Lexus LS: История флагманского седана класса люкс

The Lexus LS (レクサス・LS) is a full size luxury sedan (F segment in Europe) serving as the flagship model of Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota. For the first four generations, all LS models featured V8 engines and were predominantly rear wheel drive. In the fourth generation, Lexus offered all wheel drive, hybrid, and long wheelbase variants. The fifth generation changed to using a V6 engine with no V8 option, and only one length was offered. As the first model developed by Lexus, the LS 400 debuted in January 1989 with the second generation debuting in November 1994. The LS 430 debuted in January 2000 and the LS 460/LS 460 L series in 2006. A domestic market version of the LS 400 and LS 430, badged as Toyota Celsior (トヨタ・セルシオ), was sold in Japan until the Lexus marque was introduced there in 2006. In 2006 (for the 2007 model year), the fourth generation LS 460 debuted the first production eight speed automatic transmission and an automatic parking system. In 2007, V8 hybrid powertrains were introduced on the LS 600h/LS 600h L sedans. Development of the LS began in 1983 as the F1 project, the code name for a secret flagship sedan. At the time, Toyota's two existing flagship models were the Crown and Century models – both of which catered exclusively for the Japanese market and had little global appeal that could compete with international luxury brands such as Mercedes Benz, BMW and Jaguar. The resulting sedan followed an extended five year design process at a cost of over US$1 billion, and premiered with a new V8 engine and numerous luxury features. The Lexus LS was intended from its inception for export markets, and the Lexus division was formed to market and service the vehicle internationally. The original LS 400 debuted to strong sales, and was largely responsible for the successful launch of the Lexus marque. Since the start of production, each generation of the Lexus LS has been manufactured in the Japanese city of Tahara, Aichi. The name "LS" stands for "Luxury Sedan", although some Lexus importers have preferred to define it as "Luxury Saloon". The name "Celsior" is taken from Latin word "celsus", meaning "lofty" or "elevated".

