Toshio Asahi

An engineer whose life was set by the first LS sets out to surpass it

While studying electronic engineering in graduate school, Toshio Asahi saw the first LS and was struck that a maker could build such a beautiful sedan, and that became his reason for joining Toyota. When Asahi was put in charge of developing the fifth generation, president Akio Toyoda asked him to "build a car that surpasses the impact of the first LS." Asahi believed it had to change boldly, and aimed for a sedan with a flowing shape while keeping the roominess a flagship needs.