LS 400 Remains Quality and Value Benchmark
Among Prestige Luxury Cars

A stunning advancement in quality, performance and value when it was introduced in 1989, today's Lexus LS 400 has remained a moving target as competitors continue to set their sights on an industry benchmark. Thanks to the Lexus philosophy of "continuous improvement," the LS 400 is an altogether different car today, with acceleration superior to many sports cars, more controlled handling, an even smoother, quieter ride, and meticulous craftsmanship.

Available in 54 countries in North America, Asia, Europe, Australia and the Middle East, the LS 400 competes in the "prestige luxury" segment against international-class models such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, Jaguar XJ-8 and Audi A8. The LS 400 offers superior performance and comfort, industry-leading quality and is priced many thousands of dollars less than these competitors. Relative to the average new vehicle, today's LS 400 is an even better value than ever. Since the original model's 1990 launch, prices paid for the LS 400 have risen only half as much as for the average new car or truck in the United States.

A CAR OF DUAL PERSONALITIES

The LS 400 is powered by a new generation V8 engine featuring Lexus' exclusive VVT-i or Variable Valve Timing, intelligent, VVT-i employs continuously variable intake valve timing to provide greater engine performance, better fuel economy and reduced pollution over a wide range of rpm.   Coupled to a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, wider gear ratio spacing, the LS 400 sprints to 60 mph in as little as 6.6 seconds, besting the performance of many pure sports cars. Yet, the LS 400 meets very strict California standards, qualifying as a Transitional Low Emission Vehicle (TLEV).

Such performance makes the LS 400 a car of "dual personalities": Seamlessly comfortable and quiet, but swift and nimble when called upon. Contributing to its multi-talented nature is an artfully tuned double wishbone suspension, with optional self-leveling air springs. The air suspension option employs semi-active damping, which reacts to road conditions, driver inputs and vehicle speed to continuously adjust for the best balance of comfort and control.

Standard equipment includes the Lexus Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) system, which electronically monitors vehicle handling and helps compensate for loss of lateral traction in slippery conditions. VSC harnesses the anti-lock brakes (ABS) and traction control sensors and electronics to help the driver correct for vehicle skids caused by oversteer or understeer conditions. The VSC system includes an on/off switch and slip indicator warning beeper to alert the driver when the system is active.

Active safety is further enhanced by optional high-intensity discharge headlights, which produce a daylight color spectrum to increase contrast and definition at night. The HID headlights maintain continuous level control, regardless of cargo load or driving conditions.

METICULOUS ATTENTION TO DETAIL

The LS 400's dual-personality nature extends to blending the best of both worlds: high technology combined with old-fashioned hand-craftsmanship and attention to detail. Its renowned levels of fit and finish start with thorough engineering of body structure and advanced manufacturing techniques such as laser welding, and computer optical scanning of gear mesh.

But the many examples of meticulous attention to detail workmanship is what sets the LS 400 apart from its competitors.

LS 400 leather is carefully selected according to the strictest standards required of the best American tanneries. As many as 10 hides are hand selected to trim an LS 400 interior. The shapes of seating areas are laid out individually on the hides to achieve the best match, minimize wrinkles and provide the best final shape. Most seams are stitched by hand on sewing machines rather than by automated equipment.

An example of the extreme attention to detail can be found on the hidden surface of each door's armrest. There, extra-soft and thick leather is provided where the fingertips- contact the inside of the door handle to pull it shut. Although invisible, it is just one of the details that makes LS 400 refinement so tangible.

Interior wood trim is selected and processed by skilled piano makers, Only one percent of all available buried California walnut meets standards for the LS 400's interior. Color staining is applied by hand, with 3 coats and three individual hand-sanding steps. Final finishing and buffing is done after a single car's trim pieces are matted.

Recognized as the highest-quality vehicle sold in the United States by the independent research firm of J.D. Power and Associates, the LS 400's detail engineering and craftsmanship story doesn't end at the factory door. Each car is test driven on a track adjacent to the factory. An inspection documentation record accompanies each car and is personally signed each step of the way, from factory to port of entry to dealership before delivery to the customer. The LS 400's unique combination of high-tech manufacturing and old-fashioned craftsmanship helps assure long-term durability and resale value. Lexus has been named the most dependable make after five years of ownership, every year it has been eligible.