Lexus LS 400 Vs. Infiniti Q45t - Road Test - Japanese Car

Like a 7.3-magnitude earthquake centered on Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive, the original Lexus LS 400 uprooted the foundations and toppled longstanding icons of the high-end luxury car segment when it debuted as an '89 model. Although the Infiniti Q45 enjoyed critical acclaim when it arrived soon after, its sales volume was but a light, dish-rattling aftershock.

The original LS 400's success was based on a compelling combination of Mercedes-like styling and solidity, American-mellow suspension and steering, plus renowned Toyota ergonomics and reliability, all topped by a Blue Light Special introductory price. The result prompted extensive rebuilding programs (after some extensive rethinking programs) at every luxury carmaker, especially those on the far side of the Atlantic.

Meanwhile, auto reviewers widely praised the Infiniti for its aggressive styling and enthusiast-tuned handling. Some called the taut Q45t variant a cross between a Jaguar and a BMW, while complaining the Lexus lacked styling excitement and driving personality. But auto writers don't buy many cars, and sales of the Q45 perennially have lagged far behind its Lexus counterpart.

Recently, both manufacturers significantly revised their strategy and their products; while this pair debuted with two notably separate ideals, today they're on a collision course in pursuit of the same buyers. The once overly cushy Lexus now feels as if it has been on a low-fat diet and spent some quality time with the StairMaster and Abworks: It's roomier and more powerful, but lighter and quicker, with near-Bavarian-tight suspension and more responsive steering. But in an automotive twist on "no pain, no gain," the '97 LS 400's base price is 18 grand higher than that of the initial public offering!

In the meantime, in search of a more lucrative niche, Infiniti cut the Q45's size and power but increased its value. Styling direction took a right turn, and the ride was softened so much that the regular Q45 is more Cadillac DeVille-like than BMW 7 Series-ish. Even the "sport tuned" Q45t's suspension is no stiffer than the current LS 400's, and the car suffers from more body roll. And while hard-core sport-sedan enthusiasts won't like the changes, the combination may be the right one for racking up sold orders: Q45 sales for November 1996 (shortly after the car debuted) were up an amazing 88.9 percent over November 1995.

The second-generation LS 400, which debuted as a '95, is bigger but lighter than its predecessor: 1.4 inches were added to its wheelbase and some 200 pounds were removed from its curb weight. It boasts more people space (particularly in rear legroom), 10 more horsepower, and a host of new and innovative features. Styling changes are subtle: Unless you can park a pre-'95 alongside a current model, you'll have to trust us that the sheetmetal is totally different. Still, this conservative look will still be pleasing when the third-generation LS is ready for replacement. And it's a shockingly slippery shape: Its 0.28 coefficient of drag is among the lowest of any production car on the market.

Lexus' sweet 4.0-liter DOHC 32-valve V-8 is a freshened version of the same powerplant that debuted in the '89 model. The highlighted change is an increased compression ratio (to a lofty 10.4:1). The engine is now rated to reach peaks of 260 horsepower at 5300 rpm and 270 pound-feet of torque at 4500 rpm. This mill speaks only when spoken to: It's deadly quiet at idle, but at full throttle it sings in a resonant, refined, four-cam voice as it propels its charge in a manner that would shame many engines with far sportier pretensions. Power goes to the rear wheels through the 4ECT-I four-speed electronically controlled auto that varies shift pressure and torque-converter lockup to produce transparent upshifts and willing downchanges.