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Hot-Rod Hybrid: Lexus Takes Wraps off First Full Hybrid V8 Sedan |
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Written by Kacey Green
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Thursday, 13 April 2006 |
 Edmond's Inside Line reports: 4/13
NEW YORK — Lexus unvieled its fastest hybrid yet, equipped with an all-new 5.0-liter gas engine, large, high-output electric motors and a large-capacity battery pack, on Wednesday at the New York International Auto Show.
The LS600h L is expected to churn out 430 hp; torque stats were not yet available on the luxury hybrid sedan.
In a statement Lexus said the new Lexus Hybrid Drive system in the LS 600h L provides power on a par with "modern 12-cylinder engines while still delivering best-in-V8-class fuel efficiency." The engine will be linked to a new dual-stage electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission.
Technology amenities on the long-wheelbase model will include
XM real-time traffic, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with 9-inch drop-down screen and a 19-speaker 450-watt Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound audio system.
The Toyota luxury brand will also debut a new advanced pre-collision system on the hybrid. Two small cameras mounted in the front of the car, combined with millimeter-wave radar, can detect humans. A third camera, mounted on the steering column, monitors the orientation of the driver's face. If it detects the the driver is not looking directly ahead, it will sound a warning chime and trigger a flashing light.
Lexus seems to be more concerned with power and luxury than fuel efficiency. This may yet give Toyota some separation between the brands they've been looking for. Lately some of the Toyota branded vehicles have been encroaching on Lexus territory. If only Lexus has luxury, performance based hybrids and Toyota has luxury or performance hybrids but not both they may give Toyota's premium brand an additional niche to serve.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 13 April 2006 )
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