Lexus LS600h detail

The all-wheel-drive LS600h will be launched in Australia in the first half of 2007. It will be the world's first vehicle of any kind or category to offer a full hybrid V8 powertrain.

Available only long-wheelbase in Australia, the LS600h Hybrid combines the best of Lexus's luxury, technology and performance. The vehicle will be based on the hybrid performance strategy to be launched with the GS450h in May followed by the RX400h later this year.

The LS600h will combine a new five-liter V8 petrol engine combined with high-performance mass-produced engines and a new large-capacity battery pack. It will offer a maximum power of more than 430 hp.

"The LS600h flagship, as with the entire Lexus hybrid performance program, is about Lexus extending its reign as a leader in luxury technology and performance," said John Roca, corporate manager, Lexus Australia.

A new all-wheel drive system will provide superior handling, while a new dual-stage electronic variable-driveline will continue to deliver the considerable power of the flagship hybrid. With electric motors providing infinite rest, the V8 hybrid system will provide power without problems with impressive acceleration and speed of passage.

The LS600h drive train is recognized as the most advanced gas-electric hybrid system in the automotive industry. It is expected to provide 12-cylinder engine power with a V6 fuel economy - estimated at approximately 14 liters / 60 miles. As a SULEV-rated (Super Low Emissions) vehicle, LS600h is estimated to produce only 20 percent of the smog-forming emissions of a conventional five-liter V8.

"The LS400 originally shook the luxury car market in 1990, and the LS600h follows that tradition," Roca said. "We obviously saved the best for the flagship. "There is nothing currently available - or as far as I know at the planning stage - that can deliver the immense power of the LS600h with its amazing fuel economy and low emissions."

As it opens in New York, the LS600h will feature a number of top-level safety systems, such as the Advanced Precollision System (APCS), which can anticipate and act on possible collisions with pedestrians. Indoor LS600h is predictably indulgent. Its wheelbase of 5151 mm will be 122 mm longer than the LS460 available in Australia from November this year.


A number of luxury Lexus level appointments include a four person seating configuration with a fixed rear console and folding table, and a 45 degree right reclining back seat with ottoman and vibration massage.

A 19-speaker Mark Levinson stereo and a 19-inch foldable DVD screen are standard throughout the new LS line. The all-wheel drive LS600h will be launched in Australia in the first half of 2007. It will be the world's first vehicle of any class or category to offer a full V8 hybrid engine.

"The LS 600h L was developed to explore the external reaches of performance, style and safety," said Bob Carter, Lexus Division vice president and general manager. "It is a vehicle as efficient and familiar as indulgent and advanced, a powerful concept, fully developed and fully realized, is simply in a class by itself."

Lexus Hybrid Drive


Coinciding with the debut of the new LS is the introduction of the Lexus Hybrid Drive name, which will be used globally for all Lexus Hybrid models. The LS 600h L's hybrid propulsion system builds on the legacy of Toyota and Lexus established by the Prius, RX 400h and GS 450h to combine a new five-liter V8 petrol engine with large, high-performance electric motors. Designed for a large capacity battery. This advanced combination will give the LS 600h L an unequaled balance of efficiency and environmental performance, delivering the hybrid with a combined maximum output power of over 430 horsepower.

