The Lexus 1UZ-FE V8 engine, developed by Toyota for the first-generation LS 400, was the result of an intensive six-year project that began around 1983 and culminated in 1989. Over 1,400 engineers, 2,300 technicians, and 200 support staff—led by a core design team of about 60—worked on creating a V8 that could rival the best from Mercedes-Benz and BMW in refinement, performance, and reliability. Toyota invested over US $1 billion in the research and development of the engine and its associated v