Shortly after the unveiling of its new flagship model at the recent Detroit Motor Show, Lexus had another surprise in store for New York fans when it unveiled its brand new LS 600h L hybrid-powered luxury saloon.
Shortly after the unveiling of its next flagship model, the LS460, at the recent Detroit Motor Show, Lexus had another surprise in store for New York fans when it unveiled its brand new LS 600h L hybrid-powered luxury saloon.
“Building on Toyota and Lexus traditions established by the Prius and RX 400h, the LS 600h L was developed to explore the outer reaches of performance, style and safety,” a Lexus representative said.
“It is a vehicle as efficient and familiar as it is indulgent and advanced. A far-reaching concept – fully developed and fully realized – it is simply in a class of its own.”
The flagship hybrid Lexus will be powered by a five-litre V8 and a permanent magnet electric motor, combining to produce peak power of more than 320 kW. Drive to all four wheels is via Lexus’ ECVT (Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission) that constantly adapts the gear ratios to provide stepless acceleration.
The LS hybrid is expected to carry a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) rating, which according to the manufacturer means emissions could be nearly 70 per cent cleaner than its competitors.
NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels are also said to be of a benchmark-setting level – even the accessory motors and switches have been re-engineered to keep noise levels within the cabin down.
Coinciding with the launch of the hybrid model is a new Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS) using a range of cameras to detect objects and monitor the driver’s responses, and various technologies to assist the driver in an emergency.
Lexus’ new Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system is standard on the LS range and includes electronic stability control, brake assist and variable gear ratio steering.
