The new LS 600h adds Lexus’ revolutionary hybrid technology to the unique values of L-finesse design, the world’s most advanced safety technology and the highest possible standards in production, quality and comfort expressed in the LS 460, to create a vehicle which explores the outer reaches of luxury car performance, design, safety and efficiency, whilst offering the ultimate in sophisticated and engaging driving experiences.
From the outset, the Lexus philosophy has been to develop cars that establish new frontiers in quality, luxury and performance through a radical approach to advanced vehicle design, whilst stressing absolute customer orientation at the very core of the marque.
In taking a leading global role in the development of performance hybrid vehicles, Lexus has revolutionised the premium automotive segment by awarding its customers a unique, sophisticated, intelligent driving experience which utilises the ultimate in high technology power trains to marry environmental responsibility with peerless quality and involving driving dynamics.
Toyota Motor Corporation’s (TMC) credentials in developing environmentally-friendly hybrid vehicles date back over 40 years to 19 65, when it began the investigation of the use of gas turbines to power an electric drive system for cars. TMC’s inception of the Toyota Eco Project in January 1997 was followed, in March, by the completion of the Toyota Hybrid System (THS), a brand new powertrain in which a petrol engine and an electric motor operate in tandem, each within their optimum efficiency range.
THS was installed in Prius, the world’s first volume production hybrid passenger car, which went on sale in the Japanese market in November 1997 and has since sold over 639 ,000 units around the world. In 2005, the RX 400h SUV’s Lexus Hybrid Drive, a second generation development of THS, introduced class-leading performance to the equation through a 150% increase in electric motor power. And in 2006, the GS 450h became the world’s first hybrid luxury saloon, and the first full hybrid to combine front engine mounting with rear-wheel drive.
Following the RX 400h and the GS 450h, the new LS 600h luxury flagship is the marque’s third vehicle to feature the revolutionary hybrid system. Lexus remains the first, and only, premium automotive segment manufacturer offering a comprehensive hybrid model range available today.
The LS 600h introduces Lexus’ revolutionary, high-performance hybrid drive technology to the flagship of the luxury marque for the first time.
The LS 600h is the world’s first vehicle to feature a full hybrid V8 powertrain, combining a technologically peerless 5.0 litre petrol engine with a powerful, high-output electric motor, a newly designed, largecapacity battery pack, electronically controlled continuously variable transmission and permanent all-wheel drive. As with the Lexus RX and GS hybrid models, the LS 600h’s ‘600’ suffix refers not to the cubic capacity of the engine but, rather, a power output comparable to that of a conventional, 6.0L V12 petrol engine.
This state-of-the-art powertrain technology will equip the LS 600h with an unequalled balance of performance and environmental efficiency. A peak combined output rating of over 327kW/445DIN hp (*) offers the power and performance of a normally aspirated V12 engine. Conversely, the hybrid Lexus flagship offers a class-leading combined fuel consumption figure of less than 9.5l/100km(*) and CO2 emissions below 220g/km(*).
Owing to the inherent Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) improvements offered by its hybrid powertrain, the LS 600h is designed to set a new standard for silent running in the premium automotive segment, with an unparalleled depth and density of cabin quietness, resulting in quite possibly the quietest luxury car in the world.
The long-wheelbase LS 600h L offers the ultimate ownership experience with an additional 120mm dedicated entirely to rear passenger legroom. It can be equipped with a range of comfort features unique to this class, including reclining seats with leg rest, a Rear Seat Relaxation System and a second DVD changer for individualised rear seat entertainment. In addition, the LS 600h L features innovative technology such as a rear seat cushion airbag and a sophisticated, infrared, body heat sensing climate control system to offer rear seat passengers the ultimate, 1st class luxury travelling experience.
