What is it?
2008 Lexus LS 600h L
What's special about it?
It was in an overcrowded private ballroom at the Javits Convention Center that Lexus showcased the new Lexus LS 600h L, the world's first vehicle with a full hybrid V8 powertrain.
Power comes from an all-new 5.0-liter V8 gasoline engine, large high-output electric motors and a newly designed large-capacity battery pack. It's then routed through a new dual-stage electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and an all-wheel-drive system.
"With 430 horsepower," says Bob Carter, Lexus group vice president and general manager, "the LS 600h L's V8 performance is on par with a 12-cylinder engine, yet its fuel economy rivals best-in-class V8s, and it's expected to receive a Super Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) rating as well." That means the LS 600h L burns nearly 70-percent cleaner than its cleanest competitors.
When it hits North American dealers in the spring of 2007, only the long-wheelbase version will be offered. Lexus says the car and the Lexus hybrid system set new standards for silent running. In fact, when the sedan is operating under electric power, its crafted cabin is so quiet engineers needed to rework accessory motors and switches to a "sub-quiet" level.
Coinciding with the launch of the 600h is a newly developed Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS), a Lexus first. The APCS not only detects vehicles in its forward path, but can also recognize pedestrians and warn the driver before taking necessary evasive braking and steering actions if its interior camera senses that the driver's eyes aren't focused ahead. While this is happening, the passenger restraints are automatically cinched up in anticipation of a possible impact.
Lexus' Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) system is also on board to integrate variable gear-ratio electronic steering, electronic vehicle-stability control and electronic brake assist. An air suspension is also standard.
The long-wheelbase 600h L adds 5 extra inches of legroom for rear passengers, and luxury conveniences that Maybach should fear. Features include four-zone front and rear A/C with air purification, rear-door power sunshades and rear power headrests, a four-person seating configuration with a fixed rear console and fold-out table, plus a right rear-seat 45-degree recliner with footrest and multifunction massage. There's also a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with a 9-inch fold-down screen and a 450-watt, 19-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.
For the driver there's a navigation system with Bluetooth technology and XM real-time traffic system, plus LED headlights for nighttime and low-beam, which are a world-first.
As if this isn't enough, the LS 600h L is also capable of taking the reins when it's time for city parking. An advanced parallel-park-assist function parks the car at the push of a button, requiring just a little brake work from the driver.
What's Edmunds' take?
Compared to luxury brands Mercedes-Benz and BMW, Lexus is still in its infancy, yet the Japanese automaker has been a sales leader since the turn of the 21st century. The amazingly innovative LS 600h L shown at the New York auto show proves that Lexus isn't slowing down with age. — Kelly Toepke
2008 Lexus LS 600h L
What's special about it?
It was in an overcrowded private ballroom at the Javits Convention Center that Lexus showcased the new Lexus LS 600h L, the world's first vehicle with a full hybrid V8 powertrain.
Power comes from an all-new 5.0-liter V8 gasoline engine, large high-output electric motors and a newly designed large-capacity battery pack. It's then routed through a new dual-stage electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and an all-wheel-drive system.
"With 430 horsepower," says Bob Carter, Lexus group vice president and general manager, "the LS 600h L's V8 performance is on par with a 12-cylinder engine, yet its fuel economy rivals best-in-class V8s, and it's expected to receive a Super Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) rating as well." That means the LS 600h L burns nearly 70-percent cleaner than its cleanest competitors.
When it hits North American dealers in the spring of 2007, only the long-wheelbase version will be offered. Lexus says the car and the Lexus hybrid system set new standards for silent running. In fact, when the sedan is operating under electric power, its crafted cabin is so quiet engineers needed to rework accessory motors and switches to a "sub-quiet" level.
Coinciding with the launch of the 600h is a newly developed Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS), a Lexus first. The APCS not only detects vehicles in its forward path, but can also recognize pedestrians and warn the driver before taking necessary evasive braking and steering actions if its interior camera senses that the driver's eyes aren't focused ahead. While this is happening, the passenger restraints are automatically cinched up in anticipation of a possible impact.
Lexus' Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) system is also on board to integrate variable gear-ratio electronic steering, electronic vehicle-stability control and electronic brake assist. An air suspension is also standard.
The long-wheelbase 600h L adds 5 extra inches of legroom for rear passengers, and luxury conveniences that Maybach should fear. Features include four-zone front and rear A/C with air purification, rear-door power sunshades and rear power headrests, a four-person seating configuration with a fixed rear console and fold-out table, plus a right rear-seat 45-degree recliner with footrest and multifunction massage. There's also a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with a 9-inch fold-down screen and a 450-watt, 19-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.
For the driver there's a navigation system with Bluetooth technology and XM real-time traffic system, plus LED headlights for nighttime and low-beam, which are a world-first.
As if this isn't enough, the LS 600h L is also capable of taking the reins when it's time for city parking. An advanced parallel-park-assist function parks the car at the push of a button, requiring just a little brake work from the driver.
What's Edmunds' take?
Compared to luxury brands Mercedes-Benz and BMW, Lexus is still in its infancy, yet the Japanese automaker has been a sales leader since the turn of the 21st century. The amazingly innovative LS 600h L shown at the New York auto show proves that Lexus isn't slowing down with age. — Kelly Toepke
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