a height-adjustable headrest. New child restraint seat (CRS) top tether brackets comply with the phase-in of the CRS Anchorage Point Regulation.
Daytime running lights help make the LS 400 more visible to other drivers under diverse lighting and weather conditions. For even greater night-time visibility, the optional High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights produce a daylight spectrum and increase both definition and contrast. The HID headlights automatically maintain a constant level, regardless of vehicle load or road conditions.
Luxury in the Details
The original Lexus LS 400 changed the definition of luxury by combining innovative technology and construction techniques with true hand craftsmanship and unprecedented attention to detail. That detail starts outside with a super-low 0.28 coefficient of drag (Cd) (among the lowest of any current production car), which minimizes wind noise. Asphalt dampening sheets and steel-resin-steel sandwich construction in many parts of the body effectively damp out noise and vibration and help give the LS 400 its serenely quiet ride.
The Optitron instrument panel, which silhouettes the gauge pointers and markings, has become a widely imitated Lexus signature feature.
Leather and wood interior trim receive extraordinary attention in the LS 400. Skilled piano makers select and process the interior walnut trim for each car. The color-staining process includes three coats and three hand-sanding steps. Craftsmen conduct the final finishing and buffing only when each individual car's trim pieces have been mated. The hand-crafted wood and leather steering wheel takes three weeks to make, with wood that's selected and stained at the same time as the other interior wood.
Lexus selects as many as 10 hides to achieve the best interior upholstery match. Individually laying out the seating shapes on the hides achieves the best match and smoothest finish. Most stitching is done by hand on sewing machines rather than with automated equipment.
Additional luxury details include extra thick and soft leather under the interior door handle pulls - unseen but felt with every drive. The hydraulically damped push-to-open cupholder, ashtray and coinholders all open at the same rate. Rear seat coathooks remain out of sight until needed, then retract smoothly with hydraulic damping.
Dual-zone automatic climate control features an activated charcoal filter to trap dust and pollen. A smog sensor automatically switches the system into recirculation mode when it detects certain levels of pollution outside.
The in-key remote entry system eliminates the need for a separate fob. Even the front seatbelt buckles illuminate for ease of use at night.
The Customized Body Electronic System (CBEST) allows fine-tuning of certain functions to personal taste, including length of headlight turnoff delay, volume of remote entry beeper, ignition key warning chime frequency and dome light fade-out time. The standard LS 400 audio system plays through five power amplifiers, seven speakers (including a subwoofer) and includes an Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL). The optional Lexus/Nakamichi audio system features 280 watts of power and a glovebox-mounted six-CD changer.
GPS Navigation
A Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) navigation system, available as an option, features a touch-screen LCD display that also provides control functions for the standard audio system, climate control systems and trip computer. The navigation system provides turn-by-turn guidance by voice and on-screen prompts. Unlike some navigation systems that require inserting a CD-ROM disc to operate, or purchasing additional CD-ROM discs, the Lexus system houses a map database for nearly 90 U.S. metropolitan areas and all major national highways on a 2.0-gigabyte hard disk.
Standard Equipment Highlights
Dual-zone automatic climate control with smog sensor
10-way power front seats with 2-point power lumbar support and power-adjustable headrests
Four-way adjustable outboard headrests, two-way adjustable center rear headrest
Memory system for driver's seat, steering wheel, shoulder belt and outside mirrors
One-touch up/down power windows with pinch protection
Power tilt/telescope steering wheel with automatic tilt-away for easy exit
Leather trim upholstery
Auto-dimming rearview and side-view mirrors
Heated outside mirrors
Vehicle-speed sensing intermittent windshield wipers
HomeLink® programmable garage door opener
Outside temperature gauge
In-key remote keyless entry
Engine immobilizer security system
UV-absorbing tinted glass
Cruise control
215-watt Lexus premium audio system
Vehicle Skid Control (VSC)
Wood and leather trimmed steering wheel
http://www.lexus.com/about/press_rel...ndex_1999.html
Last edited by Horta; 09-20-04 at 11:09 AM.
09-20-04, 11:08 AM
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Join Date: May 2002
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http://www.lexus.com/about/press_rel...ndex_2000.html
January 10, 2000
Lexus Reinvents the Premium Luxury Car ... Again; 2001 LS 430 to Arrive in Fall
January 10, 2000, Detroit, Mich. - Lexus will again raise the automobile market's expectations of luxury models this fall when it introduces the third generation of its flagship sedan, the 2001 LS 430. Designed to be as much of a leap over current competitive luxury models as the first LS 400 was more than a decade ago, the all-new LS 430 provides ample evidence of the brand's unyielding pursuit of automotive perfection.
