Wednesday 2nd November 2005

Lexus teases with new LS

Flagship car to be hybrid and fast

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The next Lexus LS?

Lexus has issued a teasing release about the next rev of its flagship LS. It includes a few clues about the drive-train and a conceptual picture or two, but not much else.

According to the Toyota-owned brand, the Lexus LF-Sh concept "provides strong pointers for the styling and dimensions of the next-generation Lexus flagship LS model". It's powered by a hybrid system combining electric motors and V8 petrol engine, driving all four wheels. Lexus said that the system offers the usual benefits of "much lower emissions levels than conventional engines with similar outputs", and hinted that it won't be slow.

It also incorporates ground-breaking systems designed to increase accident avoidance performance, according to the company. As for a price it's too early to say, but the current LS430 costs £57,175.

Presenting the car, Lexus' Takeshi Yoshida said: "The LF-Sh is conceived as the Lexus brand’s flagship saloon of the future and represents Lexus’s ‘pursuit of perfection’. It is an impressive and elegant vehicle that delivers high standards of ride quality, comfort, safety and environmental performance."

The new LS model will be out towards the end of 2006.

[r988]

Looks good, much slicker than the current model. Hybrid tech is arguable more useful in a larger engined car due to the higher emissions/consumption a large engine will always have compared to a small engine, especially when crawling through city traffic, but the big engine will help keep economy going by requiring less energy to climb hills or cruise at high speed. Win-Win.

[R988]

Gazboy said:

I'm thrilled. hello- Mr T! New Supra please!

It's on its way isn't it? Though I don't think it's called a Supra anymore

[fidgits]

Yes, there will be a high end sports car - probably with a lexus Badge...

One of the concepts pointed at what it will look at...

And Gaz, i realise you like to drive everywhere like your testes are on fire but the LS is an important car for Toyota/Lexus...


Mind you, they have just released the new IS250 to the public today, there is a first drive report, pictures and video over on LOC...