The LS430 is a large, rear-drive sedan, powered by a 4.3-litre, dual overhead cam V8 pumping out 207kW of power and 417Nm of torque. Chief designer of the Lexus LS430, Makoto Ooshima, told American industry journal automotive News the car's design was inspired by the Japanese bullet train as the car was tested in the same wind tunnel. The maker claims the LS430 is the most aerodynamic sedan in the world, with a drag coefficient of 0.25. (An average family sedan is 0.32.)

The 2005 Toyota Lexus LS 430 has powered door-closing system, which pulls the doors tight against the seals. The headlight beams swivel by 15 degrees left or right to follow the road according to speed and steering input and there's a reversing camera that transmits images to a 7in screen that also displays sat-nav information. Voice recognition technology responds to about 300 commands for the navigation, audio and air-conditioning, while Bluetooth technology permits cable-free use of mobile phones and the like. A tyre pressure monitoring system is low-tech in comparison.

The latest version of the 32-valve V8 engine uses less fuel and produces less noxious emissions. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Shift Logic Control that responds to road grade and acceleration/deceleration activity. A Sequential Shift feature also allows the driver to control gearshifts manually, if desired.

"This car's role is to elevate Lexus to a truly world-class level,