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Toyota Celsior III 4.3 V8 (280 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Toyota Celsior:
The Lexus LS is a series of full-size luxury sedans that have served as the flagship model of Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, since 1989. For the first four generations, all LS models featured V8 engines and were predominantly rear-wheel-drive. In the fourth generation, Lexus offered all-wheel-drive, hybrid, and long-wheelbase variants. The fifth generation changed to using a V6 engine with no V8 option, and only one length was offered.
As the first model developed by Lexus, the LS 400 debuted in January 1989 with the second generation debuting in November 1994. The LS 430 debuted in January 2000 and the LS 460/LS 460 L series in 2006. A domestic-market version of the LS 400 and LS 430, badged as the Toyota Celsior , was sold in Japan until the Lexus marque was introduced there in 2006. In 2006 , the fourth generation LS 460 debuted the first production eight-speed automatic transmission and an automatic parking system. In 2007, V8 hybrid powertrains were introduced on the LS 600h/LS 600h L sedans....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III Overview:
Toyota Celsior (III). With 430 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1840 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Toyota Celsior III (Lexus LS 430) generation was not directly tested by Euro NCAP. However, it was equipped with advanced safety features for its time, including multiple airbags, ABS, and traction control, reflecting its premium market positioning.
4.3 V8 (280 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 4.3L 3UZ-FE V8 engine delivers smooth, effortless acceleration and ample power for highway cruising and confident overtaking. While not a sports engine, its refinement and torque are exceptional.
Fuel Economy
As a large displacement V8 from its era, fuel economy is moderate. Expect around 10-12 L/100km (20-24 MPG US) on highways, dropping significantly in city driving, which is typical for its class.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional ride comfort and cabin refinement
- • Legendary reliability and build quality
- • Smooth and powerful V8 engine
- • Spacious and luxurious interior
- • Excellent long-distance cruiser
Cons:
- • Fuel economy can be high, especially in city driving
- • Technology features may feel dated compared to modern cars
- • Some parts can be expensive due to its luxury status
- • Steering feel is geared towards comfort, not sportiness
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II: 1997 - 2000).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Toyota |
| Model: | Celsior |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.3 V8 (280 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2000 |
| End of production: | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 280 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 65.2 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 430 Nm @ 3400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 3UZ-FE More details about the engine 3UZ-FE |
| Engine displacement: | 4292 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.5 l |
| Coolant: | 9.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 91 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 82.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.6 kg/Hp, 152.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.3 kg/Nm, 233.7 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1840 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 84 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4995 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1830 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1470 mm mm [35mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2925 mm mm [75mm more] |
| Front track: | 1575 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1575 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 150 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.4 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
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