In a field of much-improved competitors, Lexus has again presented a world-class array of performance, safety, luxury and quality while delivering unmatched value in the premium luxury segment. The first generation and current LS 400 models established new benchmarks for performance, quality, quiet ride and content in the luxury category, yet the new LS 430 exceeds even these lofty standards. Compared to the current LS 400, the new LS 430 features:
a 4.3 liter engine that offers increased performance and Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) certification
a more spacious interior
a high degree of passive and active safety
more advanced luxury features, yet with controls that are simple to use
new suspension for greater stability, response, and handling
an even smoother, quieter ride
a richer, more stylish interior
a greater range of options for more individuality
"With the LS 400, Lexus created the benchmark by which others are judged," said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Bryan Bergsteinsson. "Now, as the competition has caught up in many ways, we need to set new, higher standards."
Super-Sleek Body Virtually Eliminates Wind Noise
While retaining the "flavor" of the original and second-generation LS 400s, the new LS 430 exudes a more muscular presence. The sleek exterior, with the available Air Suspension, meets the wind with a 0.25 coefficient of drag (Cd), the lowest of any current passenger sedan. To achieve this level of aerodynamics, Lexus engineers tested the LS 430 in the same wind tunnel used in the development of Japan's legendary bullet trains. Fine tuning of airflow around bumpers, fenders, floorpan, mirrors and even the angle of the front grille bars contributed to the LS 430's unprecedented aerodynamic efficiency, which virtually eliminates wind noise, making the LS 430 even quieter inside than its benchmark predecessors. In addition, the ultra-low Cd helps keep fuel consumption about the same - even with the increased engine displacement and performance. Lexus was able to achieve the impressive wind tunnel performance despite raising overall height by 2.4 inches.
To increase interior room in the LS 430, Lexus lengthened the wheelbase by three inches (to 115.2 inches) but kept overall length the same at 196.7 inches. Compared to the externally larger Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the LS 430 offers more front leg- and headroom, slightly more cabin volume (105.3 cu. ft. vs. 105.0 cu. ft.), and a larger trunk (16.1 cu. ft. vs. 15.4 cu. ft.).
In building the new LS 430, Lexus used a supercomputer to digitize the precise surface design of the body. The unit of measure used was 1/1000 of a millimeter, ten times more precise than the typical 1/100 of a millimeter unit used by other car companies. The result is more-precisely stamped sheet metal for better fit and assembly quality. While Lexus has won the J.D. Power and Associates five-year Vehicle Dependability Study every year it has been eligible, the company made what it considers 57 major improvements for even longer-lasting durability.
In Search of True Luxury
Before designing the LS 430, Lexus designers and engineers studied luxury and craftsmanship outside the automotive realm. They visited five-star hotel rooms, including presidential/royal suites for national guests, and surveyed first class aircraft cabins and luxury jet interiors. They also observed high-end jewelry/watch makers and guitar makers at work.
The LS 430 adds new, higher grades of leather and wood. The climate control system features temperature and sun-sensing articulating air registers. If, for example, sunlight is concentrated on one side of the car, the registers will automatically deliver more cooling air to that side. Additional adjustments for the driver's seat include dual lumbar controls and adjustable cushion length for greater thigh support.
The standard combination wood/leather steering wheel features controls for the audio system, which will include as standard an in-dash, single-feed six-disc CD changer. The new CD changer location allows for a larger dual glove box, and expanded interior storage includes compartments in the center console and under the front seats.
The options available on the new LS 430 place it into a different category entirely. There are more than 15 major systems and features available, including advanced Adaptive Variable Suspension with Air Suspension and a DVD-ROM-based navigation system. The GPS navigation system offers faster performance and far greater map storage capacity than CD-ROM-based systems. The system includes a large 7-inch screen and integrates with the optional voice-activated digital/analog phone.
Also optional is the first audio application by Mark Levinson, whose components are used in custom home audio systems costing $100,000 and more. Additional available features include:
climate control front seats (which use separate heating and cooling elements, not just fans), parking clearance sonar, power moonroof, power adjustable rear seatbacks with memory, power rear sunshade and manual rear door sunshades, rear air conditioner with air purifier, rear seat heat and massage, voice-activated portable phone, power door and trunk closers, and dual-level heated seats.
Lexus incorporated the new technology to make driving the LS 430 more comfortable, convenient and pleasurable. Even with the navigation system and high-end audio, controls are easy for the driver or passengers to identify and operate.
