New Lexus LS600hL + real life photos of LS460L

[scotthendersonfan]

LEXUS LS600hL

04/12/2006 New York

New York, April 12, 2006 – Lexus unveiled the all-new 2008 LS 600h L hybrid luxury sedan at a press conference today at the 2006 New York International Automobile Show. Scheduled to arrive in Spring 2007, the all-wheel-drive LS 600h L will be the world’s first vehicle to feature a full hybrid V8 powertrain.

"The LS 600h L was developed to explore the outer reaches of performance, style and safety," said Bob Carter, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. "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 by itself."

Lexus Hybrid Drive

Coinciding with the debut of the all-new LS is the introduction of the Lexus Hybrid Drive name, which will be used globally for all Lexus hybrid models. The hybrid-drive system in the LS 600h L builds upon the Toyota and Lexus legacy established by the Prius, RX 400h and GS 450h to combine an all-new five-liter V8 gasoline engine with large, high-output electric motors and a newly designed large-capacity battery pack. This advanced combination will provide the LS 600h L with an unmatched balance of environmental efficiency and performance, furnishing the hybrid with a peak combined output rating of more than 430 horsepower.

To distribute this immense power, a new full-time all-wheel-drive system is utilized for superior handling control. The LS 600h L also employs a newly developed dual-stage electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission. This combination results in impressive power and seamless acceleration.

The Lexus Hybrid Drive system found in the LS 600h L is the automotive industry’s most advanced gas-electric hybrid system developed to date, providing power and performance on par with modern 12-cylinder engines while still delivering best-in-V8-class fuel efficiency. It will equal or better the combined fuel-economy ratings of smaller V6 all-wheel drive mid-sized luxury sedans.

The LS hybrid is expected to carry a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) rating. A SULEV rating means the LS 600h L has nearly 70-percent cleaner emissions than the “cleanest” of its competitors.

“It is fair to say that there is nothing on the road, or on the drawing board, that comes close to delivering such a formerly contradictory combination of jaw-dropping engine performance, fuel efficiency and clean emissions,” Carter said.

Owing to the inherent noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) improvements offered by its hybrid powertrain, the LS 600h L is designed to set a new standard for silent running in the prestige-luxury sedan class. The depth and density of cabin quietness in the LS 600h L required extensive re-engineering of accessory motors and switches.

With "quiet-ride" ranking as one of the top five reasons for purchase of prestige-luxury vehicles, especially among current LS owners, the LS 600h L is well-situated in its class and poised to please the exacting luxury-car buyer. Its NVH levels are about half that found in conventional cars, making the hybrid LS one of the quietest automobiles ever built, if not the quietest.

High-Output V8 and World's First Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission

The LS 460 and LS 460 L will be powered by an all-new, highly advanced 4.6-liter V8 engine that will produce approximately 380 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque. Combined with a world-first eight-speed automatic transmission, these LS sedans will travel from zero-to-sixty miles per hour in less than 5.5 seconds—all without sacrificing fuel economy. Even with this level of performance, the new LS sedans are expected to receive a combined city/highway mileage in the low-20s as well as an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) rating.

Advanced Active Safety Technologies

Coinciding with the launch of the hybrid model is a newly developed, Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS) that is like nothing ever before offered by Lexus. One element of APCS is a new system designed to help detect pedestrians in the vehicle’s path.

Two small cameras mounted at the front of the car, in conjunction with millimeter-wave radar, are sensitive enough to detect not just large metal obstructions such as cars but also smaller nonmetallic objects, such as humans.

A third camera, mounted on the steering column, monitors the orientation of the driver’s face. If the camera sees that the driver is not looking directly ahead for a few seconds or more, and if an obstacle is detected ahead, then it alerts the driver first with a warning chime and a flashing light. As the car gets closer to the obstacle, the system can begin to gently apply the brakes on its own. To assist the driver in maneuvering around the obstacle, the system reprograms the steering ratio, amplifying the intensity and quickness of the steering response.While all of this is happening, the system automatically cinches up the passenger restraints and prepares the brake system to respond with full force when activated by the driver in anticipation of a possible impact.

