Lexus LS 600h Might Return With Hybrid V8 Power
New rumor suggests that Lexus could be pairing V8 power with its hybrid system for a new and exciting LS model.
Growing Family
Lexus (and Toyota) have long owned the hybrid world, focusing on this dual method of power while many other automakers go fully electric. And it's been a pretty successful strategy thus far, thanks in part to a still-limited charging infrastructure here in the U.S. And if a recent report from Japanese car magazine Mag-X proves to be true, that Lexus hybrid family might be growing again in the near future in a very exciting way.
Photos: Lexus
Return of the V8
The rumor centers around some changes to the LS platform as it nears a mid-cycle refresh. According to Mag-X, it also means that the LS 600h, which was retired back in 2016, will return. And like the old model, this one will also be packing V8 power. In its last guise, the 600h paired a 5.0-liter, naturally aspirated V8 with an electric motor for a combined 439 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the LS600h with V8 assistance right here in Club Lexus.
Which Is True?
As far as what engine Lexus plans on using in this future model, well, nobody knows. It could very easily be the same 5.0 we've come to know and love. But this rumor flies in the face of another well-publicized tidbit that suggests Lexus is planning on abandoning V8 power altogether in cars priced below $90,000 and replacing them with turbo V6 engines, as is the case with the current LS platform.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the LS600h with V8 assistance right here in Club Lexus.
Entry Level?
Thus, it's hard to know which rumor to believe. But that isn't the only interesting bit of information to come from Mag-X's recent piece. They also report that the refreshed LS will get a four-cylinder option as well, designed to help fill the gap left by the departure of the GS sedan. This would presumably serve as the entry-level LS, with a lower asking price, of course.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the LS600h with V8 assistance right here in Club Lexus.
New Flagship
It's an interesting move, of course, if it proves to be true. This report would make it seem like Lexus is trying to make the LS a broader, more diverse model instead of just serving as the flagship in its lineup. But that may not be the car's role in the future, with a new flagship on the way in the form of the LQ SUV.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the LS600h with V8 assistance right here in Club Lexus.
Range Topper
As of right now, Lexus' 14-year-old 5.0-liter V8 is reportedly headed for retirement in two years, at which time a new, twin-turbo V8 will debut in the LC F. But it would make sense if they adopted this engine to the LS platform and made the new 600h a proper range-topper, both in terms of power and performance, a la Porsche's Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the LS600h with V8 assistance right here in Club Lexus.
Defiant Position
If true, perhaps we'll also see the "F" badge make its way to the LS lineup, too. These are exciting rumors, but as always, we have to take them with a grain of salt. With the world moving away from V8 power, Lexus has remained defiant to change, but can that continue forever? We'll just have to wait and see.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the LS600h with V8 assistance right here in Club Lexus.
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