High Performance With Ultra-Low Emissions
The original Lexus LS 400 prescribed a V8 engine as the "price of entry" in the premium luxury segment more than 10 years ago, when European luxury models typically offered less powerful six-cylinder engines. The new 290-horsepower 4.3-liter V8 in the LS 430, mated to a computer-controlled five-speed automatic transmission, will rocket the Lexus flagship sedan from 0-60 mph in just 6.2 seconds. Its 320 lb.-ft. of peak torque and enhanced torque curve outclass some larger-displacement engines, thanks in large part to Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). VVT-i eliminates the traditional compromise between low-end torque and high-rpm horsepower by optimizing valve overlap throughout the engine's speed range (not just at one or two set speeds). Lexus tuned the LS 430 engine to produce more torque across a broad engine speed range, making the car feel more responsive under all driving conditions.
The LS 430 introduces the industry's first "torque-activated" powertrain control, which governs the throttle based not just on pedal position, but on vehicle speed and engine rpm, as well. When climbing a hill, for example, the controller will increase the throttle opening to provide more power without the driver having to "floor it." The car will behave more smoothly because unwanted up-shifts and down-shifts are avoided, and the driver does not have to keep depressing and releasing the gas pedal to maintain a set pace over varying road conditions.
Even with the increased performance, the Lexus LS 430 V8 meets Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) certification - unusual in this segment.
Taking Safety To The Next Level
The LS 430 features a strong passenger cell protected by front and rear crumple zone structures. The Supplemental Restraint System in the 2001 LS 430 adds advanced variable-force front airbags and side curtain front and rear airbags. Sensors determine the force with which to deploy the front airbags, helping to maximize occupant restraint performance. The front seats and rear outboard seats feature seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters.
Lexus believes in giving the driver the technology to help avoid danger on the road. The LS 430 includes Brake Assist, which Lexus introduced on the LS 400 for 2000. Brake Assist interprets a quick, hard push of the brake pedal as emergency braking and, if the driver has not stepped hard enough on the brake pedal to activate the anti-lock brake system, Brake Assist supplements the applied braking pressure.
Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), introduced on the 1998 LS 400 and now available on most Lexus models, helps maintain traction control under demanding conditions by detecting and helping to correct for understeer and oversteer. The VSC system integrates traction control to help limit rear wheel spin on slippery surfaces. Both VSC and Brake Assist employ the sensors and actuators of the standard four-channel anti-lock brake system (ABS).
January 10, 2000
Lexus Reinvents the Premium Luxury Car ... Again; 2001 LS 430 to Arrive in Fall
January 10, 2000, Detroit, Mich. - Lexus will again raise the automobile market's expectations of luxury models this fall when it introduces the third generation of its flagship sedan, the 2001 LS 430. Designed to be as much of a leap over current competitive luxury models as the first LS 400 was more than a decade ago, the all-new LS 430 provides ample evidence of the brand's unyielding pursuit of automotive perfection.
In a field of much-improved competitors, Lexus has again presented a world-class array of performance, safety, luxury and quality while delivering unmatched value in the premium luxury segment. The first generation and current LS 400 models established new benchmarks for performance, quality, quiet ride and content in the luxury category, yet the new LS 430 exceeds even these lofty standards. Compared to the current LS 400, the new LS 430 features:
a 4.3 liter engine that offers increased performance and Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) certification
a more spacious interior
a high degree of passive and active safety
more advanced luxury features, yet with controls that are simple to use
new suspension for greater stability, response, and handling
an even smoother, quieter ride
a richer, more stylish interior
a greater range of options for more individuality
"With the LS 400, Lexus created the benchmark by which others are judged," said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Bryan Bergsteinsson. "Now, as the competition has caught up in many ways, we need to set new, higher standards."
Super-Sleek Body Virtually Eliminates Wind Noise
While retaining the "flavor" of the original and second-generation LS 400s, the new LS 430 exudes a more muscular presence. The sleek exterior, with the available Air Suspension, meets the wind with a 0.25 coefficient of drag (Cd), the lowest of any current passenger sedan. To achieve this level of aerodynamics, Lexus engineers tested the LS 430 in the same wind tunnel used in the development of Japan's legendary bullet trains. Fine tuning of airflow around bumpers, fenders, floorpan, mirrors and even the angle of the front grille bars contributed to the LS 430's unprecedented aerodynamic efficiency, which virtually eliminates wind noise, making the LS 430 even quieter inside than its benchmark predecessors. In addition, the ultra-low Cd helps keep fuel consumption about the same - even with the increased engine displacement and performance. Lexus was able to achieve the impressive wind tunnel performance despite raising overall height by 2.4 inches.
To increase interior room in the LS 430, Lexus lengthened the wheelbase by three inches (to 115.2 inches) but kept overall length the same at 196.7 inches. Compared to the externally larger Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the LS 430 offers more front leg- and headroom, slightly more cabin volume (105.3 cu. ft. vs. 105.0 cu. ft.), and a larger trunk (16.1 cu. ft. vs. 15.4 cu. ft.).