In August 1983, Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda initiated the F1 project ("Flagship" and "No. 1" vehicle; alternatively called the "Circle F" project), as a clandestine effort aimed at producing a world class luxury sedan for international markets. The F1 development effort did not have a specific budget or time constraints, and the resulting vehicle did not use existing Toyota platforms or parts. Instead, chief engineer Ichiro Suzuki sought to develop an all new design, aiming to surpass rival American and European flagship sedans in specific target areas, including aerodynamics, cabin quietness, overall top speed, and fuel efficiency. During development, the 60 designers with 1,400 engineers in 24 teams, 2,300 technicians and over 200 support workers built approximately 450 flagship prototypes and 900 engine prototypes. The teams logged of testing on locations ranging from winter Europe roadways to deserts in Arizona, Australia, or Saudi Arabia, to American highways and wilderness. In May 1985, designers started work on the F1 project. In late 1985, designers presented the first exterior study models to F1 management, featuring a sports car like design with a low slung hood and narrow front profile. By 1986, the sedan used a three box design with an upright stance, more prominent grille, and a two tone body. For the passenger cabin, the materials selection tests evaluated 24 different kinds of wood and multiple types of leather for two years before settling on specific trim combinations. By 1986, the Lexus marque was created to support the launch of the flagship sedan, and the vehicle became known as the Lexus LS. and over US$1 billion in development expenses, the final design for the production Lexus LS 400 (chassis code UCF10) was frozen in May 1987 with design patents filed on 20 February 1987 and 13 May 1987. In January 1989, the LS 400 made its debut as a 1990 model at the North American International Auto Show, in Detroit, Michigan. Production began on 15 May 1989, with the first shipments leaving Japanese ports in late June 1989. The first cars were available in August 1989, and U. S. sales officially began on 1 September 1989, followed by limited exports to Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom starting in 1990. Sales in certain, lesser markets only started in late 1991, nearly three years after the car's introduction, as Lexus chose to focus on the North American and home markets. Production was limited to about 50,000 cars per year in order to maintain desired quality standards; 40,000 of these were earmarked for the United States, 8,000 for Japan, and only about 2,000 examples for the rest of the world. The LS 400's new 4.0 liter 1UZ FE 32 valve V8 engine, capable of and of torque, was linked to a new four speed automatic transmission with ECT i electronically controlled shifts, super flow torque converter and rear differential. The chassis used an independent, high mount upper arm double wishbone suspension setup with twin tube shock absorbers, The LS 400's 0– time was 8.5 seconds, and its top speed was Compared to its rivals, namely the BMW 735i (E32) and Mercedes Benz 420 SE (W126), the LS 400 had a quieter cabin, with 58 dB at ; a higher top speed; a lower drag coefficient and curb weight; and it avoided the U. S. Gas Guzzler Tax. In European tests, the noise level at was measured at 74 dBA, equal to a BMW 735i at At its introduction in 1989, the Celsior won the Car of the Year Japan award. The LS 400 was among the first luxury sedans to feature an automatic tilt and telescoping steering wheel with SRS airbag, power adjustable shoulder seat belts, and an electrochromic rear view mirror. The five passenger cabin included California walnut and leather trim, power adjustable seats, and soft touch controls. A back lit electro luminescent gauge cluster featured a holographic visual effect, with indicator lights projected onto the instrument panel. The memory system stored the driver's seat, side mirror, steering wheel, and seat belt positions. Available luxury options included a Nakamichi premium sound system and an integrated cellular telephone with hands free capabilities. The LS 400 further contained some 300 technological innovations to aid smooth operation and silence, vibration insulating rubber mounts, and sandwich steel body panels. In Japan, the launch of Lexus was complicated by Toyota's existing four domestic dealership networks at the time of its introduction. The Toyota Crown and Toyota Century were exclusive to Toyota Store locations. During the LS 400's development, local dealers' requests for a Japanese domestic market version had grown, The Celsior, named after the Latin word for "supreme," was largely identical to the LS. The Crown and the Crown Majesta, which appeared later in 1991, were only available at Toyota Store locations which carried Japan only Toyota luxury models, like the Century. The Celsior introduced two world firsts: high performance twin tube shock absorbers and an air suspension combined with an upgraded version of Toyota's semi active Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension, called Piezo TEMS. This was ahead of its time: Mercedes Benz first introduced a similar electronically controlled air suspension on the 1999 Mercedes Benz S Class (W220) (Airmatic). Adding incentive for early U. S. sales was a base price of US$35,000 ($ in dollars ), which undercut competitors by thousands of dollars and brought accusations of selling below cost from rival BMW. Lexus' parent company Toyota had already established a strong reputation of reliability and quality among economy cars. The Cressida sedan gave the American market some evidence that Toyota was capable of building competent, larger luxury flagships with equivalent reliability. In December 1989, shortly after the LS 400's launch, Lexus ordered a voluntary recall of the 8,000 vehicles sold so far, based upon two customer complaints over defective wiring and an overheated brake light. All vehicles were serviced within 20 days, and the incident helped establish Lexus' customer service reputation. By 1990, U. S. sales of the LS 400 had surpassed those of competing Mercedes Benz, BMW, and Jaguar models. Production of the first generation LS 400 totaled over 165,000 units. The LS 400 made Consumer Reports 2007 list of recommended vehicles that regularly last or more, with proper maintenance.

