Lexus LS600h to be the most expensive hybrid yet at $104,750
Back in early February we showed you a video of the Lexus LS600h drivetrain in action. The combination of the V-8 power-plant and Toyota's hybrid Synergy drive will give an output of over 430hp in the long wheelbase version of the LS. Clearly this application is configured more for propelling the big sedan quickly than it is for fuel efficiency. On the other hand it will surely use quite a bit less gasoline than an equivalent 6.0L V-12 would. Of course all of this motivation and luxury is going to cost you, with a price tag of $104,750 for the premium Lexus when it becomes available in June.
[Source: AutoWeek]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Howard Lee Harkness 4:03PM (4/07/2007)
For $100K, I can buy a small pickup truck new, plus all of the maintenance and fuel needed to drive it for 500,000 miles.
Maybe farther than that, since I hope that battery technology is to the point that I can do a reasonable EV conversion when I wear out the ICE (~150,000 miles or so), for under $10,000, then drive it another 400,000 miles or so...
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Jeff 11:54AM (4/09/2007)
What is the point of that comparison?! You could also buy a bike with a trailer for 600 bucks, enough food for the rest of your life, with enough cash left over to rent a UHaul whenever you need to move a lot of stuff. This Lexus doesn't make any sense, you should just get the bike and trailer.
This is an extended wheel base Luxury sedan, like you might get from a BMW 7-series, MB S-class, or an Audi A8. This Lexus will offer similar power (maybe lower peak hp but a nice fat power band thanks to the electric motor) to the V-12 variants of these German cars (W-12 in audi's case), all the while using probably close to half the fuel, depending on driving conditions. I figure any Chauffeur equipped examples (as I'm sure many of these long-wheelbase version end up) spend a significant amount of time idling, so I think a hybrid drivetrain will really help.
Obviously there are much greener options than a V8 Luxury hybrid, but at least this gives a green option to those who absolutely 'must' have a vehicle like this.
Personally, I'd happily buy myself a nice new bike and save the $103K, but that doesn't mean this car is any less significant. I can't wait to see what Alan Mullaly was getting at when he mentioned something about a luxury hybrid from FoMoCo... I think they could put something out with some more interesting styling than this Lexus.
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MikeW 5:00PM (4/09/2007)
If the GS hybrid has 292hp from the V6 engine, and ~48 from the electric motors.
Is the gas engine the same 380hp V8 + ~50hp from electric motors, or does the 5.0 make that much power?
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