2001LexusLS 430Lexus LS 4302001 Lexus LS 430SedanSedanRWDJapanThe completely redesigned third-generation Lexus flagship features a larger 4.3-liter engine that meets ULEV standards, a freshened aerodynamic shape that allows for a more spacious interior, and a new suspension that offers greater stability and a smoother ride. A richer, more stylish interior with advanced safety and luxury features also debuts.Slippery S-Class knockoff exterior, new 4.3-liter V8 with increased torque, unbelievably luxurious cabin, advanced safety features. Staid rear styling, Toyota parts-bin switchgear.Japan has perfected the art of refinement in automobiles, as is apparent in the redesign of the 2001 Lexus LS 430, keeping this flagship sedan in step with the rapidly advancing premium luxury segment. New for 2001, a 4.3-liter engine powers the LS 430, offering the same 290 horsepower as last year, but with 20 foot-pounds more torque for a total of 320. Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) eliminates the compromise between high-rpm horsepower and low-end torque by optimizing valve overlap throughout the rev range. The new engine is matched to a computer-controlled five-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels, with Lexus quoting a zero-to-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The industry's first "torque-activated" powertrain control debuts on the 2001 LS 430, so when climbing a hill for example, the controller will increase the throttle opening to provide more power without the driver having to adjust pedal position. While the new 430 reflects Lexus' established styling theme, the body has a decidedly Teutonic profile, reminding our staff of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan. Tested in the same wind tunnel as Japan's bullet trains, the new, more aerodynamic shape has a coefficient of drag (CD) of .25 when equipped with the available Air Suspension, the lowest of any current passenger sedan. The wheelbase has increased by 3 inches even though overall length remains the same. By comparison, the LS offers more interior cabin volume and a larger trunk than the S-Class. The more spacious interior features higher grades of wood and leather for 2001. The climate control system uses temperature and sun-sensing air registers to regulate cabin comfort. For example, if one side of the car is bathed in sunlight the registers deliver more cooling air to that side. The driver's seat includes adjustments for dual lumbar support and an extendable cushion length for thigh support. A new CD changer location for the audio system allows for a larger glove box that complements expanded interior storage compartments. Additional features for 2001 are climate control front seats, parking clearance sonar, power adjustable rear seatbacks with memory, a power rear sunshade and manual door shades, and a rear air conditioner with air purifier. Also optional are a DVD-based navigation system and the first automotive audio application by Mark Levinson, whose components are used in home sound systems costing $100,000 and more. The LS 430's safety features include four-channel antilock brakes with Brake Assist, Vehicle Skid Control, and new for 2001, advanced variable-force airbags and side curtain front and rear airbags. Sensors determine the force with which to deploy the front airbags in an effort to reduce the chance of airbag-related injuries. Front seats and rear outboard seats are equipped with seatbelt pre-tensioners with force limiters. Continuing in the stoic tradition of the previous model, but with improvements in terms of performance and pampering, the redesigned Lexus LS 430 will find plenty of favor with buyers looking more for serenity and sanctuary than speed. Audi A8BMW 7-SeriesJaguar XJ-SeriesMercedes-Benz S-Class450,000670,0004Unlimited6UnlimitedNANANA84.3 litersV8290 hp @ 5600 rpm320 ft-lbs. @ 3400 rpm196.7 in.72 in.58.7 in.3955 lbs.115.2 in.39.6 in.38 in.58.3 in.58.2 in.56.7 in.57.3 in.44 in.37.6 in.20.2 cu.ft.StandardStandardStandardStandardNot AvailableStandardStandardRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested22.2 gal.18 mpg / 25 mpg400 mi. / 555 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$46,984$54,0057.35%$545N/A2% of the Base MSRPLS 430 (5A): 4.3L V8 DOHC SMPI 32-valve engine with variable valve timing, (requires premium unleaded fuel); 5-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; 750 amp battery; 100 amp alternator; driver's selectable multi-mode transmission; rear-wheel drive, traction control, 3.27 axle ratio; dual stainless steel exhaust; electronic stability control, front independent double-wishbone suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, gas-pressurized front shocks, rear independent double-wishbone suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs, gas-pressurized rear shocks; rack-and-pinion power steering with vehicle-speed-sensing assist; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; 22.2 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; front and rear body-colored bumpers with chrome insert; chrome bodyside insert, body-colored bodyside cladding; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite high intensity fully auto headlamps with daytime running lights, delay-off feature; additionalexterior lights include cornering lights, front fog/driving lights; driver's and passenger's body-colored heated folding auto-dimming outside mirrors, driver's power remote outside mirror, passenger's power remote with tilt down outside mirror; 16" x 7" silver alloy wheels; P225/60HR16 BSW performance tires; full-size alloy spare wheel; dual-zone front air conditioning with climate control, air filter, rear heat ducts; premium AM/FM stereo radio, RDS, seek-scan feature, cassette player, 6-disc CD changer, 7 performance speakers, amplifier, auto equalizer, theft deterrent, window grid diversity antenna, radio steering wheel controls; cruise control with steering wheel controls; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keyless entry, child-safety rear door locks, power remote hatch release, power remote fuel door release; cell phone pre-wiring, 4 power accessory outlets, front and rear lighter element(s), trunk pull-down, driver's foot rest, retained accessory power, garage dooropener, smokers' package, first aid kit; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, in-dash clock, compass, exterior temp, trip computer, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, battery, low oil level, low coolant, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, low washer fluid, bulb failure, door ajar, trunk ajar; driver's and passenger's front airbags, occupancy sensors, driver's and front passenger's seat-mounted side airbags, overhead airbag; ignition disable, panic alarm, security system; tinted windows, power front and rear windows with front and rear 1-touch down function; variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers, electrically heated window, rain detecting wipers, sun visor strip, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 5, front bucket seats, power adjustable tilt headrests, center armrest with storage, driver's seat includes 10-way power adjustment, power 4-way lumbar support, passenger's seat includes 8-way power adjustment,power 2-way lumbar support; rear bench seat with tilt headrests, center armrest; rear seat center armrest with pass-thru; height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners; rear outboard passenger seatbelts with pretensioners; leather seats, simulated suede door trim insert, full simulated suede headliner, full carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats, genuine wood dashboard insert, leather/wood gearshift knob, genuine wood door panel insert, genuine wood console insert, chrome interior accents; driver's seat memory includes 3 settings for exterior mirrors, steering wheel, headrests; interior lights include dome light with fade, front and rear reading lights, 4 door curb lights, illuminated entry; leather/genuine wood steering wheel with power tilt and telescopic adjustment; dual illuminated vanity mirrors, dual auxiliary visors; auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, mini overhead console; locking glove box with light, front and rear cupholders, frontunderseat storage tray, 2 seatback storage pockets, driver's and passenger's door bins, rear door bins; carpeted cargo floor, cargo light, cargo net; chrome grille, chrome side window moldings, black front windshield molding, chrome rear window molding and body-colored door handles.