Lexus to unveil LF-C concept sports coupe in NYAS (& New Lexus News!)
03-25-04, 07:18 AM
#1
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More news on High Performance Hybrid (600+bhp) from Lexus
Things look set to get highly charged at Toyota. The company intends to enter the performance saloon market with a family of Lexus models that will all feature hybrid technology.
Engineers are currently working on two machines, one of which will be a new version of the flagship LS. However, first to hit the road will be the GS350 GT, which was unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show. Expected in August 2005 and aimed at the Mercedes E55 AMG, it will mark Lexus' first anniversary of sales in Japan, and sport a 300bhp 3.5-litre V6 mated to a 170bhp electric motor. Offering an astounding 470bhp, the car will feature all-wheel drive and be capable of around 60mpg.
But if you think that sounds impressive, then just wait another 12 months, when Lexus' ultimate hybrid - the LS500 GT - will appear. Combining a 400bhp 5.0-litre V8 with a 200bhp electric motor, the car will offer at least 600bhp and be targeted at the Mercedes S-Class flagship, the S600L.
Thanks to predicted improvements in battery technology, economy of more than 50mpg is expected - double the standards set by traditional petrol engines of equivalent performance.
But the march to bring eco-friendly performance technology to Lexus models won't stop there. The firm's popular IS will inherit a new flagship when it is replaced in 2006. The IS350 GT will offer a tuned version of the 3.5-litre V6 that will be in the GS. However, it's not clear if it will sport a hybrid powerplant, although it may integrate some of the bigger syst***s fuel-saving technology, including engine stop and start systems which save fuel in stationary traffic.
For now, the cost of hybrid technology means it's likely to be reserved for Toyota and Lexus' most expensive models. However, at the Geneva Motor Show this month, one Toyota insider told us that the company was committed to hybrid cars, and that ultimately they will be available right across both ranges.
Peter Lyon
Source: Autoexpress.co.uk
Engineers are currently working on two machines, one of which will be a new version of the flagship LS. However, first to hit the road will be the GS350 GT, which was unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show. Expected in August 2005 and aimed at the Mercedes E55 AMG, it will mark Lexus' first anniversary of sales in Japan, and sport a 300bhp 3.5-litre V6 mated to a 170bhp electric motor. Offering an astounding 470bhp, the car will feature all-wheel drive and be capable of around 60mpg.
But if you think that sounds impressive, then just wait another 12 months, when Lexus' ultimate hybrid - the LS500 GT - will appear. Combining a 400bhp 5.0-litre V8 with a 200bhp electric motor, the car will offer at least 600bhp and be targeted at the Mercedes S-Class flagship, the S600L.
Thanks to predicted improvements in battery technology, economy of more than 50mpg is expected - double the standards set by traditional petrol engines of equivalent performance.
But the march to bring eco-friendly performance technology to Lexus models won't stop there. The firm's popular IS will inherit a new flagship when it is replaced in 2006. The IS350 GT will offer a tuned version of the 3.5-litre V6 that will be in the GS. However, it's not clear if it will sport a hybrid powerplant, although it may integrate some of the bigger syst***s fuel-saving technology, including engine stop and start systems which save fuel in stationary traffic.
For now, the cost of hybrid technology means it's likely to be reserved for Toyota and Lexus' most expensive models. However, at the Geneva Motor Show this month, one Toyota insider told us that the company was committed to hybrid cars, and that ultimately they will be available right across both ranges.
Peter Lyon
Source: Autoexpress.co.uk
Last edited by Gojirra99; 03-25-04 at 07:20 AM.
03-25-04, 07:34 AM
#2
Forum Administrator
iTrader: (2)
Cool. The thing I've never understood is how the two engines HP can be combined for total HP? Are they both running at the same time and their power is additive? Or do they run independently (electric at launch, gas after accelleration is reached)?
If they don't run at the same time and both contribute to the overall accelleration fo the vehicle together, I'd challenge the HP ratings as false advertising.
If they don't run at the same time and both contribute to the overall accelleration fo the vehicle together, I'd challenge the HP ratings as false advertising.
03-25-04, 08:24 AM
#3
Instructor
Both engines run at the same time during hard acceleration (I guess this is when you combine the hp). Other than that, I believe the electirc motor is the primary source of power in stop-and-go traffic whereas the gas engine is the primary source of power for highway cruising. Anyway, this is exciting news!!! Lexus is the ****!
Run, Germans run!
Run, Germans run!
Last edited by BrickHead; 03-25-04 at 08:27 AM.
03-25-04, 09:46 AM
#6
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If Lexus is able to pull these kinds of cars out, I think only ignorance will keep the rest o fthe car world from seeing what Lexus is all about. A LS quality flagship with around 600 peak hp and running at near 50 mpg??? Honestly, someone please tell me how it can get any better than this. I pray these luxury sedans are made, and I know that i fhtey are, reliability will still remain a key point, and I doubt if prices in the US will peak higher than those for the S600 or S65.
Is there any idea as to what the new LS body design will be? I assume the GS350 GT will be the new GS body with the new 3.5L V6, but both the new LS body and engine sound very mysterious as I haven't seen any artist renderings or released pics yet. If anyone can help me out here, it would be very muchg appreciated.
Thanks a lot
James
Is there any idea as to what the new LS body design will be? I assume the GS350 GT will be the new GS body with the new 3.5L V6, but both the new LS body and engine sound very mysterious as I haven't seen any artist renderings or released pics yet. If anyone can help me out here, it would be very muchg appreciated.
Thanks a lot
James
DANG