PRESS RELEASE
Lexus Announces LS 400 Coach Edition
26 March 1997
Lexus and Coach Continue Exclusive Partnership to Produce LS 400 Coach Edition
NEW YORK, March 26 -- Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota
Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and industry benchmark for quality luxury vehicles,
announced today the introduction of the Lexus LS 400 Coach Edition. The
announcement marks the continuation of Lexus' exclusive partnership with
Coach, the renowned manufacturer of distinguished leather goods. This special
edition of the LS 400, Lexus' flagship sedan, will debut at the Greater New
York Auto Show Mar. 29-Apr. 6, 1997.
The automaker and leather goods company are continuing a partnership
forged last year with the successful launch of the very well-received Limited
Lexus ES 300 Coach Edition. A limited number of LS 400 Coach Edition sedans
will be produced and are expected to enjoy a very strong sales performance.
This year's LS 400 Coach Edition comes equipped with a collection of
features at a significant value, including Coach leather interior, a special
Coach leather center console with an embossed Coach logo, wood and leather
accented shift knob, unique five-spoke alloy wheels, carpeted floor mats with
an embroidered Coach insignia, six-disc in-dash CD autochanger, power
tilt/slide moonroof, and multi-adjustable power front seats with power lumbar
support and memory capability.
Additional touches to the LS 400 Coach Edition include subtle exterior
Champagne-pearl badging and a Coach leather Cabin Bag in British Tan. The
Coach Edition will be available in five tone-on-tone exterior colors: Opal
White, Cashmere Beige, Black Onyx, Moonstone Pearl and Silver Jade Metallic.
Coordinated interior colors are available in Ivory, Black or Cypress.
"It seems a natural choice for the finest leather to be made available on
the world's finest automobile," said Jim Press, Lexus senior vice president
and general manager. "Lexus is proud to continue our unique partnership with
Coach. Our customers have been extremely pleased with the craftsmanship and
exceptional quality of the ES 300 Coach Edition and we look forward to
offering future customers the best LS 400 ever."
Lew Frankfort, Coach chairman and chief executive officer agrees, "Lexus
and Coach complement each other well since both bring unparalleled reputations
for quality and customer satisfaction in the automotive and leather goods
industries respectively. We were proud to partner with Lexus to produce the
Coach Edition ES 300 and are equally excited to continue that tradition with
the LS 400."
The LS 400 is the premiere luxury sedan in the Lexus model line and
continues to set the benchmark for luxury sedans throughout the industry.
Powered by an impressive 4.0 liter, 32-valve V8 engine capable of 260
horsepower and a top speed of 149 mph, the LS 400 combines power with
inimitable style and comfort.
Features such as walnut interior trim, in-dash six-CD autochanger, power
windows and door locks, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control
and an outside temperature gauge enhance the luxury of the LS 400.
The LS 400 also comes equipped with comprehensive safety features such as dual
front- and side-impact airbags (SRS), anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), side-door
impact beams, automatic electrochromic dual power outside mirrors with
defoggers, and automatic on/off headlamps.
The Coach Edition will be available at the 174 Lexus dealerships
nationwide from May to September 1997.
SOURCE Toyota Lexus
CONTACT: Mike Michels, 310-781-3282, or Sam Butto, 310-781-3279, or Jennifer
Floryan, 310-781-2381, all of Lexus Public Relations; or Pat Durkin of Coach
Public Relations, 212-631-2701; or Linda Bennett of Ogilvy, Adams & Rinehart,
212-880-5281