Lexus LS

Lexus LS (sold as the LS 400 and LS 430 and in Japan as the Toyota Celsior) is a Japanese rear wheel drive luxury car with a V8 engine. Length of almost 5 m gives LS a large car classification in Europe. According to most reviews Lexus LS 400 has one of the most silent cabins of modern cars, and ride comfort is generally well accepted.

The strangest feature of LS may be its exterior design. It differentiates from the rest of the luxury car market by its rather ordinary looks. Most luxury car designs do their best to separate from the crowd, while Lexus looks like the most usual larger Japanese sedan.

1989–1994

The first revision was produced in 1989-1994. The LS 400 was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year and made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1990.

1995–1997

The second revision (UF20) was produced in 1995–1997, improving on brake system durability.

1998–2000

Third revision, model years 1998–2000, includes Toyota's new VVT-i variable valve timing engine, and a bit smoother ride with a five speed automatic.

2001–present

LS 430 is the flagship of Lexus. It now has a 4.3 L engine making 281 hp. It established new standards of safety and luxury. It was launched in 2001 and is still in production.

2007

The LS will be redesigned for the 2007 model year. Arriving in Fall, 2006, the new LS will use either a 4.6 L V8 or a V8 Hybrid gas/electric. For the first time, Lexus will offer two wheelbases. The base LS 460 will use the shorter wheelbase, while the gasoline engin will also be offered as a long-wheelbase LS 460L. The hybrid will be long wheelbase only and will be sold as the LS 600hL, although the same 4.6 L engine is expected.

Miscellaneous

Antony Leung, the former secretary of finance of Hong Kong, purchased an LS 430 just before implementing a new tax that would have cost him an additional HK$50,000. The scandal, known as "Lexusgate", led to his resignation.

Microsoft chairman Bill Gates has been reported to be a Lexus LS owner.