- Today at the North American International Auto Show, Lexus announced that it 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


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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.

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