Dynamic Driving

These unique active safety systems team with Lexus’ proprietary next-generation Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, standard on all new LS models, which integrates variable gear-ratio electronic steering, electronic vehicle stability control and electronic brake assist.

An air suspension system equipped with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) will be standard on the LS 600h L and an option on the LS 460 L. VGRS optimizes the steering gear ratio according to vehicle speed to help enhance responsiveness and driver control. VGRS also partners with VDIM, making minor adjustments to front-wheel angle for improved control in challenging road conditions.

Together these technologies make up an intelligently designed, logically conceived vehicle that helps to provide a level of confidence and control never before experienced.

L-finesse

The styling on the new LS begins with a daring design language that shatters the myth that luxury sedans must be sedate and understated. A result of the recent design direction Lexus deems L-finesse, the new LS vehicles are the crowning touch to a fully restyled car lineup, which already includes the GS, IS and ES sedans.

The L-finesse design philosophy has its roots in creating a balance of contrasting elements. The new LS encompasses this direction with its bold look, style and personality—both vivid and forceful while at the same time warm, inviting and contemporary. With a pulled-back hood, characteristic of the new Lexus look, low-to-the- ground stance and elegantly sculpted and streamlined body contours, the LS emphasizes simplicity and style in a stunning, modern package.

Premium Appointments

Offered exclusively as a long-wheelbase model in North America, the new

LS 600h L will not only offer the highest level of performance, safety and technological advancements, it will also provide the highest level of comfort, convenience and roominess of the three distinctly different LS models.

The long-wheelbase model of the hybrid and the LS 460 L brings with it nearly five inches of additional legroom for rear passengers and can be outfitted with a long list of luxury conveniences that includes four-zone front and rear A/C with air purification, rear-door power sunshades and rear power headrests, a spectacular four-person seating configuration with a fixed rear console and fold-out table, and a right rear-seat 45-degree recliner with footrest and multifunction massage.

Technology amenities on the long-wheelbase models will include voice-activated hard disk drive (HDD) Navigation with Bluetooth® technology and XM real-time traffic system, a first in the prestige luxury segment, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with 9-inch drop-down screen, and the specially developed 19-speaker 450-watt Mark Levinson® Reference Surround Sound audio system, which creates a new standard for automotive sound systems. In addition, the

LS 600h L will be the world’s first vehicle to be equipped with LED headlights for nighttime and low-beam use.

The LS will also be the first Lexus to offer XM satellite radio as a factory-installed option. The all-new LS sedans will all offer an advanced parallel-park-assist function. The driver simply pushes a button and the park-assist system parks the car with just a little brake work by the driver.

Like all LS-series vehicles, the LS 600h L’s intelligent and evocative design carries through to the beautifully appointed cabin. Extra luxury and comfort touches include a heated steering wheel and seats wrapped in one of four tones of semi-aniline leathers matched to one of three coordinating wood-grain trims.

Craftsmanship

While the list of comfort, convenience and luxury features on the new LS-series

vehicles is remarkable, another truly defining aspect of these cars is their superb craftsmanship. In order to build a vehicle that would redefine “world’s best,” Lexus started by improving a production process widely recognized as the industry’s finest.

The new LS 600h L as well as the LS 460 and LS 460 L are the product of an all-new build process developed specifically for the LS line at Lexus’ award-winning Tahara, Japan plant. With this extraordinary investment in engineering expertise comes a sedan that achieves extraordinary new levels of fit, finish, accuracy and refinement. The all-new LS sedans showcase the Lexus belief that every element and phase of production is vital and that building cars is more than just a business—it is an art form.

The LS 600h L will go on-sale in April 2007, six months after the LS 460 and

LS 460 L launch in October 2006.