In building the new LS 430, Lexus used a supercomputer to digitize the precise surface design of the body. The unit of measure used was 1/1000 of a millimeter, ten times more precise than the typical 1/100 of a millimeter unit used by other car companies. The result is more-precisely stamped sheet metal for better fit and assembly quality. While Lexus has won the J.D. Power and Associates five-year Vehicle Dependability Study every year it has been eligible, the company made what it considers 57 major improvements for even longer-lasting durability.
In Search of True Luxury
Before designing the LS 430, Lexus designers and engineers studied luxury and craftsmanship outside the automotive realm. They visited five-star hotel rooms, including presidential/royal suites for national guests, and surveyed first class aircraft cabins and luxury jet interiors. They also observed high-end jewelry/watch makers and guitar makers at work.
The LS 430 adds new, higher grades of leather and wood. The climate control system features temperature and sun-sensing articulating air registers. If, for example, sunlight is concentrated on one side of the car, the registers will automatically deliver more cooling air to that side. Additional adjustments for the driver's seat include dual lumbar controls and adjustable cushion length for greater thigh support.
The standard combination wood/leather steering wheel features controls for the audio system, which will include as standard an in-dash, single-feed six-disc CD changer. The new CD changer location allows for a larger dual glove box, and expanded interior storage includes compartments in the center console and under the front seats.
The options available on the new LS 430 place it into a different category entirely. There are more than 15 major systems and features available, including advanced Adaptive Variable Suspension with Air Suspension and a DVD-ROM-based navigation system. The GPS navigation system offers faster performance and far greater map storage capacity than CD-ROM-based systems. The system includes a large 7-inch screen and integrates with the optional voice-activated digital/analog phone.
Also optional is the first audio application by Mark Levinson, whose components are used in custom home audio systems costing $100,000 and more. Additional available features include:
climate control front seats (which use separate heating and cooling elements, not just fans), parking clearance sonar, power moonroof, power adjustable rear seatbacks with memory, power rear sunshade and manual rear door sunshades, rear air conditioner with air purifier, rear seat heat and massage, voice-activated portable phone, power door and trunk closers, and dual-level heated seats.
Lexus incorporated the new technology to make driving the LS 430 more comfortable, convenient and pleasurable. Even with the navigation system and high-end audio, controls are easy for the driver or passengers to identify and operate.
High Performance With Ultra-Low Emissions
The original Lexus LS 400 prescribed a V8 engine as the "price of entry" in the premium luxury segment more than 10 years ago, when European luxury models typically offered less powerful six-cylinder engines. The new 290-horsepower 4.3-liter V8 in the LS 430, mated to a computer-controlled five-speed automatic transmission, will rocket the Lexus flagship sedan from 0-60 mph in just 6.2 seconds. Its 320 lb.-ft. of peak torque and enhanced torque curve outclass some larger-displacement engines, thanks in large part to Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). VVT-i eliminates the traditional compromise between low-end torque and high-rpm horsepower by optimizing valve overlap throughout the engine's speed range (not just at one or two set speeds). Lexus tuned the LS 430 engine to produce more torque across a broad engine speed range, making the car feel more responsive under all driving conditions.
The LS 430 introduces the industry's first "torque-activated" powertrain control, which governs the throttle based not just on pedal position, but on vehicle speed and engine rpm, as well. When climbing a hill, for example, the controller will increase the throttle opening to provide more power without the driver having to "floor it." The car will behave more smoothly because unwanted up-shifts and down-shifts are avoided, and the driver does not have to keep depressing and releasing the gas pedal to maintain a set pace over varying road conditions.
Even with the increased performance, the Lexus LS 430 V8 meets Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) certification - unusual in this segment.
Taking Safety To The Next Level
The LS 430 features a strong passenger cell protected by front and rear crumple zone structures. The Supplemental Restraint System in the 2001 LS 430 adds advanced variable-force front airbags and side curtain front and rear airbags. Sensors determine the force with which to deploy the front airbags, helping to maximize occupant restraint performance. The front seats and rear outboard seats feature seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters.
Lexus believes in giving the driver the technology to help avoid danger on the road. The LS 430 includes Brake Assist, which Lexus introduced on the LS 400 for 2000. Brake Assist interprets a quick, hard push of the brake pedal as emergency braking and, if the driver has not stepped hard enough on the brake pedal to activate the anti-lock brake system, Brake Assist supplements the applied braking pressure.
Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), introduced on the 1998 LS 400 and now available on most Lexus models, helps maintain traction control under demanding conditions by detecting and helping to correct for understeer and oversteer. The VSC system integrates traction control to help limit rear wheel spin on slippery surfaces. Both VSC and Brake Assist employ the sensors and actuators of the standard four-channel anti-lock brake system (ABS).
