Now LS is going green


The race to create the first hybrid luxury saloon is over - and Lexus has won it. Exclusive pictures in this week's mag reveal the new LS600h, which will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October.

With four-wheel drive, the car follows hot on the heels of the RX400h - the world's only petrol/electric SUV - and cements Lexus as the leader in the field. The 600h also provides the first glimpse of the all-new LS styling. It's well ahead of the scheduled on-sale date of summer 2007.

Using a 5.0-litre V8 mated to an updated version of Toyota's hybrid system, the LS600h is expected to generate in excess of 500bhp. An insider working on the project told Auto Express the V8 engine alone will produce an impressive 390bhp. With the performance of a V12 and combined fuel economy said to be around 30mpg, the LS600h has huge potential and is one of a number of forthcoming Lexus hybrids. The firm will also produce a new petrol/electric supercar - currently codenamed the LF-A and due next year - as well as a 400bhp GS450h, to be unveiled in the spring. Meanwhile, Toyota bosses will soon celebrate a momentous occasion. Until now, Lexus cars have been export only, but as of 30 August, the range of luxury models will also be sold in Japan.


Auto Express



this would explain the two rear radiators.

 

Thanks for the link, I always thougt if they decide to produce a hybrid sports car, it would be the Volta, as reported in the past I thought the LF-A would be a 500+hp V10 as many have reported

 

I was disappointed when I first learned that the Volta was most likely not going to production. But now I think it really makes sense because a hybrid sports car is really only good for drag racing and very little else. The batteries simply won't sustain the maximum drain in any other kind of racing.

I really doubt the validity of the article since the LF-A as a petrol-engine-powered concept has already been RELEASED to the public. Why a hybrid project with the same "code name"? Doesn't make any sense. At least call it LF-H or something.

 

in general I agree with you. however I would like to reiterate my point about the fans in the rear. They are clearly visible on the concept, as well the spy pics show basically the same shape of the fan housing.

to me it really doesn't matter which engine type as long as it performs and sounds good.

 

I think this is actually the more interesting part of the article.

So according to them the LS600h will be using a 5.0L, not the 4.6L in the LS460. The 390hp produced by the 5.0L does sound in line with the rumored 350-360hp output from the 4.6L. The overall output of 500+bhp is thus more possible.

And the article says the LS600h will appear as early as the Tokyo Motor Show in October!! Soon enough I say!

 

A hybrid sports car, that just doesn't sound right to me, LOL.

 

OK I just noticed these keywords. Now who has the pictures?

 

If it really is hybrid and they put the electric motor(s) in the rear than we can have a slightly more balanced LF-A. Imagine a V-10 with the power of a V-12 and 50/50 weight distrubition? NASTY!

 

Why not? It's a Lexus, it'll be luxurious, smooth, refine, less raw than it's competitors, so people will be buying it for cruising and showing off than track uses. Lexus knows this, they're here to make money, there's simply not enough buyers willing to spend 100K for a japanese exotic if it didn't have something super super special. Those few hardcore enthusiasts who wants a track car can buy the NSX replacement or GT-R, those cars ain't gonna make any money for their makers, it's mostly to boost their image. Lexus doesn't have that image problem. 98% of Lexus buyers will be doing what BMW drivers do, picking up chicks and cruisin, those buyers are where the moneys at. I predict he LF-A will be the first truely luxurious EXOTIC. It'll take everything the old NSX has accomplished(friendly, reliable, economical, comfortable, etc) to the next level. Nav, temp control massaging driver/passenger seats, Mark Levinson audio system, rear backup camera, extra refinement in NHV, and anything else from the LS430 they can squeeze in will be standard features. Car will get 35mpg in the city and 35 hwy due to cyl deactivation plus hybrid. Even rich folks want to feel green too.