Editing Lexus LS (section)

== {{anchor|XF30|UCF30|third}} Third generation (XF30; 2000) ==
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    Wikipedia uses internationally understood calendar years instead of US specific model years

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{{Infobox automobile
| name = Third generation
| image = 2003 Lexus LS430 Automatic 4.3 Front.jpg
| caption = 2003 Lexus LS 430 (UCF30; pre-facelift, UK)
| model_code = XF30
| aka = Toyota Celsior (Japan)
| production = July 2000 – August 2006
| model_years = 2001–2006
| designer = {{unbulleted list
  | '''1997:'''
  | Akihiro Nagaya
  | Makoto Oshima (chief designer)
  | '''2002 facelift:'''
  | Machio Nakamura
  }}
| layout = [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive]]
| engine = {{cvt|4292|cc|CID|0|abbr=on}} ''[[Toyota UZ engine#3UZ-FE|3UZ-FE]]'' [[V8 engine|V8]]
| powerout = {{convert|290|hp|kW|abbr=on|0|order=flip}}
| transmission = {{unbulleted list
  | 5-speed ''[[Toyota A transmission#A650E|A650E]]'' [[automatic transmission|automatic]]
  | 6-speed ''[[Toyota A transmission#A761E|A761E]]'' [[automatic transmission|automatic]]
  }}
| weight = {{cvt|1810|-|1812|kg}}
| wheelbase = {{cvt|2926|mm|in|1}}
| length = {{cvt|5010|-|5014|mm|1}}
| width = {{cvt|1829|mm|in|1}}
| height = {{cvt|1491|mm|in|1}}
}}

=== 2000–2003 ===
[[File:2003 Lexus LS430 Automatic 4.3 Rear.jpg|thumb|left|2003 Lexus LS 430 (UCF30; pre-facelift, UK)]]

The third-generation Lexus LS 430 (UCF30) debuted at the [[North American International Auto Show#2000|North American International Auto Show]] in January 2000 as a 2001 model,<ref>{{cite news|title=Lexus raises the bar with its new LS 430|newspaper=[[Orlando Sentinel]]|date=2000-02-03|page=F7}}</ref> introducing a new body design with a host of new interior and technological features. It was the first US market Lexus with [[Autonomous cruise control system|adaptive cruise control]] (called Dynamic Laser Cruise Control).<ref name="LS430ca" /><ref name="resplendency">{{cite web |url=http://www.insideline.com/lexus/ls-430/2001/full-test-2001-lexus-ls-430.html |title=Resplendency Full Test: 2001 Lexus LS 430 |publisher=Edmunds.com |last=Kim |first=Liz |date=2001-06-04 |access-date=2007-04-09}}</ref> It employed a [[lidar]] sensor and (unlike the laser ACC introduced in 1997 on the Celsior) was able to activate brakes for deceleration.<ref name="toyota-global.com" /> The sedan was equipped with a new 4.3-litre ''[[Toyota UZ engine#3UZ-FE|3UZ-FE]]'' engine generating {{cvt|216|kW}} and {{cvt|434|Nm|ftlbf}} of torque.<ref name="comfortable" /> The LS 430 was one of the first gasoline V8 vehicles to be certified as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV).<ref name="ToyoLand">{{cite web |url=http://www.toyoland.com/lexus/ls430.html |title=Lexus LS series: history and description |work=ToyoLand |access-date=2014-02-06}}</ref> The standard suspension had been completely redesigned, with a double-wishbone setup at all four wheels; a tuned suspension was offered for the first time.<ref name="comfortable" /> A new torque-activated electronic control unit made [[throttle]] adjustments based on vehicle speed, engine revolutions per minute, and pedal position.<ref name="LS430ca">{{cite web |last=Yoxon |first=Grant |date=2002-07-05 |url=http://www.canadiandriver.com/2002/07/05/test-drive-2002-lexus-ls430.htm |title=Test Drive: 2002 Lexus LS430 |work=Canadian Driver|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090510093623/http://www.canadiandriver.com/2002/07/05/test-drive-2002-lexus-ls430.htm |archive-date=2009-05-10 |quote=0–60: 6.3 sec.}}</ref> The LS 430 sported a 0–{{cvt|100|km/h|mph}} acceleration time of 6.7&nbsp;seconds.<ref>{{cite web |year=2009 |title=Lexus LS 430 2000–2003 specifications |url=http://www.autoevolution.com/engine/lexus-ls-2000-430.html |access-date=2009-06-05 |publisher=Autoevolution.com}}</ref> Sales began in October 2000 in the United States.<ref name="edls430" />

