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 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
• 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).  -Autoworld.com                        

Back to Today's Automotive News