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September 5, 2000
Lexus Introduces New Premium Luxury Benchmark; 2001 LS 430 Leaps Ahead in Performance, Safety and Luxury
September 5, 2000, Torrance, Calif. - Lexus will introduce the third generation of its flagship sedan for 2001, making yet another leap forward in the premium luxury segment. The all-new LS 430 brings to market a new design that's both edgier and roomier with new safety technology, a more engaging driving experience and many significant luxury innovations.
"With the LS 400, Lexus created the benchmark by which others are judged," said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Denny Clements. "Now, as the competition has caught up in many ways, we're going to set new, higher standards with the LS 430."
Lexus designed the new LS 430 to provide even more car than before, but without adding excess size and weight. The brand's renowned attention to detail on every level has created a car of positive contrasts:
A more muscular, "chiseled" design, yet with the optional air suspension, a wind-cheating 0.25 aerodynamic coefficient of drag (Cd) that nearly eliminates wind noise (0.26 with standard suspension); this industry low level was reached by fine tuning the airflow around bumpers, fenders, floorpan, mirrors and even the angle of the front grille bars;
Increased performance, yet with Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) certification and without an increase in fuel consumption (based on preliminary fuel consumption figures);
Strong body structure and new safety technologies, with minimal additional weight (only 65 pounds over the previous LS 400);
A more spacious interior, without taking up more space outside;
More responsive handling, with an even smoother ride than before; and
More advanced luxury features, with controls that are easy to use.
"This latest Lexus flagship truly is new," said LS 430 Chief Engineer Yasushi Tanaka. "While some of the structural parts, nuts and bolts were carried over from the previous generation LS, more than 90 percent of this car is all-new."
A three-inch longer wheelbase (now 115.2 inches) and increased height give the LS 430 more passenger room than the previous LS 400. However, Lexus kept overall length the same as before, 196.7 inches, to retain maneuverability. The new LS 430 provides more front leg- and headroom than the externally larger Mercedes-Benz S-Class, as well as more cabin volume (107.2 cu. ft. vs. 105.0 cu. ft.) and a larger trunk (20.2 cu. ft. - 17.5 cu. ft. with rear air conditioner - vs. 15.4 cu. ft.).
Sportscar-Level Performance
The original Lexus LS 400 made a powerful V8 engine the price of entry in the premium luxury sedan segment at a time when some European competitors provided only six-cylinder engines. The new 290-horsepower 4.3-liter V8 engine in the LS 430, mated to a computer-controlled five-speed automatic transmission, will accelerate the Lexus flagship sedan from 0-60 mph in a sportscar-quick 6.3 seconds. The LS 430 power plant outclasses some larger-displacement engines, due in large part to Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). VVT-i eliminates the traditional compromise between low-end torque and high-rpm horsepower by optimizing valve overlap throughout the engine's speed range, not just at one or two set speeds.
The 4.3-liter V8 produces 320 lb.-ft. of peak torque, equivalent to a 5.0-liter engine. Lexus tuned the LS 430 engine to produce more torque across a broad engine speed range, making the car feel more responsive under all driving conditions.
Seeking to reduce driver and passenger fatigue at every level, Lexus has equipped the 2001 LS 430 with Intuitive Powertrain Control. The system enables the driver to maintain a given pace over varying road conditions using smaller adjustments to accelerator pedal pressure. With Intuitive Powertrain Control, the LS 430 can, in effect, give a driver a smoother driving style, which also benefits the passengers.
Combining an electronic throttle and transmission shifting intelligence, the Intuitive Powertrain Control continually analyzes pressure on the accelerator pedal, engine operating conditions and vehicle speed to provide the precise amount of engine torque for a given driving situation. The transmission responds to road grade and acceleration/deceleration activity, holding gears on inclines and downshifting when the driver applies the brake.
New Dynamic Laser Cruise Control, Intuitive Parking Assist and Ultra Luxury
The LS 430 features Dynamic Laser Cruise Control. Collecting data from 630 scanning points, the system is designed to maintain a set distance from the vehicle traveling in front. Also, a new Intuitive Parking Assist system uses ultrasonic sensors to detect any obstacles at the corners of the front or rear of the vehicle. When there is an obstacle, an indicator appears in the multi-display screen and a buzzer sounds.
In addition to the advanced cruise control and parking assist features, the LS 430 also is one of several Lexus models for 2001 to offer a high-end Mark Levinson premium audio system. Audiophiles have acknowledged Mark Levinson as a leader in high-end home audio components since the early 1970s. The Lexus system features discrete amplifier design with ultra-low crossover distortion. All occupants enjoy optimal sound quality, no matter where they're sitting.
