Lexus Has Done it Again!!!!!!

[thapranksta]

For those of you who don't know, Lexus has created the world's first hybrid with a V8 powertrain - the LS600h L. With the electric motor, the power is comparable to a 6.0-liter V12 engine. It puts out 438 horsepower. It's built to compete against the top of the line luxury cars in the industry.


You can read the whole article here if you like: http://autos.msn.com/advice/article....tentid=4024758.

Just thought I'd share. If you want to know how this relates to a Camry, I would trade my Camry in for this if I could afford it. Who else would?

[witxp]

"In Lexus tradition, the LS hybrid is politically green and technically ingenious while delivering unexpected performance: It is expected to carry a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) rating, have the latest EPA fuel efficiency of 20 mpg city and 22 mpg highway and yet, can scoot from zero to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds."

I went blank after getting to this part. So in short it is still a gas guzzler, but only costs about $104,000.00.

Edit: checked today regular gas is $3.05/gal in MA. Now if it could do 40mpg City and 60mpg highway that would be worth it. lol

[Epsilon]

If you can dish out that kind of money, I'm sure you can careless about what kind of mileage it gets. IMO, there's no point in that car being a hybrid if it costs that much.

[lammydi]

Originally Posted by Epsilon

If you can dish out that kind of money, I'm sure you can careless about what kind of mileage it gets. IMO, there's no point in that car being a hybrid if it costs that much.

It is for those filthy rich people to flex their muscle and say...I care about the enviroment

[Epsilon]

Originally Posted by lammydi

It is for those filthy rich people to flex their muscle and say...I care about the enviroment

Haha, sounds about right. If they really care, they would buy a Prius and donate the money they saved on buying the LS600h to an organization geared towards saving the Earth.

[CharmCityES]

its a move against benz V12 s classes that get 16mpg....toyota aims to offer the power of a V12 with the milage of a large V6, which they have done sucessfully....its a move to create a different kind of flagship, one that flexes the ingenuity and passion for technology of lexus...i think its agreat idea and a wonderful car....if i had the cash this is what i'd drive. screw bentlys and bugattis, i want a lexus!

[Super Kaioken]

it gets the same gas mileage as my 3.0 v6 with 438 HP vs. 192 HP...which is 246 more HP!!!!

x_x'

[pillpusher84]

The new LS is amazing ... one day I'd like to rock that .... but for now, the Camry is just fine.


BTW .... Lexus is selling the first 100 LS600hL's as a limited edition Neiman Marcus Edition. I'd feel like such a *** having to order my new $100,000 car through Neiman Marcus!!! LOL

Link to the below info:

We proudly present the 2008 Lexus LS 600h L Launch Edition, arriving in mid-2007. It features the world’s first full-hybrid V8 powertrain, is equipped with all-wheel drive and is based on the long-wheelbase Lexus LS, making the ride exemplary.
As for the amenities, they have to be seen to be believed. The lustrous paint is an exclusive Truffle Mica, the interior features sumptuous Alabaster leather-trimmed seats, and each vehicle will be designated with commemorative Launch Edition badging. This rare luxury sedan even comes with a set of custom-made Italian leather luggage.
Lexus is teaming with Neiman Marcus by making 100 specially equipped Launch Edition models available to members of InCircle®, the luxury retailer’s customer appreciation program. And while all of the Launch Edition vehicles are special, the very first one off the line has a rare distinction. That’s because it was donated to raise funds for The Road To A Cure medical research foundation, and offered up on November 16, 2006. Lexus is proud to partner with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center to raise money and awareness for the fight against cancer.

[thapranksta]

Originally Posted by Epsilon

If you can dish out that kind of money, I'm sure you can careless about what kind of mileage it gets. IMO, there's no point in that car being a hybrid if it costs that much.

Originally Posted by Epsilon

Haha, sounds about right. If they really care, they would buy a Prius and donate the money they saved on buying the LS600h to an organization geared towards saving the Earth.

You will fill up at the pump a lot less. I think that is advantageous and each dollar you save on gasoline can go to charity (if you got it like that). The LS600h L also has more advanced technology than other Lexus sedans such as a driver monitoring system. In other words, they built this car on advanced technology. It is only fitting that they also provide the "best engine technology in the world" (when gas mileage and power are taken into consideration). It's better for the environment and is a beast at the same time.