Heading into the planning of the LS 430, division executives concluded that the previous LS redesign had been too restrained in its approach.<ref name=Dawson149/> The LS 430 development team, led by chief engineer Yasushi Tanaka,<ref>{{Harvnb|Long|2001|pp=180–181}}.</ref> accordingly opted for a more thorough exterior, interior, and technological redevelopment. The development of the LS 430 took four years.<ref name=drive>{{cite web |url=http://theage.drive.com.au/motor-news/lexus-flagship-heads-model-blitz-20100823-13h2l.html |title=Lexus flagship heads model blitz |access-date=2010-09-03 |last=Doak |first=Alastair |date=2000-09-14 |work=[[The Age]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706103622/http://theage.drive.com.au/motor-news/lexus-flagship-heads-model-blitz-20100823-13h2l.html |archive-date=2011-07-06 }}</ref> Selected from 16 different concept designs, the resulting vehicle of December 1997—when the final design (by Akihiro Nagaya) was approved—saw the sedan's dimensions increase in terms of wheelbase and height.<ref name=LS430ca/><ref name="d176">{{Harvnb|Dawson|2004|pp=176–177}}.</ref> The exterior featured a larger grille with rounded edges, [[quarter glass|quarter windows]] on the rear doors, and rounded [[trapezoid]]al headlamps. The body was also more aerodynamic than previous LS sedans (''C''<sub>''d''</sub> 0.26; 0.25 with air suspension),<ref name=edls430>{{cite web |url=http://www.insideline.com/lexus/ls-430/2001/first-drive-2001-lexus-ls-430.html |title=First Drive: 2001 Lexus LS 430 |publisher=Edmunds.com |access-date=2009-02-15 |last=Clor |first=John |date=1999-01-01}}</ref> and was the product of wind tunnel testing at facilities used for [[Shinkansen]] bullet train development.<ref name=d176/> A {{convert|76|mm|adj=on}} wheelbase stretch resulted in more interior volume and allowed the engine to be positioned further aft for better balance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theacorn.com/News/2000/1116/Motoring.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010305113821/http://www.theacorn.com/News/2000/1116/Motoring.html |archive-date=2001-03-05 |title=Lexus LS 430 – The best gets better |access-date=2007-04-08 |last=Binstock |first=Michael |work=[[List of newspapers in California|The Moorpark Acorn]] |date=2000-11-16}}</ref> Boot space was increased by one-third due to repositioning of the [[fuel tank]].<ref name=comfortable/>

Compared to previous generations, the LS 430 featured a greater number of model configurations and options.<ref name="long184">{{Harvnb|Long|2001|p=184}}.</ref> While sharing the same body style, variants were differentiated by chassis configuration and onboard equipment. Models with the tuned sport suspension, sold as the "Touring" package in the United States,<ref name=resplendency/> featured larger, high-speed brakes.<ref name=ls430usa/> These brakes were also standard on European market models.<ref name=ls430usa/> Fully optioned models with [[height adjustable suspension|height adjustable]] air suspension, tuned for a combination of soft ride and responsive handling, were sold in the United States as the "Ultra Luxury" edition.<ref name=resplendency/>

[[File:Lexus LS 430 Ultra Luxury cabin.jpg|thumb|left|Third-generation LS 430 cabin (UCF30)]]