Debuting in September 1992 as a 1993 model, the refreshed LS 400 (designed through 1991) was introduced with more than 50 changes, largely in response to customer and dealer requests. The vehicle received larger disc brakes, wheels, and tires, and adjustments were made to the suspension and power steering systems to improve handling. Stylistic changes included additional body side moldings and a revised grille, along with a greater selection of colors. external temperature gauge, digital odometer, seat belt pretensioners, and chlorofluorocarbon free refrigerant were added. In 1992, the Celsior introduced the world's first GPS navigation system with voice instructions, supplied by Aisin. By 1994, the LS 400's U. S. base price exceeded $50000, a figure that had steadily risen since the vehicle's introduction. Customer demand for the vehicle and shifts in foreign exchange rates contributed to the increase in price. The growing popularity of the LS internationally was an asset to Toyota, as Japan had entered into an economic recession in 1991 that later became what was called the collapse of the Japanese asset price bubble or "bubble economy". A considerable point is that in the years after the LS400/Celsior went out of production in 1994, the car has continued to influence the entire world of manufacturing. The Toyota Production System largely infiltrated American manufacturing around the time MIT's IMVP academic group coined lean manufacturing, as MBA John Krafcik used his Lexus influenced knowledge learned to model Genesis, as Hyundai Kia themselves used TPS to become benchmarks in modern day. Within Toyota's own development efforts, the LS400's innovative advancements spread down through the company line up. Through leveraging sister platforms, Toyota also used the economic conditions of currency differentials to trickle down to the high standards set by the LS400. This type of reputation setting effort was monumental and not very profitable for Toyota, but they saw it as a way to gain a sterling reputation for quality and reliability. Afterwards Toyota planners would look for ways to reduce costs in the lower models (in their next generations). For example, the MX83 Toyota Cressida was the first glimpse at the LS400 and SXV10 Camry to come following in 1992. The MX83 was a clear step up from the 2nd generation V20 Camry. Additionally, Toyota saw it as an educational experience of refinement for engineering researchers in the United States market. It was large (notably more so than V20 Camry), and was designed to be a proper mid size American car. Toyota used the MX83 as a hollow shell to build the LS400 interior concept until that cabin was transferred to a larger, more bubble type body shell. Extensive audio testing with Nakamichi systems was done by using LS400 prototype interiors in Cressida bodies. As the LS400 was then refined, Toyota went through extraordinary efforts to refine the standards of the MX83 even slightly further, as fit and finish became the best in the industry. This level of fit and finish trickled down to the 1992 XV10 Toyota Camry/Lexus ES300 shared platform. The 1992 Camry shocked the industry as it was only a non luxury midsize family sedan (in base non XLE trims, at least). However, the complex flushed window stamping and flowing one piece roof were modeled from new processes learned by Toyota making the LS400, as were the triple sealing framed doors. To accomplish this, the doors use indented rubber gaskets to seal the door in a fashion similar to that used by Tupperware food containers. There were no other mid size sedans built to such fit and finish standards, except the high end German BMW 5 series and Mercedes Benz E class cars. This point was made by Chris Goffey during BBC's 1991 Motorfair Top Gear coverage. Principles such as Heijunka boards, andon pull cords, and Gemba walking have become embedded in aerospace engineering production at Boeing and its subsidiaries. The Federal Aviation Administration lists the FV2400 2TC (a 1UZ FE derivative) as aviation certified. Intel modeled the "Internet of Things" on what was learned from Toyota's LS 400 quality standards. Production of the first generation LS ended in September 1994 to make way for production of the second generation model in October.

The second generation Lexus LS 400 (UCF20) debuted in November 1994 (for the 1995 model year) with a longer wheelbase and similar specifications as the original model. The public unveiling of the vehicle occurred in a gala ceremony held at the San Francisco Opera House in California. The sedan was equipped with an updated 4.0 liter 1UZ FE V8 engine, producing and of torque. Internally, over 90% of the redesigned LS 400's composition was new or redesigned,), and improved brakes. Development of the second generation LS 400 began after worldwide launch of the first generation under program code 250T. Given the first generation model's successful reception and high level of customer satisfaction with its design, replicating the original LS 400's attributes with its successor was one of chief engineer Kazuo Okamoto's primary goals (he stated that "a tradition cannot be founded if you reject the first generation"). and was the work of the Calty Design Research center in the U. S. More prominent side lines provided a reference point for parking maneuvers, and forward visibility was improved. The redesigned LS 400 interior received upgraded features, varying from dual zone climate controls to rear cupholders. Several optional features, such as a compact disc based Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation system and reclining rear seats, were available only in Japan. At its U. S. debut, the redesigned LS 400 retained a pricing advantage over European competitors in its largest market, launching with a base price of US$51,000. Subsequent negotiations averted the sanctions by the second quarter of that year, and sales recovered in the following months.

