LEXUS REVEALS LS600hL (02 March 2007)
LEXUS REVEALS LS600hL
Lexus has revealed its upper-luxury hybrid V8, the LS600hL, at the Melbourne International Motor Show.
The long wheelbase Lexus LS600hL limousine is the world's first upper-luxury petrol-electric hybrid and the world's first petrol-electric V8 hybrid.
It is the forerunner of a new breed of super-performance energy-efficient sedans.
The LS600hL is the third member of the Lexus hybrid stable, joining the GS450h and the RX400h which were launched in Australia last year.
"The LS600hL is the pinnacle of our hybrid range," said Lexus Australia divisional manager, John Roca.
"LS600hL is the only upper-luxury hybrid in the world.
"We have managed to create a vehicle that is not only the ultimate in luxury and packed with world-class safety features, but one with significantly reduced harmful vehicle emissions.
"Lexus is committed to the concept and development of hybrid technology.
"To introduce a performance sedan, an SUV and a luxury V8 into the hybrid range is a fantastic result in the space of just over one year," Mr Roca said.
The LS600hL is the most advanced Lexus ever built, featuring V8 hybrid technology and a wealth of luxury standard features, including an ottoman seat with shiatsu massage functions in the four-seat configuration model.
It also has a 19-speaker, 450-watt Mark Levinson audio system.
The LS600hL will have best-in-class V8 fuel economy, with expected SULEV emissions in the United States.
However, the most outstanding feature of this hybrid is its outstanding performance capacity, with the V8 hybrid combination equalling V12 power and more than 430 horsepower.
The LS600hL will incorporate world-leading safety features, including a Pre-Collision Safety system that tightens up the seat belts and sharpens the steering responses for an impending collision, while also priming the brakes for maximum braking performance.
"As every day goes by, hybrid is gaining traction as the sustainable and reasonable energy solution," Mr Roca said.
"Hybrid is not only the current solution - it is also the building block for the future."
The LS600hL will go on sale in Australia in late 2007.