What engine does the LS 460 have?
The LS 460 is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine—the 1UR-FSE with direct injection—providing roughly 380 horsepower.
This article examines the engine’s design, specifications, and how it shaped the LS 460’s performance and refinement across its production years, along with notes on variants and market nuances.
Engine design and specifications
The following overview highlights the fundamental technical details of the LS 460’s powerplant.
Technical specifications
- Displacement: 4.6 L (4,597 cc)
- Configuration: V8, dual overhead cam (DOHC), 32-valve
- Engine code: 1UR-FSE
- Fuel delivery: Direct injection with D-4S technology (combines direct and port injection)
- Peak power: approximately 380 hp (283 kW) at around 6,000–6,400 rpm
- Peak torque: approximately 367 lb-ft (498 Nm) at around 4,100 rpm
- Application: Used in the LS 460 and LS 460L (long-wheelbase variant) from mid-2000s through early 2010s
In summary, the 4.6-liter V8, designated 1UR-FSE with D-4S direct injection, defined the LS 460’s smooth, confident power delivery and refined internal engineering that aimed to balance performance with luxury-focused refinement.
Design and engineering details
Origin and purpose of the 1UR-FSE engine lie at the heart of Lexus’s pursuit of a quiet, responsive luxury sedan. The 1UR-FSE employs a dual-injection strategy to optimize efficiency and torque across the rev range, while maintaining the high-rev flexibility that luxury customers expect from a premium V8.
Direct injection and efficiency
Direct injection (with D-4S) enables precise fuel delivery at higher pressures for better power and responsiveness, while port injection helps maintain efficiency at lower loads. This combination supports strong mid-range torque, smooth acceleration, and refined running at highway speeds—a hallmark of the LS 460’s luxury character.
Model-year variations and market notes
Across its production span, the LS 460 largely shared the same 4.6L V8 powerplant, with minor tuning or market-specific calibration in some cases. The LS 460L (the long-wheelbase version) used the same engine, delivering equivalent power with the added weight and length of the redesigned chassis. In dealer literature and reference sources, the core figures remain consistent around 380 hp and 367 lb-ft of torque, with slight variations by market or model year.
Operational impact and contemporary context
When the LS 460 arrived, the 4.6L V8 under the hood helped position the sedan as a flagship with quiet refinement and effortless acceleration. The engine’s blend of smooth power, low vibration, and a refined intake/exhaust note contributed to the LS 460’s reputation for comfort over outright sportiness. As Lexus evolved its lineup, later models shifted toward newer powertrain architectures, but the 4.6L V8 remains a defining element of the LS 460’s legacy.
Summary
In short, the LS 460 is powered by a 4.6-liter V8, the 1UR-FSE with direct injection, delivering roughly 380 horsepower and about 367 lb-ft of torque. This engine pair with a luxury-focused drivetrain created a refined, capable flagship sedan that emphasized quiet performance and smoothness. Across its LS 460 and LS 460L iterations, the core powerplant remained a defining feature of the model’s character and sophistication.