Designed through early 1996, in September 1997 a revised LS 400 was introduced for the 1998 model year. Changes were a five speed automatic transmission, increased engine output to , with variable valve timing (VVT i), and an added of torque. Stylistically, the vehicle sported a new front fascia, side mirrors, and updated wheels; It controlled speed only through throttle control and downshifting, but did not apply the brakes. Because of laser technology limitations, it deactivated in bad weather. A CD ROM based GPS automotive navigation system became an option in the U. S. Added safety features included front side airbags, vehicle stability control and in 2000, brake assist.

The third generation Lexus LS 430 (UCF30) debuted at the North American International Auto Show in January 2000 as a 2001 model, introducing a new body design with a host of new interior and technological features. The interior design was inspired by luxury hotels (Imperial Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel, The Ritz Carlton) and the seats were inspired by the first class seats of British Airways and Japan Airlines. It was the first US market Lexus with adaptive cruise control (called Dynamic Laser Cruise Control). It employed a lidar sensor and (unlike the laser ACC introduced in 1997 on the Celsior) was able to activate brakes for deceleration. The standard suspension had been completely redesigned, with a double wishbone setup at all four wheels; a tuned suspension was offered for the first time. The LS 430 sported a 0– acceleration time of 6.7 seconds. Sales began in October 2000 in the United States. accordingly opted for a more thorough exterior, interior, and technological redevelopment. The development of the LS 430 took four years. Selected from 16 different concept designs, the resulting vehicle of December 1997—when the final design (by Akihiro Nagaya) was approved—saw the sedan's dimensions increase in terms of wheelbase and height. The exterior featured a larger grille with rounded edges, quarter windows on the rear doors, and rounded trapezoidal headlamps. The body was also more aerodynamic than previous LS sedans (Cd 0.26; 0.25 with air suspension), and was the product of wind tunnel testing at facilities used for Shinkansen bullet train development. Trunk space was increased by one third due to repositioning of the fuel tank. While sharing the same body style, variants were differentiated by chassis configuration and onboard equipment. Models with the tuned sport suspension, sold as the "Touring" package in the United States, XF30 design patents were filed by Toyota in domestic Japan on 8 March 1999 at the Japan Patent Office under patent number 1080448. In every year of production, the LS 430 was the most reliable luxury sedan in the J. D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey (with the early and late models of this series the best performing), and the highest recorded scorer in the history of J. D. Power's Vehicle Dependability Survey. Thatcham ratings data via the UK Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre listed the theft prevention capabilities of the LS 430 as a maximum 5 stars, with the LS 430 being the first automobile to achieve the maximum theft deterrence rating in 2001.

Designed through early 2002, the LS 430 update launched in September 2003 as a 2004 model. The first radar (instead of previous lidar) sensor on a Lexus sedan allowed the new Dynamic RADAR Cruise Control to work in any weather conditions. The millimeter wave radar technology also enabled the first Pre Collision System (PCS) on a Lexus sedan (with partial autonomous braking only on the Japanese market Toyota Celsior version). Introduced a new six speed automatic transmission and revised styling. The powerplant remained the same as before. Exterior changes included restyled front and rear fascias, light emitting diode (LED) taillights, and different wheels.