If you are rich and can afford it, it makes perfect sense IMO.

EDIT: I must admit that I can't see myself dishing out that much dough for a car even if it is worth it and I have the money.

[05CamryGuy]

Originally Posted by witxp

"... have the latest EPA fuel efficiency of 20 mpg city and 22 mpg highway and yet, can scoot from zero to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds."

Wait... I dont feel right reading this...

The LS460L gets:
380hp
18 / 27 mpg (city/hwy) gas mileage
0 - 60 in 5.4 sec

So its 53hp LESS than the LS600hL, but it gets BETTER highway gas mileage than that more expensive hybrid, and its FASTER!!

Besides the "I'm cool, and filthy rich" factor associated with the LS600hL, I just don't see that its any better than the LS460L. In fact, every options that the LS600hL has can also be had on the LS460L, topping out at ~85K - the price difference is not justified in my mind.

[SolaraTRD]

Originally Posted by 05CamryGuy

Wait... I dont feel right reading this...

The LS460L gets:
380hp
18 / 27 mpg (city/hwy) gas mileage
0 - 60 in 5.4 sec

So its 53hp LESS than the LS600hL, but it gets BETTER highway gas mileage than that more expensive hybrid, and its FASTER!!

Besides the "I'm cool, and filthy rich" factor associated with the LS600hL, I just don't see that its any better than the LS460L. In fact, every options that the LS600hL has can also be had on the LS460L, topping out at ~85K - the price difference is not justified in my mind.

[RningOnFumes]

it's the weight.


hmm...wonder if it qualifies for HOV lanes???

[thapranksta]

Originally Posted by 05CamryGuy

In fact, every options that the LS600hL has can also be had on the LS460L, topping out at ~85K - the price difference is not justified in my mind.

Besides the horsepower and lower emissions.......

"
Unlike its gasoline-only cousins, the LS 460 and LS 460 L, both of which are rear-wheel-driven, the new hybrid limousine is an all-wheel-drive configuration. During normal driving conditions, power is split 40 percent front/60 percent rear. If the road becomes dicey, it is capable of a near 50/50 split.

An all-new dual-stage continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a sequential shift mode allows manual selection of eight different stages of acceleration response. It also features the selectable modes of the company's conventional models: "power" and "snow" in addition to a "hybrid" mode.

"It is fair to say that there is nothing on the road, or on the drawing board, which comes close to delivering such a formerly contradictory combination of jaw-dropping engine performance, fuel efficiency and clean emissions," said Bob Carter, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager.

The pre-collision system, already featured in other Lexus models, has been developed to provide even better performance. Using a millimeter-wave radar and two cameras, this system can detect not just large metallic objects like cars, but for the first time, human pedestrians—a world first.


Another world first for the 600h L is the Driver Monitor System. It uses a camera mounted on the steering column to monitor the orientation of the driver's head. If it determines the driver is looking away from the road ahead at the same time as a collision threat is detected, the system will sound a warning chime and gently apply the brakes.


To assist the driver in maneuvering around the obstacle, the system reprograms the steering ratio, increasing the intensity and quickness of the steering response.
While all of this is going on, passenger restraints are automatically cinched up, quite snugly I discovered, and the brake system is prepared for full force response.
If potential buyers had the opportunity to test these safety marvels as we did at the proving grounds, most would sign on the dotted line immediately.


The three previous generation LS sedans were often chided for a lack of expressive styling. Those remarks can be discarded—the long wheelbase 600h is a classic work of elegance and sophistication. It may be big, but it is sleek with complex, yet smooth flowing lines.


"



There's the differences between the LS460 L and the LS600h L. They do not both have all the same options and features.

[jasongg06]

Originally Posted by Epsilon

If you can dish out that kind of money, I'm sure you can careless about what kind of mileage it gets. IMO, there's no point in that car being a hybrid if it costs that much.

Actually, it supposedly reduces vibrations throughout the whole car making for a better ride. The other cars with V12's aren't as fast as you think. The ls600h l is as fast as, or faster than most of them.

[watchcrazy]

I'd buy one in a heartbeat ... only one problem ... I need $100k