Lexus LS
As the upper class Lexus LS sedans in the Lexus brand of Toyota are called.
The LS series was first introduced and sold in October 1989. Initially she was sold in Japan, the USA and Switzerland, where it was marketed in Japan not as Lexus LS, but as Toyota Celsior. From September 1990, the LS was also offered in Germany.
The following model changes found in November 1994, held in October 2000 and September 2006.
In Japan, the LS 400 and LS 430 was offered as Toyota Celsior until the introduction of the Lexus brand in 2006. The fourth generation of the LS 460 debuted with the 8-speed automatic transmission and an automatic parking aid.
Four generations have now been produced, all of which are equipped with a V8 engine and rear-wheel drive - since 2006, a hybrid version with all-wheel drive and optional longer wheelbase will be offered. Since June 2007, the LS 600h is available. The LS 600h is based on the LS 460, the first hybrid vehicle in the premium class and possesses the first V8 hybrid in the world.
The development of the Lexus LS began in 1983 as the internal / Toyota secret project "F1". This project included a five-year plan, the development funds of over one billion U.S. dollars were available. The result was a newly developed V8 engine ( 1uz platform ) based on IndyCar / Champ Car engines. There were also multiple luxury features. The result of the F1 project was provided from the outset as a product for export markets, which is why Lexus was founded as a separate brand. The LS 400 debuted with success and was largely responsible for the successful establishment of the Lexus brand. According to a survey conducted annually buyers in the U.S. through the company's JD Power and Associates ' U.S. is the LS series in the years 1994-2009 the most reliable in its class.
Since the start of production, each LS- generation is produced in the city of Tahara ( Aichi ) in Japan.