Development on fourth generation LS began in 2001 under program code "250L", with the design process being done under Yo Hiruta from 2002 to late 2003, with the final production design being frozen in 2004. In October 2005, Lexus premiered a gasoline electric hybrid concept car, the LF Sh (Lexus Future Sedan hybrid), at the Tokyo Motor Show, publicly previewing the next Lexus flagship with a concept version for the first time. Introduced at the January 2006 North American International Auto Show for the 2007 model year, the fourth generation Lexus LS became the first Lexus model to be produced in both standard and long wheelbase versions. Using an all new platform, the LS 460 (USF40) uses the standard wheelbase, while the LS 460 L (USF41) features a stretched wheelbase. The fourth generation models' technical specifications were shown in greater detail at the Geneva Motor Show in February 2006. A hybrid version, LS 600h L (UVF46), was previewed at the New York International Auto Show in April 2006. At its introduction in 2006, it won the Car of the Year Japan award for the second time. The LS 460 and LS 460 L are both equipped with a new 4.6 liter 1UR FSE V8 producing and of torque, coupled to the first production eight speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0– is listed at 5.7 seconds. began as Lexus was shifting its design strategy towards a more diversified product lineup, with new vehicle launches largely focused on global markets. was also considered. First shown on the LF Sh concept, the vehicle gained body forms running the length of the car, wheel arches, arrow shaped chrome trim, a lower set grille, and crystalline adaptive headlamps. An "Executive" seating package on the LS 460 L included a rear seat DVD entertainment system, swivel tray table, and a shiatsu massaging ottoman seat. Other drive assist features included a brake hold system, radar cruise control, electric variable gear ratio power steering, and electronically controlled braking. The pre collision system added the first production image processing chip in a car capable of identifying vehicles and pedestrians in real time, along with millimeter wavelength radar, stereo cameras, and infrared night vision projectors. The LS 460 and LS 460 L arrived at dealerships in Japan, the U. S., and Europe in late 2006, and the vehicle reached Australia, East Asia, and the Middle East in 2007. The U. S. base prices for the 2007 LS 460 and LS 460 L were US$61,000 and US$71,000, respectively. After debuting a hybrid powertrain with the 2005 LF Sh concept, Lexus began sales of the LS 600h L (UVF46), the first production V8 powered full hybrid vehicle, in May 2007 for the 2008 model year. The long wheelbase LS 600h L is equipped with Lexus Hybrid Drive, featuring a 5.0 liter 2UR FSE V8 engine mated to a high output electric motor with nickel metal hydride battery packs. Features specific to the LS hybrids include the first production low beam LED headlights, a leather trimmed dash, and blue tinted hybrid badging. surpassing the V12 equipped Toyota Century as the most expensive Japanese luxury car ever produced. The first 100 LS 600h L sedans sold in the U. S. were offered as "Launch Edition" models via the Neiman Marcus catalog for InCircle members. In 2008, all wheel drive versions of the non hybrid LS 460 (USF45) and LS 460 L (USF46) models premiered at the Moscow International Automobile Salon. Debuting at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the LS 600h L "Pebble Beach Edition", limited to 50 units, was produced in partnership with the Pebble Beach Company. A specialized Lexus LS 460 was installed as a driving simulator at Toyota's Higashifuji Technical Center, in Shizuoka, Japan, for automotive safety testing, and in 2009 at Tokyo's Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS Safety) exhibition, the LS 460 ITS Safety concept was unveiled showing road to vehicle and vehicle to vehicle information exchange technologies.

Debuting in late 2009 for the 2010 model year, the revised LS 460 and LS 460 L included restyled front and rear fascias, side mirror turn signals, and new wheel designs. New technology included automatic high beam lights, a self repairing clear coat for the exterior paint, and an optional pre crash detection system. The standard cabin received additional chrome trim, an optional DVD entertainment system behind the center armrest, and in certain markets, an all digital instrument panel with night vision capability. A new interior customization program, "L Select", also became available for LS customers in Japan. These styling revisions see the retention of the side profile and doors, including rear fenders. Thus, the newly designed tail lamps, trunk lid, and rear bumper are only partially modified. For the first time, an F Sport variant is being offered. 'Nanoe' technology is used in the air conditioning system where 20–50 nm ions are bonded to water molecules.

