2001 Lexus LS 430

Lexus retained the LS 400's fuel economy, horsepower and emissions while bumping up the torque in the 2001 LS 430's V-8 20 lb.-ft. to 320.

Prime mover for the new LS 430 is the company's latest 4.3-liter DOHC V-8. It makes 290 horsepower, as did the 4.0-liter used previously, and is also fitted with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). However, several minor upgrades cut 10 pounds from the engine's dressed weight while bumping maximum torque by 20 pound-feet—to 320—and widening the bandwidth. Despite that extra usable twist, fuel economy stays at 18 city/25 highway mpg, and the engine now meets even-more-stringent ULEV emission specs. Paired with the electronically controlled "intelligent" 5-speed automatic transmission, it allows the 3,955-pound LS 430 to sprint from 0-60 mph in about 6.5 seconds.


Despite its formidable mass, the new LS 430 feels surprisingly light on its feet. Euro tuning brings stiffer springs, shocks and bushings, a bigger rear stabilizer bar and revised power-steering map plus 225/55WR17 rubber in place of the standard 225/60HR16 tires. Those changes enhance overall responsiveness while attenuating body roll. Save for an occasional bit of uncharacteristic tire thump, there's not much else neither to provide a clue to the Sport Suspension's presence nor to impact the car's otherwise impressive ride compliance. While a bit sluggish on-center, the LS 430's steering comes alive as the corners get more intense. Although the base and air-suspension variants remain a well-measured cut below this most-aggressive LS chassis tune, even they have been tweaked for additional tautness and feel for the 2001 season.


Managing to succeed by excess in a market segment that still remains largely bound by tradition and convention is no small achievement. There's a definite art form involved in being able to go over the top in ways that buyers can tangibly appreciate while maintaining the requisite degree of understated elegance that characterizes all of the top players in this elite field. With its compelling price/value story, legendary quality, reliability and consumer satisfaction, there's little doubt the new Lexus LS 430 has what it takes to leave its mark among the ranks of high-end luxury—and now, high-end sport-luxury—sedans. (www.lexus.com)