28 Sep 06 13:40
Making its European debut, the Lexus LS 600h is said to have a total power output (443bhp) equivalent to that of a conventional V12 petrol engine - but instead, it has a 5.0-litre V8, and electric motors.
The new V8, an expanded version of the 4.6 used in the LS 460, has two fuel injectors per cylinder, variable valve timing and an electric motor-driven camshaft, and with the extra power boost from the electric motor, overall fuel consumption is just under 30mpg, with carbon dioxide emissions contained at less than 220g/km. As with the Toyota Prius and the RX 400h, the LS 600h captures and stores electrical energy otherwise lost during deceleration, so it needs no external recharging, and it has a short range in which it can run on electric power only, from start-up and at low to mid engine speeds.
It wouldn't be a Lexus if it wasn't superbly quiet, comfortable and refined, however, and this LS 600h should be no disappointment on those scores. It should make a decent drive, too, with four-wheel-drive and smooth CVT transmission (similar to that of the latest, excellent GS-series), as well as doing its best to help prevent accidents: equipment includes the pre-crash sensing system, radar and infra-red obstacle detection and warnings which can also pick up on pedestrians, and emergency steering assist.
Long-wheelbase versions will also be offered; at 5150mm, they have an extra 120mm of rear legroom, plus reclining/heated/air-conditioning/massaging rear seats with their own airbags and footrests. The climate control system even monitors the occupants' body temperature, and adjusts itself accordingly, and options will include a full rear-seat entertainment system with DVD player, ceiling-mounted screen and top-end Mark Levinson audio system. Here's the next car for politicians and plutocrats who want to demonstrate that they have some eco-consciousness, but who aren't prepared to give up their limousine luxuries.
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