New LS 400 Engine and Advanced Safety Systems Deliver More Performance, Comfort, Security
3 September 1997
New LS 400 Engine and Advanced Safety Systems Deliver More Performance, Comfort, Security
TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 3 -- Never satisfied, but constantly
striving to satisfy customers, Lexus engineers have redesigned the LS 400 to
provide even greater performance, comfort, safety and styling than its award-
winning predecessor.
Incorporating numerous leading automotive technologies, Lexus has elevated
the LS 400 to the next level in terms of luxury and performance while
maintaining its legendary quality and reliability. These technologies have
produced a new engine and transmission, additional active and passive safety
features and numerous convenience features.
Powertrain
The 1998 LS 400 is powered by the next-generation Lexus four-cam, 32-valve
V8 engine with Variable Valve Timing/ intelligence (VVT-i). An industry first
for a V8, VVT-i employs continuously variable intake valve timing control to
provide greater engine performance, better fuel economy and reduced emissions
over a broad rpm range. With VVT-i the LS 400 surpasses the power output of
its predecessor by generating 290 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 300 lb.-ft. of
torque at 4,000 rpm with an estimated 0-60 acceleration time of 6.4 seconds,
an improvement of 0.8 second.
A new electronic throttle control system (ETCS) provides acceleration
control under various road conditions. A throttle actuator controls the
acceleration level depending on the mode chosen on the ECT switch. When the
snow mode is selected, the throttle opens gradually, producing smoother
acceleration.
An all-new five-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission
aids both acceleration and overall efficiency. The addition of a fifth gear
produces a wider range of ratios between low and high gears and shorter and
smoother shift intervals.
Suspension and Handling
All 1998 LS 400s will feature a new Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) system
which electronically monitors the handling of the vehicle and helps compensate
for the loss of lateral control. The VSC system harnesses the anti-lock brake
(ABS) and traction control (TRAC) sensors, actuators and computer electronics
to help avoid and correct to the extent possible, vehicle skids and spins
caused by understeer or oversteer conditions.
An optional electronic air suspension system employs semi-active
independent four-channel adaptive damping, with the ability to sense and
retune each wheel individually for varying conditions.
Features and Amenities
The LS 400 is equipped with more than 20 new interior features, raising
the LS luxury standard even higher.
For enhanced security and convenience, an optional satellite-aided
computer navigation system with a touch-screen color TFT-LCD display is
integrated into the vehicle instrument panel. The navigation system utilizes
hard-disc map databases and a global positioning system satellite receiver to
track the vehicle's location and to plot optimum routing to the desired
destination. The hard-disc contains all major highways for the continental
United States plus detailed maps of 35 metropolitan areas. Turn-by-turn route
guidance is available by voice and screen displays. Stereo and climate
control functions also can be operated through the multi-function touch-screen
monitor.
A new drive monitor trip computer provides the driver with useful data for
planning trips. The monitor is displayed on the instrumentation panel for
easy viewing with a control switch located on the steering wheel for safe and
convenient operation.
A multi-function key-integrated entry system replaces the separate fob-
type system for more compact size. The system allows the operator to unlock
the driver door or all doors, open the trunk, activate a beep tone to easily
locate the vehicle and sound a panic alarm that also flashes the vehicle's
headlights and taillights. Additionally, the system can be used to operate
the power windows and sliding moonroof controls. Operated with a lithium
battery, the key is equipped with an LED battery condition indicator that
monitors the charge level. An integrated electronic garage opener with a home
link(TM) system is built into the map lamp. The garage door system can
"learn" frequencies and codes of 98 percent of all garage door opener
transmitters currently on the market.
For increased protection from vehicle theft, the LS 400 comes equipped
with a transponder chip engine immobilizer system, which prevents the engine
from starting unless the correct key is placed in the ignition.
The climate control feature now automatically re-circulates air flow when
a pollution sensor detects a heavy concentration of exhaust emission in the
outside air. The climate control also automatically switches to the circulate
mode, allowing fresh air into the cabin when humid conditions are present.
A gated shift lever offers easy manual shifting between each of the five
gears. Shifting into reverse mode automatically tilts down the passenger side
rearview mirror for easier viewing and maneuvering when backing up.
A new Lexus Customized Body Electronics System (CBES) allows owners to
customize the actions of 35 different electrical functions to their personal
taste. Examples include selection of headlamp-off delay time, interior
lighting fade delay time, keyless remote confirmation volume, key reminder
tone frequency and numerous other functions.
Additional new interior amenities include more supple leather material,
rear seat center headrest, improved rear seat reading lamps, stainless steel
scuff plates with the Lexus logo and additional console wood trim. An
optional wood and leather steering wheel and shift knob complement the
existing wood panels.
