Lexus Reveals Unique Full Hybrid LS 600h L Landaulet
Equipped with Lexus Hybrid Drive, Prince Albert’s LS 600h L offers all
the performance and comfort expected from a Lexus flagship, and
generates significantly lower CO2, NOx and particulate emissions than
any comparable car.
“Lexus is very proud to present this exceptional full hybrid vehicle to
H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince of Monaco”, said Andy Pfeiffenberger, Vice
President of Lexus Europe. “Our commitment to innovation and
sustainable mobility at Lexus matches well with His Serene Highness’
keen interest in promoting sustainable development and environmental
protection.”
The state-of-the-art conversion was undertaken by renowned Belgian
coachbuilders Carat Duchatelet in close collaboration with Lexus
engineers based in Brussels. It took over 2000 hours to complete. The
fundamental objective of the project was to ensure that the finished car
maintained the levels of quality and technological sophistication
inherent in every Lexus, whilst preserving all the performance, safety
and dynamic attributes of the original LS 600h L.
“We have 40 years experience in making armoured and extended vehicles
for Heads of State, Royal Families and VVIPs around the world”,
explained Benoit Ceulemans, Executive Director Corporate Development,
Carat Duchatelet. “However, this will be a milestone project for us. It
is the first time we are publicly associated to such a prestigious
project and memorable event.”
The conversion process began with extensive computer-aided design
calculations, simulations and 3-D modelling. The reinforcement of the
bodyshell required extensive applications of the very latest in
honeycomb structures, Kevlar and carbon fibre technology, in order to
maintain the vehicle’s chassis stiffness and torsional rigidity
following the removal of the roof and pillars.
Parts fabricated from composites require very high temperatures for
curing. These components were literally “cooked” onto the bare chassis
in a specially prepared oven. As a result, much of the vehicle first had
to be completely dismantled, involving the stripping out of some 20,000
mechanical parts, electronic components and interior features and
upholstery. Re-assembly occurred under the close supervision of the
Lexus engineering team, to ensure consistency with the original vehicle
specifications and performance.
Painting and polishing was a key phase before re-assembly. The Royal
Wedding LS 600h L is finished in a particularly elegant Midnight Blue
livery, which was applied manually using several coats of a bespoke,
environmentally-friendly water-based paint.
The transparent roof was a challenge both in its design, as a large
single piece with no reinforcements and no pillars, and in its
manufacturing, for which Lexus sought the cooperation of a supplier
specialising in similar elements for the aerospace industry. The
demountable roof has been built in France by one of the world’s leading
transparent component-production companies. This highly specialised
company mainly supplies complex components of an exceptionally high
specification such as helicopter windshields and jet fighter canopies.
The roof is a single, lightweight polycarbonate shell, just 8 mm thick
and weighing only 26 kg. Fixed to the body of the Lexus through two
intermediary parts, it will allow perfect visibility from both inside
and outside the vehicle.
Before production of the transparent roof itself, a template in
honeycomb structure and carbon fibre was used to validate shape,
structural integrity and a perfect fit to the body of the vehicle within
tolerances of less than 1 mm. With the design complete, the extreme
precision of production was carried out by robotic tools, which machined
the final canopy in a completely automated process.
The final conversion stage of this unique LS 600h L, re-assembly and
finishing, involved a team of 10 people in conjunction with Lexus
engineers, working full time for over two weeks to ensure that every
aspect of the vehicle meets the highest levels of quality and
sophistication.
On the day of the wedding, the Landaulet LS 600h L will be used by the
royal couple to tour the Principality after the ceremony. The tour will
bring them from the Palace on the Rocher down to the harbour, and then
along Boulevard Albert I up to the Sainte-Devote Church where, as is the
tradition, the princess will leave her bridal bouquet to the waiting
Monegasques. For most of this tour, the vehicle will operate in full
zero-emission mode, driving under electric-motor power alone, hereby
reaffirming Lexus Hybrid Drive’s environmental credentials.
With the end of the celebrations, the unique Lexus Landaulet will be
displayed first at the Media Centre and subsequently at the
Oceanographic Museum, where visitors will be able to view a remarkable
reminder of an exceptional occasion.
Content courtesy of Lexus
