Lexus Debuts 2008 LS 600h L (CarzUnlimited)

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(R)
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(R) 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.
                  2008 LS 600h L Preliminary Specifications

                                            2008         2007        2007          2006
                                       LS 600h L     LS 460 L    LS 460       LS 430
    Wheelbase (inches)      121.7          121.7         116.9        115.2
    Length (inches)         202.8             202.8         198.0        197.4
    Width (inches)           73.8               73.8           72.0
    Height (inches)          58.5               58.1           58.7
                           (AWD/air                 (w/coil
                          suspension)            suspension)

    Engine                5.0-liter                4.6-liter V8             4.3-liter V8
                     V8/permanent magnet
                        electric motor
                       with Lexus Hybrid
                         Drive system

    Transmission       2-stage ECVT           8-speed                        6-speed
                                automatic             automatic
    Horsepower         More than 430        Approximately 380         278
    Torque                 N.A.                        Approximately
                                312 lb.-ft.              370 lb.-ft.
    Driven Wheels     AWD                      RWD                                RWD
    Emissions Rating SULEV                   ULEV II                            ULEV