Edited July 8, 2006 by scotthendersonfan

[scotthendersonfan]

LS460L

Park Assist feature that parallel parks the car for you

Some additional pictures of the rear seats in dark grey (from photoshoot, not this car)

Edited July 8, 2006 by scotthendersonfan

[CSpec]

I think this car looks great, but I doubt it will stand much of a chance against th S-class.

[pow]

As a piece of engineering, this looks damn impressive. It seems so good that I have to remind myself that "Lexus" is still and always will be a name coined by focus groups and other marketing research, the consequence of reverse engineered S-classes and the subsequent clones sold at bargain-basement prices. What a self-made American phenomenon.

[scotthendersonfan]

If I had the money, I'd go for the S class myself. I'm crazy about the new Mercedes S550/600! I absolutely love those cars. The exterior design took a while to grow on me but now I really like it.

However the Lexus offers bulletproof reliability even with all this extremely complex technology, and that's one area where the Germans have had trouble in the past. Plus the new Lexus LS cars are nothing to sneeze at. They're absolutely fantastic vehicles and are class leading in every way, including technology.

[pow]

The press release didn't mention lane-keep assist. Coupled with active cruise control, it essentially makes the LS an autonomous vehicle on the highway.

[scotthendersonfan]

As a piece of engineering, this looks damn impressive. It seems so good that I have to remind myself that "Lexus" is still and always will be a name coined by focus groups and other marketing research, the consequence of reverse engineered S-classes and the subsequent clones sold at bargain-basement prices. What a self-made American phenomenon.

164130[/snapback]

Yes, but everyone has to start somewhere. At least they did their homework right from the very beginning and didn't call it "Kia"!

[siegen]

Wow, 4 headlights per side.

Think that's enough?

They sure do know how to make em big though. The LS460L looks good, but the LS600hL has extremely odd body shapes, starting with the headlight areas.

[pow]

Yes, but everyone has to start somewhere. At least they did their homework right from the very beginning and didn't call it "Kia"!

164133[/snapback]

True, the fact they're an upstart luxury brand motivates them to try harder than anyone else. A Lexus will never be a Merc, so they have to "one up" them. Essentially they're saying "screw history, let's make the best car in the world," which really is quite admirable.

[scotthendersonfan]

Here's the Mercedes S550 review by Top Gear. Has me drooling all over my keyboard every time. I simply love this car.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZD8STpUpCo

Edited July 8, 2006 by scotthendersonfan

[Robert Hall]

Beautiful cars...I love the design of the new LS. But I also love the new S-class design also.

[bobo]

If I were in the market for a big luxury car, this would be it. This should bring down the age for LS buyers. Mercedes is a high-risk proposition these days.

[Robert Hall]

If I were in the market for a big luxury car, this would be it.  This should bring down the age for LS buyers.  Mercedes is a high-risk proposition these days.

164217[/snapback]

Yes, I've been a Benz fan since I was a kid..I love the Big '80s style 560 SELs and SECs .. but with all the quality/reliability issues I've read about with today's Benzes, it would be hard for me to spring for one--Lexuses are definitely the safer choice. I wouldn't want something that has to go to the dealer all the time for repairs.

[sciguy_0504]

Beautiful. Amazing.

I believe the headlights that are shown in the photos here hybrid-only, which is a shame because they look cool, IMO, and should be on the non-hybrid versions.

My second nitpick is the fact that only the rear passenger-side seat can recline. Why? I see no reason why the rear driver-side seat cannot recline as well. Other cars have it, I am almost positive. A few sales will be lost because of those tight assed ultra-luxury buyers.

[pow]

Beautiful.  Amazing.

I believe the headlights that are shown in the photos here hybrid-only, which is a shame because they look cool, IMO, and should be on the non-hybrid versions.