Other standard features include dual zone climate control, power tilt-and-
telescopic steering column with automatic tilt-away and memory and multi-
adjustable power front seats with power lumbar support.
Safety
In addition to the new VSC active safety system, the LS 400 comes
standard-equipped with next-generation supplemental restraint systems (SRS)
dual front airbags with sophisticated impact sensors and reduced propellant
power. Front-seat side-impact airbags are integrated into the seat backs to
position them consistently relative to the seat position.
The SRS airbags are complemented by front seat-belt pretensioners that
help cinch the belt at impact while integrated force limiting devices cushion
the shock to a person's chest area by moderating belt tension after impact.
To help cushion the forces of a collision on vehicle occupants, the upper
interior trim is lined with energy absorbing collapsible ribs to lessen impact
by deforming if struck by the heads of occupants during a collision.
Noise, Vibration and Harshness Control
The LS 400 is renowned for its extraordinary level of interior quietness,
low vibration and road shock. For 1998, Lexus engineers decreased the road
noise level in the LS by 2.5 decibels, making it even quieter than its
predecessor.
Thicker glass on the front windshield, rear door windows and rear glass
has been installed to decrease wind noise. Thicker damping materials have
been added on the floorboard, dashboard, trunk and under the hood to provide
better sound absorption and insulation. A polyester sound absorption material
has also been added to the roof and an insulating sheet has been installed on
the back side of the rear seats. A foam PVC undercoating is applied to the
wheel wells and top of the chassis tunnel to reduce vibration.
A thicker cross beam and instrument panel reinforcement reduces road and
engine noise and an undercarriage cover prevents wind from being trapped at
the front suspension and exhaust system.
Design
Like many fine possessions, the LS 400 look is timeless, tasteful and
instantly recognizable. Its design continuity conveys the lasting value of
owning the flagship of the Lexus sedan lineup. Lexus designers have carefully
freshened its features for improved appearance and performance.
Hood and front fender sheet metal are new, as are the grille, headlights,
bumper and air dam. Lower fender character lines and an increased fender top
radius toward the headlamp area allow for a more refined look. A hood
reconfiguration reduces wind noise by generating smoother air flow between the
fenders and a wider grille with eight rather than seven slats add more
substance to the trademark LS look. New 16-inch machined finish aluminum
wheels complement the LS performance improvements by adding a sportier touch.
Optional high intensity discharge headlights (HID) produce a daylight-
corrected light spectrum, rich in ultra-violet wavelengths to increase
contrast and road sign definition at night. To prevent glare to oncoming
drivers and to maximize pattern coverage, the HID lights are self-leveling,
regardless of cargo load. The HID system generates about three times the
amount of light of conventional halogen headlights with approximately 66
percent less power consumption.
Sophisticated state-of-the-art audio and electronic technology completes
the LS 400 driving experience. The standard sound system is provided by
Pioneer Electronics and is powered by 195 maximum watts of amplification from
five separate channels through seven-speakers. For optimum sound, a 280
maximum watts Lexus/Nakamichi Premium Audio System is offered.
Sound quality is improved with the addition of digital signal processing
(DSP). Replacing conventional analog circuits, digital processing produces a
clearer sound without quality degradation. An automatic sound levelizer (ASL)
provides constant sound quality reproduction by compensating for traffic, wind
and road noises that may compete with the audio system.
The radio antenna is imprinted in the rear window glass to alleviate wind
noise and potential antenna damage. An additional FM diversity antenna
evaluates incoming signals and selects the stronger wavelength for optimum FM
stereo reception.
An optional in-dash 6-disc CD auto-changer, pioneered three years ago by
Lexus, offers easy access and convenience.
For business and personal convenience, the LS 400 is pre-wired for
optional Lexus Fixed Mobile or Portable Plus cellular telephone systems.
Lexus Ownership
As the flagship of the Lexus model lineup, the LS 400 sets standards for
quality, workmanship, comfort, performance and ownership experience. Chief
competitors to the LS include the BMW 7-series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Numerous accolades bestowed upon the LS include being ranked as the Most
Appealing Car overall in the J.D. Power and Associates' 1996 APEAL
award competition and the highest quality car made in their Initial Quality
Survey (IQS). Owners have added their own accolades by making the LS 400 the
best-selling prestige luxury import for seven consecutive years.
The Lexus basic warranty extends 4 years or 50,000 miles and includes
coverage of powertrain components for 6 years or 70,000 miles. The Lexus 24-
hour Roadside Assistance Program offers 4-year coverage with unlimited mileage
in both the United States and Canada.
SOURCE Lexus