The LS 430 interior featured walnut wood trim on the dashboard and upper doors, along with semi-[[aniline leather]] and [[oscillating]] air conditioning vents.<ref name=LS430ca/><ref name=edls430/> A [[liquid crystal display]] with [[touchscreen]] on the upper center console served as interface. The system was the first LS with [[speech recognition|voice controlled]] navigation and the first luxury sedan to transition to DVD-based maps.<ref name="p079">{{cite press release |title=Lexus LS430 – Redefining Automotive Perfection |url=https://media.lexus.co.uk/lexus-ls430-redefining-automotive-perfection-2/ |publisher=[[Lexus]] |location=UK |date=September 26, 2000  |access-date=October 13, 2024}}</ref> Lexus also introduced a [[Mark Levinson Audio Systems|Mark Levinson]] premium sound system.<ref name=LS430ca/><ref name=resplendency/> In its highest trim specification, the LS 430 included [[Lexus Link]] telematics, power door and boot closers, heated and cooled front seats, and power reclining massage rear seats equipped with audio controls, power sunshade, a [[cooler]], and [[air purifier]].<ref name=comfortable/><ref name=edls430/> Several rear seat features adopted for the LS 430 had been previously available in Japanese market luxury vehicles.<ref name=long184/> Safety features added to the LS 430 included front and rear [[side curtain airbag]]s, [[park sensor]]s, [[rain sensor|rain-sensing]] [[windshield wipers]], and [[electronic brakeforce distribution]].<ref name=comfortable/> The vehicle also gained [[water repellent]] windshield and side glass.<ref name=comfortable/>

{{Multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | width = 250
| image1 = 2000-2003 Toyota Celsior.jpg
| caption1 = Pre-facelift Toyota Celsior
| image2 = 2003-2006 Toyota Celsior.jpg
| caption2 = Facelift Toyota Celsior
}}

At the high end, the LS 430's pricing encroached on European rivals as Lexus became increasingly able to command higher price premiums for its vehicles.<ref name="lapluxury" /> Sales for the LS 430 surpassed the previous generation, and production exceeded 140,000 units.<ref name="LSspecs" /> The LS 430 was produced until July 2006, marking the last occasion the Lexus flagship was produced in a single body style. In Japan, the equivalent Toyota Celsior was also sold from August 2000 until March 2006, when the long-awaited introduction of Lexus Japan saw the arrival of new generation Lexus models.<ref name="Lexusjp">{{cite web |url=http://wardsdealer.com/latest/lexus_progressing_japan/ |title=Lexus Slowly Progressing in Japan |last1=Schreffler |first1=Roger |last2=Chrysler |first2=Mack |date=2007-12-28 |access-date=2007-04-18 |work=Ward's Dealer Business |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926234421/http://wardsdealer.com/latest/lexus_progressing_japan/ |archive-date=26 September 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In every year of production, the LS 430 was the most reliable luxury sedan in the J.D. Power and Associates [[Initial Quality Survey]] (with the early and late models of this series the best performing),<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/13/automobiles/13DEPEND.html?ex=1313121600&en=dbd4fc55d2bc0b98&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss |title=For long-term car dependability, check the initial quality |access-date=2007-04-08 |last=Jensen |first=Cheryl |work=The New York Times |date=2006-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.edmunds.com/used/2004/lexus/ls430/100322033/reliability.html |title=LS 430 ratings at Edmunds |access-date=2007-04-08 |publisher=Edmunds.com |year=2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nola.com/autos/autoreviews/archive.ssf?lexusls430_06.html |title=Perfect Timing: Lexus LS 430 |work=[[The Times-Picayune]] |access-date=2009-02-22 |last=Ricks |first=Laura |year=2006}}</ref> and the highest recorded scorer in the history of J.D. Power's Vehicle Dependability Survey.<ref name=reliableplant>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2005-06-29-dependability-survey_x.htm |title=Auto dependability improves dramatically |work=[[USA Today]] |access-date=2009-02-22 |last=Carty |first=Sharon |date=2005-06-29}}</ref> [[Thatcham#Thatcham ratings|Thatcham ratings]] data via the UK [[Thatcham#Thatcham ratings|Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre]] listed the theft-prevention capabilities of the LS 430 as a maximum 5 stars, with the LS 430 being the first automobile to achieve the maximum theft-deterrence rating in 2001.<ref>"Thatcham New Vehicle Security Ratings". Thatcham. 2009.<!-- http://www.thatcham.org/nvsr/index.jsp?page=200. -->Retrieved on 2009-02-19.</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/tests-show-a-car-price-is-no-indication-of-security-679302.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090514030134/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/tests-show-a-car-price-is-no-indication-of-security-679302.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 May 2009 |title=Tests show a car price is no indication of security |work=[[The Independent]] |access-date=2009-02-22 |last=Milmo |first=Cahal |date=2001-07-28}}</ref>