The Dynamic Laser Cruise Control, Intuitive Parking Assist and the Mark Levinson audio system are three parts of a new Ultra Luxury option package that truly transforms the LS 430, making it a viable choice for the chauffeur-driven executive market - or the most comfortable way to carpool. The Ultra Luxury features also include:
Air suspension with adaptive shock absorber control (Adaptive Variable Suspension)
DVD-based navigation system with seven-inch screen and voice-command control
Lexus Link safety and security system
Moonroof
Water-repellent front door glass and laminated front and rear door glass
Power door closers on all four doors
Front climate control seats with heat and cool *****
Rear seat adjusters with power slide and memory, heat and massage
Intuitive Climate Control System featuring rear air conditioner with air filtration
Intuitive Parking Assist
Headlight washers
Upgraded leather and interior trim
Rear cooler box
Rear seat audio and climate controls
Power rear sunshade and manual rear window shades
Several of these items, including the Mark Levinson audio system, navigation system, and the moonroof, also will be available separately. Additional options include a Euro-tuned sport suspension and 17-inch wheels with low-profile tires.
Even the Best Can Get Better
The Lexus LS 400 has garnered more awards for quality than any other luxury car and has won the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study every year it has been eligible (the survey considers a vehicle's five-year history). Yet, continuous improvement resulted in 57 major improvements to give the LS 430 even longer-lasting quality.
To refine their own standards for attention to detail, Lexus designers and engineers studied luxury and craftsmanship outside the automotive realm, including five-star hotel rooms, private luxury jets, and high-end jewelry and guitar makers. To improve its already exemplary body panel fit, Lexus used a supercomputer to digitize the LS 430 body surface, reducing the unit of measurement to 1/1000 of a millimeter - 10 times more precise than the 1/100 of a millimeter used before.
Inside, the LS 430 interior features higher grades of leather and wood than before. New adjustments for the front seats include dual lumbar controls and adjustable cushion length for greater thigh support for the driver, as well as single lumbar controls for the passenger. The climate control system features temperature and sun-sensing articulating air registers. If sunlight is concentrated on one side of the car, the registers will automatically deliver more cooling air to that side.
The standard wood/leather steering wheel features easy-to-use controls for the audio system - which includes a standard in-dash, single-feed six-disc CD changer - and a 15-function information display and trip computer with compass. The available DVD-ROM navigation system offers faster performance and far greater map data capacity than CD-ROM systems (one DVD disc covers the entire contiguous United States), and its voice-command feature allows hands-free use. The system includes a seven-inch touch screen. Additionally, the navigation system is linked to the optional Lexus Dual Mode Mobile Phone. For example, if a point of interest is called up on the navigation screen, a push of a button will dial the point of interest directly.
Greater Commitment to Safety
The Lexus commitment to safety in the LS 430 starts with a strong body structure. Front and rear crumple zone structures protect a strong passenger cell, and Lexus optimized the structure for crash-compatibility with other passenger vehicles, as well. The Supplemental Restraint System in the 2001 LS 430 includes a variable-force front passenger airbag. Sensors determine the force with which to deploy the front airbag, helping to maximize occupant restraint performance. Front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags help provide protection in certain severe side impacts.
The LS 430 comes equipped with technology to help the driver avoid danger on the road. For aided visibility, the LS 430 includes as standard High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, daytime running lights, rain-sensing windshield wiper operation, and water-repellent front door glass.
Four-channel, four sensor anti-lock brakes (ABS) help maintain steering control during panic stops, and the Brake Assist system can help the driver take full advantage of the ABS in emergency situations. Brake Assist is designed to determine emergency braking and, if the driver has not stepped hard enough on the brake pedal to activate the anti-lock brake system, it supplements the applied braking pressure. Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), introduced on the 1998 LS 400, helps avoid side skids under demanding conditions by detecting and helping to correct for understeer and oversteer. The VSC system integrates traction control to help limit rear wheel spin on slippery road surfaces.
Standard Equipment Highlights
Optitron electroluminescent instrument panel display
Dual-zone automatic climate control
14-way power driver's seat; 10-way power passenger seat
Three-position memory system for driver's seat, outside mirrors, steering wheel, and seatbelt anchor height
Power windows with one-touch up/down with pinch protection
Outside-air filtration and deodorization system
Trip computer with compass
Cruise control
Power tilt/telescope steering wheel
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Heated, auto-dimming exterior mirrors
7-speaker premium audio system with steering wheel controls
In-dash six-disc CD changer
Automatic headlight-on sensor
Outside temperature gauge
Keyless entry with in-key remote
Immobilizer anti-theft system with rolling code technology
Homelink® programmable garage door opener
Power trunk closer
The LS 430 goes on sale at Lexus' 187 dealer outlets on Oct. 15. The company expects to sell 8,500 LS 430s during the remainder of 2000, with an annual sales objective of 25,000.
