Sal Collaziano

If an LS430 doesn't have the adjustable suspension (ie the three different ride modes) does that mean it doesn't have the softest suspension? In other words, is that not the "air" suspension then?

Sal Collaziano

Does anyone know the answer to this question?

BMcD430

Sal - I'll take a stab at this. I have the Ultra Luxury package and it has the air suspension. It has a switch that is labelled SPORT and NORMAL. There is a another switch for ride height which I've used once.

I think in the NORMAL setting the car feels like most other LS430's. It's when you switch to SPORT that you get more road feel and slightly flatter cornering. So my guess is if you don't have the air suspension it would feel like my NORMAL setting. Does that help?

Bruce

Sal Collaziano

Thank you. That's exactly what I'm trying to verify.. I'm wondering if the non-air suspension feels the same as the "Normal" setting on the Ultra Luxury package....

rominl

iTrader: (4)

smoehow from my test drive the normal ls430 (not with euro suspension) rides a little bit rougher than the air suspension at normal. but that coudl be me, since i don't own the car and i just drove them couple of times

Sal Collaziano

Thank you.

booby79

Not true. The ultra rides completely different than the regular suspension. Acutally, I feel like the ride in the ultra is a little bit more european than the regular suspension. The air suspension isn't there to make the ride feel like it is on air. Rather, when the car is braking hard, cornering, acceleration, etc, the active air suspension makes sure that the car is level. The antidive characteristics enhance the performance. I have a 1st gen LS400 and I actually think the ride in that car is cushier than my LS430 but not as controlled and composed. Hope it helps.

Bobby

Sal Collaziano

Thank you! Yes, that does help.. I've heard other people say they're first gen rode smoother. That's pretty amazing.. I wish I could get into a brand new 1990 to see what it felt like.. I'm a big fan of the soft ride. I love older Cadillacs and Lincolns - especially the Fleetwood Brougham and Lincoln Town Car - soft riding vehicles.. I wonder if the first generation Lexus rode even softer than they did...