- Supremely refined 4.0-litre 1UZ-FE engine
- Excellent standard of fit and finish
- Comfortable ride
- Quiet, well-insulated cabin
- Front seats lack lateral and thigh support
- Steering lacks feel
- Suspension lacks body controlrt
Review: Lexus XF20.I LS 400 (1994-97)
Overview
Released in November 1994, the Lexus XF20 Series I (XF20.I) LS 400 was a large, luxury sedan. Manufactured in Tahara, Japan, the rear-wheel drive Lexus XF20 LS 400 was powered by a 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to a four-speed A340E automatic transmission.
1UZ-FE engine
The 4.0-litre 1UZ-FE V8 engine had an aluminium alloy block and cylinder head, six-bolt main bearings, double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank, belt-driven), steel connecting rods and crankshaft, four valves per cylinder and had a compression ratio of 10.4:1.
Dimensions
Compared to its XF10 predecessor, the XF20 LS was the same length (at 4995 mm), but 10 mm wider (1830 mm), 10 mm taller (1435 mm) and had a 35 mm longer wheelbase (2850 mm). Furthermore, the XF20 LS 400 had a drag coefficient of 0.28 Cd and kerb weight of 1670 kg.
Suspension
The XF20 LS had double wishbone suspension front and rear, with coil springs, gas-pressurised hydraulic dampers and anti-roll bars.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS 400 | 4.0-litre petrol V8 (1UZ-FE) | 4sp auto | 194 kW at 5400 rpm | 375 Nm at 4600 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the LS 400 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS and traction control.
Brakes
The XF20 LS 400 had 315 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs and 307 mm by 16 mm vented rear discs.
Features: LS 400
Standard features for the LS 400 included 16-inch alloy wheels, a seven speaker sound system with a CD player and six-disc CD changer, climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, front fog lights, an in-car phone, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors, power windows and an alarm.
Review: Lexus XF20.II LS 400 (1997-00)
Overview
Released in November 1997, the Lexus XF20 Series II (XF20.II) LS introduced a more powerful V8 engine with variable intake valve timing, an increased compression ratio (10.5:1), a new acoustic-control induction system and an electronic throttle control. Other changes included a five-speed automatic transmission with a gate-type shift, revised steering and, for the suspension, stiffer springs and dampers for improved handling.
Visually, the XF20.II LS 400 could be identified by its new panels forward of the firewall, front grille, self-levelling high intensity discharge (HID) headlights, door mirrors, tail-lights and five-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, there was additional woodgrain trim for the centre console, a gunmetal grey fascia for the audio system, reading lights and micron filtration for the climate control air conditioning.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS 400 | 4.0-litre petrol V8 | 5sp auto | 210 kW at 6000 rpm | 400 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Compared with its XF20.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the XF20.II LS was extended to include front side airbags, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Features: LS 400
Standard features for the XF20.II LS 400 were extended to include rear fog lights, a power-operated sunroof, trip computer and green window glass which filtered ultra-violet and infra-red light.
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