My second nitpick is the fact that only the rear passenger-side seat can recline.  Why?  I see no reason why the rear driver-side seat cannot recline as well.  Other cars have it, I am almost positive.  A few sales will be lost because of those tight assed ultra-luxury buyers.

164235[/snapback]

To make way for the ottoman, the front seat has to move foward.

[sciguy_0504]

To make way for the ottoman, the front seat has to move foward.

164236[/snapback]

Wow, didn't even think of that.

I still think it sucks, though.

[scotthendersonfan]

Just to clear things up, only the LS600hL will have the new Dual Stage CVT transmission that drives all four wheels (AWD).

The other LS models will have the 8-speed automatic transmission.

[toyoguy]

In addition, the LS 600h L will be the world’s first vehicle to be equipped with LED headlights for nighttime and low-beam use.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?se...&page_number=17

I'm curious to know how the headlights work

[ToniCipriani]

Honestly the styling isn't much to be screaming about.

Rear is from a BMW 5-series, rear door from a Grand Prix, and the front an Acura RL.

Call me crazy, but that's what I think.

[FAPTurbo]

Just to clear things up, only the LS600hL will have the new Dual Stage CVT transmission that drives all four wheels (AWD).

The other LS models will have the 8-speed automatic transmission.

164241[/snapback]

8 Speeds?...

That's just more gears and more chance of something going wrong. I figured 5 or 6 were the perfect numbers... Then again I have a 4 Speed Hydramatic in the truck, so you can see where I'm coning from

[scotthendersonfan]

Ok, you're crazy. Just kidding.

Seriously speaking though, you can reduce almost any car today to combinations of design features from other existing cars. There's only so much that you can do to maintain a unique identity without compromising structural integrity or aerodynamic efficiency.

To me, it's a very elegant design on a very large car, albeit, a tad on the bland side. But it offers typical Lexus features - extreme attention to detail, precision and of course, technology overload.

[scotthendersonfan]

8 Speeds?... 

That's just more gears and more chance of something going wrong. I figured 5 or 6 were the perfect numbers... Then again I have a 4 Speed Hydramatic in the truck, so you can see where I'm coning from 

164325[/snapback]

It's not a regular transmission. The gears don't necessarily go in sequence. It can skip gears during acceleration or decceleration. So for instance, you can go from 1st to 3rd to 7th depending on load and throttle input.

With any other brand, I'd say yes, 8 gears is just more stuff to break. But Lexus has managed to stay on top of the quality charts for years now even while piling on the technology. So it'll probably work just like it's supposed to for the life of the car.

[Delta Force79]

I hate Lexus....but damn that interior is sweet

[Sixty8panther]

I'd never buy one and still think gasoline burning hybrids are lame, BUT...

This car is gorgeous inside & out. I really think it's one of the best

looking mid-size/full-size luxury cars on the market today save

for the STS-V, M45 & 540i.

[Dsuupr]

I want to know where Cadillacs ULV is.

[Flybrian]

This is a real engineers car, i.e. all substance, no style. The exterior is very plain, very boring, too evolutionary. All the beauty is inside, which is fine, but a 10 year-old Jaguar has more visual appeal.

[Paolino]

It's not a regular transmission. The gears don't necessarily go in sequence. It can skip gears during acceleration or decceleration. So for instance, you can go from 1st to 3rd to 7th depending on load and throttle input.

164332[/snapback]

Yes, but unlike the Camry, the transmission skips gears on purpose.

[The O.C.]

I think this car looks great, but I doubt it will stand much of a chance against th S-class.

164129[/snapback]

This is the FIRST LS I've liked since the original was introduced.

I think it's quite handsome and a classy looker.....and I'm liking it WAY more than the new S-Class.....

[Croc]

Yes, I've been a Benz fan since I was a kid..I love the Big '80s style 560 SELs and SECs .. but with all the quality/reliability issues I've read about with today's Benzes, it would be hard for me to spring for one--Lexuses are definitely the safer choice.  I wouldn't want something that has to go to the dealer all the time for repairs.

