15 March 2010

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Lexus LS 600h – hybrid cars

Lexus LS 600h

Lexus has made a habit of introducing ‘firsts’ to the hybrid sector. After the Lexus GS-450h, the first mass-produced rear-wheel drive luxury hybrid car, and the Lexus RX 400h, the world’s first hybrid SUV, Lexus presents the LS 600h, the world’s first V8 powered full hybrid. So is it possible to combine full sized luxury with an environmental conscience? This guide to the Lexus LS 600h will explain all.

Quick links:

History of the Lexus LS 600h
Environmental credentials of the Lexus LS 600h
Lexus LS 600h statistics
Future of the Lexus LS 600h

History of the Lexus LS 600h

Since its inception back in 1989, the Lexus LS has served as a flagship car for the luxury sector of Toyota. Its history actually runs back further, when in 1983 Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda devised plans to introduce a world-class luxury saloon. With no budgets or time constraints, the engineers worked over a period of five years to produce numerous prototypes at a cost in excess of $1billion. In 1986, Toyota set up the Lexus division as a launching pad for this flagship vehicle and the final design, the Lexus LS 400, was approved in 1987 and debuted at auto shows in 1989.

It proved an instant hit, with sales far exceeding early predictions and by 1991 it was even established as the top-selling luxury import in the United States. The model was refreshed in 1993 before a second generation was launched in 1995 with more than 90 per cent of its internal composition new or redesigned. A third generation followed in 2001, before the fourth generation became widely available in 2007.

Lexus introduced the 600h at the 2006 New York Auto Show, describing it as the world’s first V8 powered full hybrid. It came equipped with Lexus Hybrid Drive and combined a high output electric motor with nickel-metal hydride battery packs. It went on sale in the UK in October 2007 with two forms – the Lexus 600h and the Lexus 600h L with a longer wheel base.

The two vehicle types have been described as the ‘halo’ vehicles in the Lexus range creating positive associations for the rest of the brand, as they feature the highest in technology and luxury. However, with a marketing price in the US in excess of $104,000 it catapulted the brand into the ultra-luxury sector for the first time.

Revised for 2010, the LS 600h gained a range of technological and styling improvements. With redesigned seating, updated equipment, a new ECO driving mode and new brakes, the LS 600h and the long wheelbase LS 600h L achieved advances in comfort and driving dynamic. Lexus focused on maintaining power rather than on reducing CO2 emissions so the new model retained the same fuel economy and emissions rating.

The new ECO mode modifies the throttle action and performance of the air conditioning system to support fuel-efficient driving.

Environmental credentials of the Lexus LS 600h

Can power be combined with efficiency? That was the question that the Lexus LS 600h aimed to answer and it has done so extremely well. As with the other Lexus hybrid models, this will be by no means the vehicle of choice for those who purely want to do their bit for the environment. However, if you are in the market for a green luxury vehicle that looks good and yet has efficiency among the best in its class, then this could be your vehicle of choice.

The Lexus LS 600h uses the premium in automotive technology with two fuel injectors per cylinder and VVTI-E intelligent valve timing which boosts performance while simultaneously reducing emissions, as well as noise. The hybrid system allows this technology to be furthered with an electrically controlled variable transmission. This means you have great performance – the typed of which is usually only associated with V12 engines – and yet impressive fuel consumption figures and CO2 emission levels.

Indeed the Lexus LS 600h is capable of achieving 30.4mpg and with carbon dioxide emissions at just 219g/km it compares favourably with most vehicles in its sector.

Lexus LS 600h statistics

Here are some crucial statistics about the Lexus LS 600h:

0-62 MPH: 6.3secs
BHP: 439bhp.
CO2 emissions: 218g/km
Insurance Group: 20
MPG Combined: 30.4mpg
Price: £90,660+
Top speed: 155mph.
VED band: K

Future of the Lexus LS 600h

The Lexus LS 600h was first launched in the UK in October 2007, and was revised for 2010. Stay tuned to TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk for the latest information.

Author: Lee Sibbald, June 20, 2008

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