=== 2003–2006 ===
[[File:04-06 Lexus LS430.jpg|thumb|left|Lexus LS 430 (UCF30; facelift, US)]]

The facelifted LS 430 was revealed at the [[Frankfurt Motor Show]] in 2003.<ref>{{cite news|title=Show stars for the real world Continuing our coverage of the Frankfurt Motor Show|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=2003-09-20|page=6}}</ref> The first [[radar]] (instead of previous [[lidar]]) sensor on a Lexus sedan allowed the new '''Dynamic RADAR Cruise Control''' to work in any weather conditions. The [[millimetre-wave]] radar technology also enabled the first [[Pre-Collision System (PCS)]] on a Lexus sedan (with partial [[autonomous braking]] only on the Japanese market Toyota Celsior version).<ref name="toyota-global.com"/> A "low-speed tracking mode" was added in 2004.<ref name="toyota-global.com"/> The low-speed tracking mode was a second mode that would warn the driver if the car ahead stopped and provide braking; it could stop the car but then deactivated.<ref>{{cite web |title=Intelligent Vehicle Source (Ivsource.net) – Low Speed ACC Finally Hits the Market |url=http://ivsource.net/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=83 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117210021/http://ivsource.net/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=83 |archive-date=17 November 2016 |access-date=2011-10-12 |publisher=Ivsource.net}}</ref>

[[File:2007 Lexus LS 430 (rear).jpg|thumb|Lexus LS 430 (UCF30; facelift, Spain)]]

The facelifted LS introduced a new six-speed automatic transmission and revised styling.<ref name=newls430>{{cite web |url=http://www.insideline.com/lexus/ls-430/2004/follow-up-test-2004-lexus-ls-430.html |title=Follow-Up Test: 2004 Lexus LS 430 |publisher=Edmunds.com |access-date=2009-02-15 |last=Kelly |first=Stennick |work=Insideline |date=2004-01-21}}</ref> The powerplant remained the same as before. Exterior changes included restyled front and rear fascias, [[light-emitting diode]] (LED) taillights, and different wheels.<ref name=newls430/> It debuted the first Lexus [[high-intensity discharge headlight]]s for the [[high beam]] ([[Bi-Xenon]]),<ref>{{cite news|title=This Lexus flexes: LS 430 upgrades put this luxury model in elite company|newspaper=[[Philadelphia Daily News]]|date=2001-08-06|first=Scott|last=Heimer|page=60}}</ref> and also the first [[Headlamp#Directional headlamps|AFS adaptive curve headlights]], which swiveled the projector headlamps in the direction of vehicle turns.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lexus given a facelift for 2004|newspaper=[[Waikato Times]]|date=2003-08-29|page=MT:45}}</ref>

The interior received [[knee airbag]]s, lighted rear-seat vanity mirrors, and new trim selections, including [[Bird's eye figure|bird's eye maple]] wood.<ref name=comfortable/> New options included an updated navigation system, [[Bluetooth]] and a [[backup camera]]. A driver-programmable [[electronic key]] feature allowed the vehicle to detect the key fob in the owner's pocket and unlock the doors by touch.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/wheels/187892_road27.html |title=LS 430: Luxury or 'ultra luxury' |agency=Associated Press |access-date=2009-02-15 |date=2004-08-27 |last=Job |first=Ann}}</ref>

{{clear}}