What engine is in a Lexus LS400?
The Lexus LS400 is powered by Toyota's 1UZ-FE 4.0-liter V8 engine. In US-market LS400 models it produced roughly 260 horsepower, delivering a smooth and refined performance befitting a flagship luxury sedan.
Launched with the LS400 in 1990, the 1UZ-FE is a high‑reliability, all‑aluminum, dual‑overhead‑camshaft (DOHC) V8 designed for quiet operation, durability, and broad, usable power. This engine helped establish Lexus’s reputation for quiet, comfortable cruising paired with capable acceleration.
Engine design and specs
The 1UZ-FE is a 4.0-liter V8 featuring DOHC and a 32-valve arrangement, with electronic fuel injection and a contemporary approach to smooth power delivery for a luxury sedan. The design emphasizes balance between performance and refinement rather than peak sportiness.
Power and torque
In U.S. LS400s, the 1UZ-FE typically produced about 260 horsepower with torque in the vicinity of a few hundred Newton-meters, contributing to confident highway performance and effortless acceleration for daily driving.
Reliability and notes
The 1UZ-FE is widely regarded for durability, with many examples known to exceed high mileage with routine maintenance. It was paired with a sturdy automatic transmission to reinforce the LS400’s reputation for longevity and refined operation.
Context within the model range
The LS400’s 1UZ-FE powered the original flagship through the early 1990s, establishing Lexus’s image for quiet, comfortable luxury. In later generations, Lexus moved to other V8 families, but the LS400’s success rested on this 4.0-liter V8 powerplant.
Conclusion
The engine in a Lexus LS400 is the 1UZ-FE 4.0-liter V8—a DOHC, 32-valve, all‑aluminum powerplant that delivered about 260 hp and solid torque, defining the driving character of Lexus’s early luxury flagship.
Summary: The LS400’s heartbeat is Toyota’s 1UZ-FE 4.0L V8—an early-era, refined, reliable V8 that combined smooth power with Lexus-level luxury and durability.
