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Draft:Model S

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For an overview of all LS models, see Lexus LS.

Lexus LS (XF40)
Front three-quarters view of gold sedan
Lexus LS 460 (USF40; first facelift)
Overview
ManufacturerToyota
ProductionAugust 2006 – October 2017
Model years2007–2017
AssemblyJapan: Tahara, Aichi (Tahara plant)
DesignerYo Hiruta (2003, 2004)
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size luxury car
Body style4-door sedan
Layout
PlatformToyota N platform
RelatedToyota Century (G60) (for LS 600h L)
Powertrain
Engine
Electric motor1KM AC synchronous
Transmission
Hybrid drivetrainHybrid Synergy Drive L110F
Dimensions
Wheelbase
  • SWB: 2,969 mm (116.9 in)
  • LWB: 3,091 mm (121.7 in)
Length
  • 2006–09:
    SWB: 5,029 mm (198.0 in)
    LWB: 5,151 mm (202.8 in)
  • 2009–2017:
    SWB: 5,060 mm (199.2 in)
    LWB: 5,179 mm (203.9 in)
Width1,875 mm (73.8 in)
Height
  • 1,476 mm (58.1 in)
  • 1,481 mm (58.3 in) (hybrid)
  • 1,466 mm (57.7 in) (air suspension)
Curb weight
  • SWB: 1,950–2,320 kg (4,300–5,110 lb)
  • LWB: 2,040–2,380 kg (4,500–5,250 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorLexus LS (XF30)
SuccessorLexus LS (XF50)

The Lexus LS (XF40) is the fourth generation of the Lexus LS. Produced by Lexus, the luxury division of the Japanese automaker Toyota, the XF40 served as the flagship vehicle of the former's lineup from 2006 until production ended in 2017.

The successor to the XF30 LS, the development of the XF40 began under the direction of Moritaka Yoshida. Focusing on simplicity, the XF40 was designed by Yo Hiruta, incorporating the L-finesse design philosophy—first introduced in 2001 with the GS. The LS 460 debuted at the North American International Auto Show in January 2006, while the hybrid–electric version, the LS 600h, was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show in April 2006. Official series manufacture began at the facility in Tahara, Aichi, in August 2006. Each XF40 model was produced in two wheelbase variants: a short-wheelbase version and a long-wheelbase version, the latter designated by an "L" at the end of the model name.[a]

The XF40 was the subject of two updates, the first of which occurred in 2009. This involved minor updates to its front and rear fascia, engine power, and interior. The second—and most significant—occurred in 2013, including noteworthy upgrades to incorporate the company's corporate fascia, comprising the implementation of the "spindle" grille and prominently redesigned headlamps. Production of the XF40 ended in October 2017, and it was replaced by the XF50 LS. The XF40 is the recipient of numerous accolades, including the Wheels Car of the Year and the World Car of the Year award in 2006 and 2007, respectively.

History

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Front-three quarters view of a white sedan
The XF10 LS marked the debut of both the LS model and the Lexus brand.

Toyota is a Japanese automaker that was founded in 1937 by Kiichiro Toyoda.[1][2] In August 1983, Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda initiated the F1 project ("Flagship" and "No. 1" vehicle; alternatively called the "Circle-F" project), a clandestine initiative aimed at creating a world-class luxury sedan for the global market.[3] Over the course of six years of research and development,[4][5] a team comprising 60 designers, 1,400 engineers across 24 teams, 2,300 technicians, and more than 200 support staff developed around 450 flagship prototypes and 900 engine prototypes,[6][7] with the development representing an expenditure of over US$1 billion.[5][8] In January 1989, the LS 400 debuted at the North American International Auto Show, in Detroit, Michigan,[9][10] marking both the debut of the LS model and the Lexus brand.[11][12]

The second generation was released in 1995,[13] followed by the third in 2000.[14] The development of the fourth generation of the LS began around 2001,[15] as Lexus was shifting its design strategy towards a more diversified product lineup, with new-vehicle launches largely focused on global markets.[16] Development was led by Takeshi Yoshida, the managing officer of research and development at Lexus, and Satoru Maruyamano, chief engineer of the project.[15] Approximately 2,000 engineers were involved in the development of the then-forthcoming LS,[17] known by the codename XF40.[18]

Five years after development began, the XF40 LS 460 debuted at the North American International Auto Show in January 2006,[19][20] followed by the LS 600h L at the New York International Auto Show in April of that year.[21][22] Official serial manufacture of the LS began at the facility in Tahara, Aichi, in August 2006.[23] At launch, Lexus aimed to sell 30,000 LS 460s each year in the United States, of which about 65 percent were expected to be the standard-wheelbase version. The LS 600h model was projected to contribute around 1,500 sales annually.[24]

References

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Notes

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  1. ^ For example, the LS 460 is the short-wheelbase model, while the LS 460 L is the long-wheelbase model.

Citations

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  1. ^ "Toyota names Akio Toyoda as new president". The Telegraph. 20 January 2009. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
  2. ^ El-Sayed, p. 13
  3. ^ Dawson, p. 4
  4. ^ Razif, Muhd (1 January 2007). "Lexus launched in Malaysia". Malaysian Business. p. 78.
  5. ^ a b Smith, Aaron (16 February 2015). "150mph cars for under £2000". Autocar. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
  6. ^ May, p. 43
  7. ^ Glon, Ronan (3 September 2018). "How Japan stormed into America's luxury car market". Autocar. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
  8. ^ May, p. 49
  9. ^ Dawson, p. 63
  10. ^ Burden, Melissa (8 December 2016). "Lexus teases LS sedan to bow at Detroit auto show". Detroit News. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
  11. ^ "Third-generation LS 430 joins Lexus lineup". Daily Herald. 25 August 2001. p. 1.
  12. ^ Denove & Power 2007, p. 87.
  13. ^ "Lexus LS 400 remains one of the best luxury cars". Orlando Sentinel. 23 February 1995. p. F1.
  14. ^ "Third generation of Lexus LS 430 arrives this fall". The Rccord. 21 January 2000. p. D08.
  15. ^ a b "Great car, but I'll handle the parking myself, thank you". Ward's Dealer Business. Vol. 40, no. 9. September 2006. p. 18.
  16. ^ Dawson, pp. 210–211
  17. ^ Schreffler, Roger (25 January 2017). "Toyota doubles engineers for Lexus LS". Ward's Auto. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
  18. ^ "TMG Lexus Sports 650". Motor. February 2013. p. 17.
  19. ^ "Detroit Motor Show 2006: Motown revives some Sixties classics". The Independent. 17 January 2006. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
  20. ^ "Er...". The Telegraph. 19 August 2006. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
  21. ^ "New York debut for super-quiet hybrid". Independent Online. 13 April 2006. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
  22. ^ "Honda may cut production of Accord hybrid". NBC News. Associated Press. 13 April 2006. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
  23. ^ "General Status of Plants in Japan: Tahara". Toyota. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
  24. ^ Rechtin, Mark (21 August 2006). "Lexus upgrades its flagship LS 460". Automotive News. Vol. 80, no. 6217. p. 21.

Bibliography

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