Lexus Introduces New Premium Luxury Benchmark; 2001 LS 430 Leaps Ahead in Performance, Safety and Luxury
September 5, 2000, Torrance, Calif. - Lexus will introduce the third generation of its flagship sedan for 2001, making yet another leap forward in the premium luxury segment. The all-new LS 430 brings to market a new design that's both edgier and roomier with new safety technology, a more engaging driving experience and many significant luxury innovations.
"With the LS 400, Lexus created the benchmark by which others are judged," said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Denny Clements. "Now, as the competition has caught up in many ways, we're going to set new, higher standards with the LS 430."
Lexus designed the new LS 430 to provide even more car than before, but without adding excess size and weight. The brand's renowned attention to detail on every level has created a car of positive contrasts:
A more muscular, "chiseled" design, yet with the optional air suspension, a wind-cheating 0.25 aerodynamic coefficient of drag (Cd) that nearly eliminates wind noise (0.26 with standard suspension); this industry low level was reached by fine tuning the airflow around bumpers, fenders, floorpan, mirrors and even the angle of the front grille bars;
Increased performance, yet with Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) certification and without an increase in fuel consumption (based on preliminary fuel consumption figures);
Strong body structure and new safety technologies, with minimal additional weight (only 65 pounds over the previous LS 400);
A more spacious interior, without taking up more space outside;
More responsive handling, with an even smoother ride than before; and
More advanced luxury features, with controls that are easy to use.
"This latest Lexus flagship truly is new," said LS 430 Chief Engineer Yasushi Tanaka. "While some of the structural parts, nuts and bolts were carried over from the previous generation LS, more than 90 percent of this car is all-new."
A three-inch longer wheelbase (now 115.2 inches) and increased height give the LS 430 more passenger room than the previous LS 400. However, Lexus kept overall length the same as before, 196.7 inches, to retain maneuverability. The new LS 430 provides more front leg- and headroom than the externally larger Mercedes-Benz S-Class, as well as more cabin volume (107.2 cu. ft. vs. 105.0 cu. ft.) and a larger trunk (20.2 cu. ft. - 17.5 cu. ft. with rear air conditioner - vs. 15.4 cu. ft.).
Sportscar-Level Performance
The original Lexus LS 400 made a powerful V8 engine the price of entry in the premium luxury sedan segment at a time when some European competitors provided only six-cylinder engines. The new 290-horsepower 4.3-liter V8 engine in the LS 430, mated to a computer-controlled five-speed automatic transmission, will accelerate the Lexus flagship sedan from 0-60 mph in a sportscar-quick 6.3 seconds. The LS 430 power plant outclasses some larger-displacement engines, due in large part to Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). VVT-i eliminates the traditional compromise between low-end torque and high-rpm horsepower by optimizing valve overlap throughout the engine's speed range, not just at one or two set speeds.
The 4.3-liter V8 produces 320 lb.-ft. of peak torque, equivalent to a 5.0-liter engine. Lexus tuned the LS 430 engine to produce more torque across a broad engine speed range, making the car feel more responsive under all driving conditions.
Seeking to reduce driver and passenger fatigue at every level, Lexus has equipped the 2001 LS 430 with Intuitive Powertrain Control. The system enables the driver to maintain a given pace over varying road conditions using smaller adjustments to accelerator pedal pressure. With Intuitive Powertrain Control, the LS 430 can, in effect, give a driver a smoother driving style, which also benefits the passengers.
Combining an electronic throttle and transmission shifting intelligence, the Intuitive Powertrain Control continually analyzes pressure on the accelerator pedal, engine operating conditions and vehicle speed to provide the precise amount of engine torque for a given driving situation. The transmission responds to road grade and acceleration/deceleration activity, holding gears on inclines and downshifting when the driver applies the brake.
New Dynamic Laser Cruise Control, Intuitive Parking Assist and Ultra Luxury
The LS 430 features Dynamic Laser Cruise Control. Collecting data from 630 scanning points, the system is designed to maintain a set distance from the vehicle traveling in front. Also, a new Intuitive Parking Assist system uses ultrasonic sensors to detect any obstacles at the corners of the front or rear of the vehicle. When there is an obstacle, an indicator appears in the multi-display screen and a buzzer sounds.
In addition to the advanced cruise control and parking assist features, the LS 430 also is one of several Lexus models for 2001 to offer a high-end Mark Levinson premium audio system. Audiophiles have acknowledged Mark Levinson as a leader in high-end home audio components since the early 1970s. The Lexus system features discrete amplifier design with ultra-low crossover distortion. All occupants enjoy optimal sound quality, no matter where they're sitting.