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

The Lexus Hybrid Drive system, found on the LS 600h L, is the most advanced gas-electric hybrid system in the automotive industry developed to date, providing power and performance alongside modern 12-cylinder engines. Offering the best V8-class fuel efficiency. It will match or improve the combined fuel economy ratings of V6 mid-size luxury sedans plus
The LS Hybrid is expected to have a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) vehicle rating. A SULEV rating means that the LS 600h L has nearly 70 percent cleaner emissions than the "cleanest" of its competitors. "It's fair to say that there is nothing on the road, or drawing board, that is approaching To deliver such a contradictory combination
Due to the inherent noise, vibration and roughness (NVH) improvements offered by its hybrid powertrain, the LS 600h L is designed to set a new standard for quiet operation in the prestigious luxury sedan class. The quietness density of the cabin in the LS 600h L requires extensive reengineering of the engines' accessories and switches. 2008 Lexus LS 600H L List - Image 83987 With the "quiet" ranking as one of the top five reasons For the purchase of prestige luxury vehicles, especially among the current owners of LS, the LS 600h L is well placed in its class and is about to please the discerning luxury car buyer. Its NVH levels are approximately half that Conventional cars, which makes the LS hybrid one of the quietest cars ever built, if not the quietest ----- "Full Hybrid" Powertrain The LS 600h L is defined as A "full hybrid", capable of operating in only electric mode or with a combination of the gas engine and electric motor. In contrast, other hybrid technologies require constant gas operation and are not capable of operating solely on electric power alone. Lexus Hybrid technology allows operation in electric mode only at low speeds or stop and ride driving conditions, which reduces fuel consumption and noise. 2008 Lexus LS 600H L - image 83991 The LS 600h L hybrid system uses a 288 volt nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery installed behind the rear seat. The trunk also contains a 12-volt auxiliary battery that powers audio, navigation and other systems. The battery power is directed through a "pulse converter" that efficiently raises the voltage to a maximum of 650V DC. An inverter changes this to AC, giving it a high power to a 165 kW electric motor that rotates at a speed of up to 10,240 rpm. Lexus engineers devised a higher output inverter that increases production by 10 percent and makes it compact in size and weight for easy mounting in the engine compartment. The power unit LS 600h L uses two engine generators: MG1 and MG2. Each performs specific functions and can function as an engine or as a generator, although MG1 is used as a starter motor and does not provide motive power. The motor-driven generator, MG1, can charge the battery or supply additional power to the drive motor, MG2, as required. Full-time full-time traction unit The large power of the LS 600h L is delivered by a new full-time AWD system offering superior handling and traction control. This state-of-the-art system fits almost any road surface to help provide excellent vehicle stability during acceleration, high-speed driving and curves while also providing the natural handling feel of a rear-wheel drive vehicle . 2008 Lexus LS 600H L - image 164971 The extraordinary performance of the AWD system is achieved through a new transfer case that is ultra quiet, compact and equipped with an exclusive Torsen® limited slip differential (LSD) that is 30 percent Lighter in size and weight than previous Torsen® systems. To maximize the performance of the AWD system, the LSD has a rear torque distribution of 40:60 under normal straight-line driving. The LSD automatically and continuously adjusts the power distribution between the front and rear wheels according to the change of speed and road conditions. The polished finish with micrometers of transfer case gears provides remarkably low noise levels. Placing the LSD inside the transfer case further reduces noise and helps remove the tunnel from the raised floor, providing greater interior comfort.
 Extraordinary Hybrid Transmission The LS 600h L has an electronically controlled double continuously variable transmission. The combination of an AWD V8 5.0 liter system and hybrid transmission results in impressive power and seamless acceleration. The electronically controlled double continuous transmission includes eight-speed sequential braking. The sequential braking mode is activated when the shift lever is in the "S" mode, allowing for eight different response stages. When you shift gears, the engine speed is controlled by the selected range, providing a stimulating boost in acceleration during each of the eight stages of change. When the gear is reduced, the braking force increases allowing an equally exciting deceleration
The power is controlled by a three mode hybrid switch to allow the driver more effective use of the torque output. The driver can select "hybrid" (normal), "power" or "snow" options. The "hybrid" mode provides the smoothest operation and is ideal for urban or suburban driving; "Power" sharpens the accelerator pedal response and the "snow" mode softens the throttle pedal response, facilitating acceleration on slippery road surfaces. For the ultimate in quiet driving and low emissions the LS 600h L features an EV drive mode. When pushing an EV switch, the power returns to full power mode for slow-driving and short-distance driving, as a resident