Lexus Debuts LS 600h L
by Mike Meredith
Toyota's premium brand launches a hybrid version of its flagship sedan.
Lexus presented the 2008 LS 600h L on April 12 during the Press Preview at the 2006 New York Auto Show, describing the car as an important chapter in the evolution and elevation of the Lexus flagship model.
The 2008 LS 600h L will be the first luxury hybrid sedan to feature a full-hybrid V8 powertrain, combining an all-new 5.0-liter gasoline engine with large, high-output electric motors and a newly designed large-capacity battery pack. The new hybrid powertrain will be named Lexus Hybrid Drive and the name will be used for all Lexus hybrid models.
Power is delivered through a new full-time all-wheel-drive system and a new dual-stage electronically controlled continuously variable transmission for seamless acceleration. The Lexus Hybrid Drive will deliver a new level of balance between environmental efficiency and performance, with a peak power rating of more than 430 horsepower.
Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Bob Carter said the LS 600h L delivers power and performance equivalent to a modern 12-cylinder engine in conjunction with best-in-class V8 fuel efficiency. The LS 600h L is expected to deliver combined fuel economy ratings equal to—or even better than—V6 all-wheel-drive luxury sedans.
The LS 600h L is expected to set a new standard for quietness in the luxury sedan class because of the noise, vibration and harshness improvements that result from the hybrid drivetrain.
The hybrid model will also include a new Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS) designed to detect pedestrians in the vehicle path, as well as inanimate objects. Lexus' next-generation Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System (VDIM) is standard on all LS models, and air suspension and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) is standard on the LS 600h L and optional on other LS trims.
The all-new LS, including the LS 600h L, is the latest Lexus vehicle with styling based on the L-finesse design direction that seeks to add more style and performance to the Lexus lineup. The L-finesse design philosophy is based on creating a balance of contrasting elements, and the LS strives to achieve this balance while incorporating elements such as a pulled-back hood, a low stance and elegantly sculpted body lines.
The LS 600h L will be offered exclusively as a long-wheelbase model in the U.S., with that wheelbase delivering nearly 5 inches of additional legroom for rear-seat passengers.
High-tech amenities for the 2008 Lexus LS 600h L include voice-activated hard disk drive Navigation with Bluetooth technology and XM Radio real-time traffic, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with a 9-inch drop-down screen, and a specially developed 19-speaker 45-watt Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound audio system. The LS 600h L is the world's first vehicle to be equipped with LED headlights for nighttime and low-beam use.
The LS 600h L will be on sale in the U.S. about six months after the new LS 460, which goes on sale in October 2006.
Lexus LS 600h with dual stage CVT
by Mike Meredith
Toyota's premium brand launches a hybrid version of its flagship sedan.
Lexus presented the 2008 LS 600h L on April 12 during the Press Preview at the 2006 New York Auto Show, describing the car as an important chapter in the evolution and elevation of the Lexus flagship model.
The 2008 LS 600h L will be the first luxury hybrid sedan to feature a full-hybrid V8 powertrain, combining an all-new 5.0-liter gasoline engine with large, high-output electric motors and a newly designed large-capacity battery pack. The new hybrid powertrain will be named Lexus Hybrid Drive and the name will be used for all Lexus hybrid models.
Power is delivered through a new full-time all-wheel-drive system and a new dual-stage electronically controlled continuously variable transmission for seamless acceleration. The Lexus Hybrid Drive will deliver a new level of balance between environmental efficiency and performance, with a peak power rating of more than 430 horsepower.
Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Bob Carter said the LS 600h L delivers power and performance equivalent to a modern 12-cylinder engine in conjunction with best-in-class V8 fuel efficiency. The LS 600h L is expected to deliver combined fuel economy ratings equal to—or even better than—V6 all-wheel-drive luxury sedans.
The LS 600h L is expected to set a new standard for quietness in the luxury sedan class because of the noise, vibration and harshness improvements that result from the hybrid drivetrain.
The hybrid model will also include a new Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS) designed to detect pedestrians in the vehicle path, as well as inanimate objects. Lexus' next-generation Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System (VDIM) is standard on all LS models, and air suspension and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) is standard on the LS 600h L and optional on other LS trims.
The all-new LS, including the LS 600h L, is the latest Lexus vehicle with styling based on the L-finesse design direction that seeks to add more style and performance to the Lexus lineup. The L-finesse design philosophy is based on creating a balance of contrasting elements, and the LS strives to achieve this balance while incorporating elements such as a pulled-back hood, a low stance and elegantly sculpted body lines.
The LS 600h L will be offered exclusively as a long-wheelbase model in the U.S., with that wheelbase delivering nearly 5 inches of additional legroom for rear-seat passengers.
High-tech amenities for the 2008 Lexus LS 600h L include voice-activated hard disk drive Navigation with Bluetooth technology and XM Radio real-time traffic, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with a 9-inch drop-down screen, and a specially developed 19-speaker 45-watt Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound audio system. The LS 600h L is the world's first vehicle to be equipped with LED headlights for nighttime and low-beam use.
The LS 600h L will be on sale in the U.S. about six months after the new LS 460, which goes on sale in October 2006.
Lexus LS 600h with dual stage CVT