The Dynamic Laser Cruise Control, Intuitive Parking Assist and the Mark Levinson audio system are three parts of a new Ultra Luxury option package that truly transforms the LS 430, making it a viable choice for the chauffeur-driven executive market - or the most comfortable way to carpool. The Ultra Luxury features also include:
Air suspension with adaptive shock absorber control (Adaptive Variable Suspension)
DVD-based navigation system with seven-inch screen and voice-command control
Lexus Link safety and security system
Moonroof
Water-repellent front door glass and laminated front and rear door glass
Power door closers on all four doors
Front climate control seats with heat and cool *****
Rear seat adjusters with power slide and memory, heat and massage
Intuitive Climate Control System featuring rear air conditioner with air filtration
Intuitive Parking Assist
Headlight washers
Upgraded leather and interior trim
Rear cooler box
Rear seat audio and climate controls
Power rear sunshade and manual rear window shades
Several of these items, including the Mark Levinson audio system, navigation system, and the moonroof, also will be available separately. Additional options include a Euro-tuned sport suspension and 17-inch wheels with low-profile tires.
Even the Best Can Get Better
The Lexus LS 400 has garnered more awards for quality than any other luxury car and has won the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study every year it has been eligible (the survey considers a vehicle's five-year history). Yet, continuous improvement resulted in 57 major improvements to give the LS 430 even longer-lasting quality.
To refine their own standards for attention to detail, Lexus designers and engineers studied luxury and craftsmanship outside the automotive realm, including five-star hotel rooms, private luxury jets, and high-end jewelry and guitar makers. To improve its already exemplary body panel fit, Lexus used a supercomputer to digitize the LS 430 body surface, reducing the unit of measurement to 1/1000 of a millimeter - 10 times more precise than the 1/100 of a millimeter used before.
Inside, the LS 430 interior features higher grades of leather and wood than before. New adjustments for the front seats include dual lumbar controls and adjustable cushion length for greater thigh support for the driver, as well as single lumbar controls for the passenger. The climate control system features temperature and sun-sensing articulating air registers. If sunlight is concentrated on one side of the car, the registers will automatically deliver more cooling air to that side.
The standard wood/leather steering wheel features easy-to-use controls for the audio system - which includes a standard in-dash, single-feed six-disc CD changer - and a 15-function information display and trip computer with compass. The available DVD-ROM navigation system offers faster performance and far greater map data capacity than CD-ROM systems (one DVD disc covers the entire contiguous United States), and its voice-command feature allows hands-free use. The system includes a seven-inch touch screen. Additionally, the navigation system is linked to the optional Lexus Dual Mode Mobile Phone. For example, if a point of interest is called up on the navigation screen, a push of a button will dial the point of interest directly.
Greater Commitment to Safety
The Lexus commitment to safety in the LS 430 starts with a strong body structure. Front and rear crumple zone structures protect a strong passenger cell, and Lexus optimized the structure for crash-compatibility with other passenger vehicles, as well. The Supplemental Restraint System in the 2001 LS 430 includes a variable-force front passenger airbag. Sensors determine the force with which to deploy the front airbag, helping to maximize occupant restraint performance. Front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags help provide protection in certain severe side impacts.
The LS 430 comes equipped with technology to help the driver avoid danger on the road. For aided visibility, the LS 430 includes as standard High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, daytime running lights, rain-sensing windshield wiper operation, and water-repellent front door glass.
Four-channel, four sensor anti-lock brakes (ABS) help maintain steering control during panic stops, and the Brake Assist system can help the driver take full advantage of the ABS in emergency situations. Brake Assist is designed to determine emergency braking and, if the driver has not stepped hard enough on the brake pedal to activate the anti-lock brake system, it supplements the applied braking pressure. Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), introduced on the 1998 LS 400, helps avoid side skids under demanding conditions by detecting and helping to correct for understeer and oversteer. The VSC system integrates traction control to help limit rear wheel spin on slippery road surfaces.
Standard Equipment Highlights
Optitron electroluminescent instrument panel display
Dual-zone automatic climate control
14-way power driver's seat; 10-way power passenger seat
Three-position memory system for driver's seat, outside mirrors, steering wheel, and seatbelt anchor height
Power windows with one-touch up/down with pinch protection
Outside-air filtration and deodorization system
Trip computer with compass
Cruise control
Power tilt/telescope steering wheel
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Heated, auto-dimming exterior mirrors
7-speaker premium audio system with steering wheel controls
In-dash six-disc CD changer
Automatic headlight-on sensor
Outside temperature gauge
Keyless entry with in-key remote
Immobilizer anti-theft system with rolling code technology
Homelink® programmable garage door opener
Power trunk closer
The LS 430 goes on sale at Lexus' 187 dealer outlets on Oct. 15. The company expects to sell 8,500 LS 430s during the remainder of 2000, with an annual sales objective of 25,000.
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