164225[/snapback]

The one good thing I will say about my M-Class is that I have at least learned the lesson to never buy a Mercedes. It's great when they're free, but those things are a POS.

[Flybrian]

My office is two blocks down from Mercedes of Tampa and every morning I see a good half dozen to ten Benzes at least waiting outside for the service bay to open. Good sign.

[The O.C.]

The one good thing I will say about my M-Class is that I have at least learned the lesson to never buy a Mercedes.  It's great when they're free, but those things are a POS.

164540[/snapback]

Yeah.....but wasn't the M-Class kinda notorious even within the M-Benz ranks, for it's reliability, or lack thereof?

Speaking of S-Classes.....I was at the Crystal Cove car show yesterday and there was an old 300SD Turbodiesel that looked absolutely like NEW. It was white with a camel interior. The car was concours-show-perfect....I was drooling.

Now THAT was an S-Class. I'm not sure of the model designation, but it was the last one with two round headlights on each side.....and the exposed "flipper-style" wipers that both parked on one side of the windshield and swung across the windshield together when turned on?

[sciguy_0504]

I want to know where Cadillacs ULV is.

164492[/snapback]

[erod45]

Let's face it, Lexus is the best Cadillac GM never made.

[Northstar]

The ULS is a 2010 model, I believe.

[scotthendersonfan]

This is a real engineers car, i.e. all substance, no style. The exterior is very plain, very boring, too evolutionary. All the beauty is inside, which is fine, but a 10 year-old Jaguar has more visual appeal.

164527[/snapback]

C'mon, style is subjective. I think it looks really nice and elegant and you can't risk alienating it's typical buyer market with too radical designs. As far as visual appeal, this car is quite big when you stand next to it and that presence counts for something.

In either case, what I think really doesn't matter because I can't afford one.

Edited July 10, 2006 by scotthendersonfan

[bobo]

The exterior is appropriately conservative. Most luxury car styling, and Lexus in particular, is understated. But the new car does look more athletic than the old LS, which had the same basic styling since 1990, and bordered on old-fogey.

[ZL-1]

The exterior is appropriately conservative.  Most luxury car styling, and Lexus in particular, is understated.  But the new car does look more athletic than the old LS, which had the same basic styling since 1990, and bordered on old-fogey.

164790[/snapback]

What you said.

I'll just add my $0,02 stating that I prefer regular wheelbase models.

Edited July 10, 2006 by ZL-1

[Flybrian]

C'mon, style is subjective. I think it looks really nice and elegant and you can't risk alienating it's typical buyer market with too radical designs. As far as visual appeal, this car is quite big when you stand next to it and that presence counts for something.

But of course it is but for the money, I'd want something with some style and brashness, which brings me to...

In either case, what I think really doesn't matter because I can't afford one.

164784[/snapback]

...as if I could afford one either.

[boblutzfan]

The ULS is a 2010 model, I believe.

164636[/snapback]

Are you serious? I mean - the GS (aside from the color of the wood) has a much nicer interior than the STS and the LS just blows away practically everything else out there. Forget S-Class or 7 Series - those are the cars the original 1989 LS400 was going after. The new LS 460L is going after Maybach. Just think about the way this is designed with the features - especially the back seat.

Cadillac needs to really step it up if they are going to compete with the Major luxury players. The next CTS is a ray of hope - but the STS doesn't cut it - in terms of interior refinement. Come on Cadillac - give us a full size RWD luxury sedan - make the STS your midsize offering...

[mustang84]

Engineering-wise, it looks high quality and pieced together well. Styling wise...kinda boring. It has nothing on BMW and Mercedes. The Germans are leaner and more athletic; both of these look like Toyota's typical blob styling on steroids. I don't get why every Toyota/Lexus has to have huge beltlines and chunky, big rears.

Sleek S-Class (Scarlett Johannsen on wheels):

I guess if big butts are your thing: