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LEXUS LS 2000-2003 Photos, engines & full specs

Segment: Large
Production years: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

LEXUS LS 2000-2003 7 Photos
LEXUS LS (2000-2003)LEXUS LS (2000-2003)LEXUS LS (2000-2003)LEXUS LS (2000-2003)LEXUS LS (2000-2003)LEXUS LS (2000-2003)LEXUS LS (2000-2003)

Lexus didn't have the charisma and the brand awareness as its main rivals, so it struggled to create a better car than its competitors.

The third generation of Lexus' flagship model debuted at the 2000 North American International Motor show, and, at first sight, it looked like its designers peaked at German premium carmakers. But when the vehicle was thoroughly studied, it revealed that it was a better-build machine.

Toyota put all the technology it had inside the LS. The Japanese automaker went on to create smaller gaps in the bodywork and studied every single piece of the panels to make them look perfect. The design team, on the other hand, lacked the imagination to create something unique. The car's big headlights resembled the shape of a Mercedes-Benz, and the grille was crossed by thin horizontal slats. The proportions were close to those of an S-Class, while the taillights looked very similar to those from an E-Class, spread between the rear quarter panels and the trunk lid.

Inside, the combination of wood and leather was a must for every flagship model created by a premium automaker, and so was the LS. The gate for the automatic transmission shifter was similar to the one from a Mercedes-Benz. But the fit and finish were just impeccable. Moreover, the carmaker insisted on technology and installed a black and green screen atop the center stack with buttons on its rim to show and control various functions of the vehicle, including the excellent HVAC. In addition, the long wheelbase led to ample legroom for the rear passengers.

Under the hood, Toyota installed only one engine paired as standard with a five-speed automatic transmission. While it couldn't offer the vast range of engines as its competitors, it created the best in its class powerplant in terms of efficiency, power, and low vibrations.

LEXUS LS 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
  1 gasoline engine
  • 430 V8 5AT (281 HP)

LEXUS LS
430 V8 5AT (281 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 430 V8 5AT (281 HP)
Cylinders:V8
Displacement:4293 cm3
Power:207 KW @ 5600 RPM
281 HP @ 5600 RPM
278 BHP @ 5600 RPM
Torque:308 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM
417 Nm @ 3500 RPM
Fuel System:Multipoint Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:155.3 mph (250 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):6.7 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Ventilated Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:225/55R17
DIMENSIONS
Length:196.8 in (4999 mm)
Width:72 in (1829 mm)
Height:57.9 in (1471 mm)
Front/rear Track:62.2/62.2 in (1,580/1,580 mm)
Wheelbase:115 in (2921 mm)
Ground Clearance:5.5 in (140 mm)
Cargo Volume:19.5 cuFT (552 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.26
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4034.4 lbs (1830 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5180.9 lbs (2350 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:13.4 mpg US (17.6 L/100Km)
Highway:26.4 mpg US (8.9 L/100Km)
Combined:19.4 mpg US (12.1 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:289 g/km
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