The fifth generation LS received a facelift in 2020 for the 2021 model year. Notable improvements have been made in several areas of the vehicle. The suspension received enhancements that improves ride quality, handling and ingress/egress of the vehicle. The LS 500's 3.4 liter V6 engine has an updated piston design aimed to lower emissions and reduce NVH when the engine is cold while the hybrid variant received several hardware and software upgrades improving the acceleration of the vehicle. The interior of the LS has been further refined with revised seats, touch points, higher resolution rearview mirror and updated leather options. The facelifted LS uses a 12.3 inch touchscreen infotainment system instead of the mouse based implementation found in prior model years. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa integration are standard equipment. All grades of the 2021 LS are equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 as standard and received a number of updates such as Lane Change Assist and Active Steering Assist. Exterior updates include a revised front fascia, radiator intake, headlights, taillights and updated color options. In Europe, the updated LS 500h was launched a few months later and the LS 500 was dropped. An update launched on 8 April 2021 includes the Advanced Drive including driver monitor camera and remote software updates. It is able to keep the vehicle in its lane, maintain the distance from other vehicles, navigate a lane split, change lanes, and overtake other vehicles. It also has Advanced Park, an advanced parking assistance system.

The Lexus LS has been consistently produced on dedicated Lexus assembly lines at Toyota's flagship Tahara factory, located in the city of Tahara, in Aichi Prefecture, Chūbu region, southwest of Nagoya, since 1989. Tahara remains the sole production site, having inaugurated its new line number four specifically for assembly of the original LS 400. For the Lexus LS, the Tahara plant developed new molds and enhanced assembly techniques and instituted measures aimed at increasing the precision of the sedan's fit and finish. allowing for seamless steel welds. When production switched to the LS 460, the number of laser welds was doubled. Despite Tahara's large scale automation, Lexus LS production also involves specialized personnel who are tasked with key production points, such as testing each vehicle's V8 engine via dynamometer and stethoscope for calibration before installation. With the LS 460, a hand sanded paint process was introduced.

The Lexus LS marked a successful entrant of a Japanese manufacturer into the prestige luxury arena, after the first Honda (Acura) Legend, Lexus had overtaken Mercedes Benz and BMW in overall U. S. sales, and in 2000, the marque passed Cadillac as the luxury sales leader in the largest automotive market. Rival manufacturers responded with lower prices and added features. In particular, Mercedes Benz reorganized its operations, shifting to a targeted cost process similar to Lexus production methods, and dropped competing U. S. base prices by nearly 10 percent. To rival the LS 400, extra features were rushed for the launch of the 1991 Mercedes Benz S Class (W140), causing budget overruns and costing the job of Daimler Benz's chief engineer, Wolfgang Peter. Industry publications noted the LS 400's precise panel gaps, and the subject became a common evaluation standard in road tests. According to industry observers, the introduction of the Lexus LS reshaped Toyota's image from that of an "econobox" manufacturer to the builder of an automotive standard bearer. This stood in contrast to the predictions of early detractors, including rival manufacturers who dismissed Toyota as incapable of producing a competitive luxury vehicle. Honda had entered into a joint venture with Britain's Austin Rover Group in November 1981, launching Project XX with an Austin Rover–Honda XX letter of intent to replace the Rover SD1 with the Rover 800 and to provide a midsize, V6 powered luxury sedan for Honda, called the Honda Legend. Marketed as the Acura Legend in the U. S., the sedan initially sold well, but subsequent models (renamed Acura RL) performed below sales expectations. Launched by Nissan in December 1989, the V8 powered Infiniti Q45 closely rivaled the LS 400 in specifications and price, but was unsuccessful in sales (attributed to unconventional styling and marketing), leading to its discontinuation in 2006. The success of the Lexus LS became a test case for mainstream manufacturers targeting upscale segments. By investing in a separate marque, Toyota was able to avoid the stigma attached to a mass market brand's charging premium prices. The effect of the LS 400 on the automotive industry led Automobile magazine to add the sedan to its "24 Most Important Vehicles of the 20th Century" list in 1996.