Chicago Auto Show: Video of the Lexus LS600h hybrid drive-train
Lexus has a display of the hybrid drive-train in the LS600h on its stand at the Chicago Auto Show. Check out the video for a quick tour of the all-wheel drive top of the line Lexus. This one is definitely more of a performance enhancement than efficiency, although the mileage will be better than a V12 with comparable power.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tim 1:06PM (2/07/2007)
This parallel "power sharing" hybrid drive train looks heavy, expensive and complicated. Very much like the Prius. GM and now Ford have a better idea in their BEVs with “range-extender” power units.
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Chris M 9:00PM (2/07/2007)
Serial hybrids allow the IC engine to run at a constant highly efficient speed, but with more energy conversion loss. Parallel hybrids use a highly efficient mechanical drive, reducing conversion losses, but with varying IC engine speeds.
Toyotas "Hybrid Synergy Drive", Ford hybrids and GM "Dualmode Hybrids" are "Split path" hybrids, incorporating the best features of both series and paralell hybrids. Hybrid Synergy Drive transmits most of the power from the IC engine to the wheels mechanically, but can keep the IC engine near its most efficient speed. Hybrid Synergy is more complex than a series hybrid, but considerably less complex than any other automatic or manual transmission.
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