The new Lexus LS430, the third generation of the Lexus flagship model, builds on more than a decade of luxury car development, adding an 'emotional and advanced' design concept, dynamic performance and more advanced technology.

When setting the theme for the new LS430, the Lexus design team identified three factors: emotional exterior styling, perceptible quality performance and advanced safety features. In each of these respects the new LS430 moves the industry benchmark still higher.

The shape of the I-AFS headlamps distinguishes the exterior of the new LS430, the lower and wider design of the front-end and the more pronounced, muscular bonnet profile. The smoother combination of straight lines and subtle curves along the car's flanks are further enhanced by elegant five-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels. The boot lid features a new rear trim design and high-technology rear lamp clusters, with fast-responding LED units for tail and stop lamps. The new LS430 has twin exhaust outlets, visible on each side beneath the bumper assembly.

The double overhead-cam, 32-valve, 4.3-litre V8 meets forthcoming EURO IV standards with no change in its components. It develops 279bhp at 5,600rpm and 417Nm of torque at 3,400rpm and is combined with the all-new Super ECT electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift lock mode. It will power the Lexus flagship from nought to 62mph in 6.3 seconds.

The car has well balanced, 53/47 front to rear weight distribution. The front and rear suspension systems make extensive use of aluminium in their construction and feature new bearings, retuned bushes, a long wheel stroke and redesigned shock absorbers to achieve increased ride comfort, stability and responsiveness. Electronically modulated air suspension remains standard equipment. The ability to lower ride height at high speeds improves aerodynamic properties resulting in a coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.25, among the lowest of any passenger car.

The new LS430 features a particularly roomy passenger compartment. Precise fit and finish demonstrate Lexus craftsmanship and the level of tolerance for interior fittings has been reduced to 1mm, the finest level yet achieved.

The interior cabin of the Lexus LS430 features the latest generation Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) technology, with dual front airbags with two-stage variable-force activation, side curtain airbags and the Europe-first provision of driver and front seat passenger knee airbags. The knee airbag is designed to deploy from the lower part of the instrument panel at the same time as the front airbag to reduce injury from contact with steering column and lower dashboard structures. It has also been found to reduce head and chest injuries by reducing pelvis displacement and rotation of the torso in a major impact.

I-AFS, Intelligent Adaptive Front-lighting System, greatly improves visibility. Unlike less sophisticated systems which are merely directly linked to a car's steering, or use additional lights, the I-AFS controller controls the lighting direction of each low beam unit, linked to steering input and the speed of the car. It is combined with xenon headlights with an automatic levelling system and headlamp cleaners for optimum nighttime vision.

The Lexus Parking Assist Monitor projects an image onto the navigation screen when reverse gear is selected, allowing accurate manoeuvring and minimising the risk of collision with low-level objects. The same touch-sensitive seven-inch display also shows on-board information from the Lexus Voice-Recognition Navigation system. It features the latest hands-free technology, recognising around 300 spoken commands. In addition, the Bluetooth technology allows cable-free use of personal data and mobile phone equipment.

The Car Enthusiast will be travelling to the 2003 Frankfurt Show in September so look out for our review linked from the main Motor Shows page.

Lexus news release - 1 Sep 2003