jruhi4

Filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office have revealed that the next Lexus LS, due to go on sale in fall 2006 as a 2007 model, will be available in 3 models:

LS 460: Short-wheelbase version powered by a 4.6-liter V8.
LS 460L: Long-wheelbase version powered by a 4.6-liter V8.
LS 600hL: Long-wheelbase version powered by a 4.6-liter V8 plus electric motor (hybrid).

Here's further information in an article from Automotive News via AutoWeek:

Lexus to stretch flagship sedan; LS 460 also will offer industry's first hybrid V-8
MARK RECHTIN | Automotive News

To match luxury competitors, Lexus will offer a long-wheelbase version of its redesigned flagship, the LS 460, when it arrives in fall 2006.

Soon after, a hybrid version of the vehicle will debut. It will be the first gasoline-electric powertrain with a V-8 engine by any automaker.

The LS 460 information was revealed in filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Lexus spokesman Bill Ussery declined to confirm the product plan or reveal the hybrid's launch date.

Toyota Motor Co. executives have said they want to build a flagship Lexus hybrid but have never given specifics.

Lexus has studied developing a long-wheelbase flagship and "found the potential for a mix" of long- and standard-wheelbase versions, Ussery says.

Wheelbase typically is a strong indicator for interior roominess for occupants. The LS 460 will be available with short and long wheelbases, the filings say.

Lexus has the shortest wheelbase among luxury flagships in the United States. Mercedes-Benz sells only long-wheelbase versions of its S-Class in this country. BMW and Jaguar sell standard- and long-wheelbase versions of their flagships.

According to the filings, Lexus will call the long-wheelbase version the LS 460L.

The hybrid, to be called the LS 600hL, will have a long wheelbase.

Lexus code-names its hybrid vehicles differently than its gasoline engine vehicles, which have a direct numerical correlation to the size of its engine.

Therefore, LS 460 refers to the vehicle's 4.6-liter engine. The current flagship, the LS 430, has a 4.3-liter engine. But LS 600hL refers to the equivalent power of a 6.0-liter engine, when the V-8 gasoline engine is mated to an electric motor.

http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102210

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Good stuff, thanks for the info

TJW98LS

iTrader: (1)

I think I'll have to get one of those Hybrid V8's. I just wonder what it will look like. I hope it doesn't look like that new avalon, that just looks dorky.

AJL0365

something like that was on motor trend as well, saying bout the LS being something like that. they also stated that the ES 350 well come out with a 245bhp. when yall say long wheelbase, that means the car will be bigger than 197.w/e inches it already is? the car isnt big enough or something?

jruhi4

As noted in the article, BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Jaguar offer both short and long-wheelbase versions of their largest sedans. Typically, the long version sits on a 4" longer wheelbase, and the overall length increases by the same amount. All the extra length goes into the rear doors (and, of course, rear seat legroom).

XeroK00L

It'd be nice if Lexus would offer the hybrid powertrain to the regular wheel-base version as well. Not everyone who's into the top-of-the-line model wants or needs the extra bulk. Even the Maybach comes in two wheelbases.

ychachad

It may finally be time to say goodbye to my MB S-class. That LS with hybrid ought to be awesome with even more electric smoothness. WOW!!!

XeroK00L

On a second thought, perhaps the electric motors in the hybrid LS are so much higher-powered and require so many more batteries than the GS450h that a short wheel-base hybrid LS is simply not possible at this time due to space constraint. Just a thought.

Gojirra99

The S430 is available in short wheel base here in Canada & the weight difference is only 45 pounds compared to the long wheel base version, & is 4.8 in. shorter in wheel base.

XeroK00L

Well, it isn't just about the added weight, but also the overall length, which equates to decreased agility (increased angular momentum) and increased difficulty in parking. The LWB version will always appeal to people who are usually chauffeured around while the SWB will appeal to people who prefer to drive the cars themselves. Both will have their own distinct markets.

LexLS

Sweet! I knew the 4th gens were coming soon! Thanks for the info .

encore888

I hope Lexus makes as big an impact with this 4th gen as they did in 1989, does as good a job at emulating success as they did in 1995, and of building upon the LS' excellent reputation with even more fantastic technology and more power as they did in 2001.

With 2 models out there, the LS truly will go from iconic luxury automobile to a 'family' of its own. Now the 'LS-class' will truly be a force to contend with.

I hope that Lexus still lavishes as much attention on all models of the LS-class, so that no matter which wheelbase version you buy, it is still as magnificient, top-of-the-line as when there was just one LS model.

In my mind, the original 'short' wheelbase model is the iconic LS, but the new 'long' wheelbase model will be the super-LS!

Bring on some excellent L-Finesse styling, class-leading aerodynamics, luxury, and safety features, and you will have another winner!

jruhi4

Outgoing Lexus US General Manager Denny Clements has promised that the new, 4th-gen Lexus LS will be just as significant as the first one was back in 1989. Here's hoping he's right.

Lexusfreak

Will AWD be offered?

jruhi4

Excellent question. I haven't heard one way or the other.