Lexuss Hybrid LS 600h L Targets Aims for Ultimate Luxury

The concept of the gasoline-electric hybrid is one of the most significant technologies in the automotive industry and likewise one of the most important to Japans finest prestige brand, Lexus. Using the renowned Hybrid Synergy Drive developed by parent company Toyota, Lexus has been able to target its opponents high-powered V8 gasoline-powered vehicles, as well as their more fuel-efficient diesel offerings with various combinations of standard gasoline engines coupled with zero-emissions electric motors, but unlike hybrids of the past and some of the present, Lexus models focus on increasing performance and power while decreasing any unnecessary waste.

In many ways, Lexus is a pioneer in the field of hybrid automobiles. The brands first hybrid was also the first vehicle in the world to mate luxury with hybrid efficiency in the popular RX crossover utility vehicle. Instead of developing two separate vehicles, the RX 400h is able to successfully target performance and economically-minded consumers. Off the bat, the RX 400h has been a success, and Lexus continues to pursue the adaptation of its hybrid technology to other vehicles in its product range. At last years New York International Auto Show, the brand unveiled the GS 450h, a hybrid version of its midsize GS executive sedan. Starting a New York pattern, Lexus unveiled its next hybrid and top of the line LS luxury sedan in Manhattans Jacob Javitz Center this week, the ultimate LS 600h L.

As with the regular LS, which debuted earlier this year at the NAIAS in Detroit, Lexus is preparing a full frontal assault on the high-end

limo segment. A member of this field since 1989, Lexus has steadily

increased its market share amongst its German, British, American and Japanese rivals in the V8 powertrain field, but, for the first time ever, the LS is targeting the upper end of the segment, namely twelve-cylinder super sedans. However, Lexus approach to this task is completely different from anything ever done before; the top of the line LS uses the Hybrid Synergy Drive system to boost performance and total output up to a level comparable to that of a 5.0-liter V12-powered automobile. 

Although full details have yet to be released, what we can tell you is that the gasoline half of the LS 600h Ls powertrain consists of the new 380 horsepower 4.6-liter V8 with 370 lb-ft of torque, but instead of being mated to the standard eight-speed automatic gearbox, Lexus has paired it to a two-stage CVT gearbox for improved efficiency. Currently, all Toyota and Lexus hybrid products use CVT transmissions. Combined with the high-torque electric motors, the car creates somewhere in the neighborhood of 430 horsepower, which is right on target with the competitions V12s. Another important note about the drivetrain, and a change from the standard LS 460, is that power is routed through a new all-wheel drive system.

But power and performance are only half the story with the LS 600h L; efficiency and environmental friendliness also play a big part. Where most V12-powered competitors swill premium gasoline non-stop, the LS 600h Ls full hybrid system, with full electric mode (meaning it can run on electric power independent of its gasoline engine) and idle-stop systems, allow it to have a combined city and highway fuel economy rating thats equal to an average midsize premium luxury sedan with all-wheel drive. This means that the big LS ecological footprint is equal to something like an Acura RL or Audi A6 3.2 FSI quattro. This is not to mention that Lexus expects the LS 600h L to receive the Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) rating, making it nearly 70-percent cleaner than the cleanest of its competitors.

While its a well-known fact that Lexus cars are quiet and smooth-running machines, the Japanese luxury division claims that its new LS 600h L is one of the quietest vehicles, if not the quietest vehicle ever made. Special attention has been paid to dampen sound and vibration of the hybrid drivetrains transition phases, such as switching from gasoline power to electric mode, and starting and stopping the engine when at idle. The NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels in the new 600h L are approximately half of what can be found in the average new automobile, which more than edges out the competition for first place; it should give Rolls Royce and Bentley something to think about.

Of course, the latest generation LS comes packed with opulent luxury features, such as Maybach 62-like rear-seat ottomans, and jaw-dropping technology. Features such as a four-zone digitally controlled climate control system, hard disk drive-based navigation system, 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, pre-collision protection system, and parallel-park assist function are sure to please owners, and send the competition running back to their respective drawing boards.

The LS 600h L will go on sale in 2007 as a 2008 model year product; pricing has yet to be announced, although, its expected to start at upwards of $100,000. Lexus intends on offering this top of the line model in the long-wheelbase L configuration only, though other markets may receive a version based on the standard wheelbase car.