Baby Lexus gets souped-up, again!

The LS 600h L is the world's first luxury, all wheel driven full hybrid V8 vehicle, available to the public mid-2007 in the USA, maybe later in Singapore. But for the fortunate few, 100 specially-equipped Limited Edition models of Lexus' most inspired and innovative vehicle will be available for purchase by InCircle members.

Just as the original Lexus LS400 set a new standard for the luxury segment when it was introduced in the late 80s, the latest LS460 is set to do the same twenty years later. Completely new from head-to-toe, there is a brand new 4.6-litre V8 engine with VVT-i engine coupled to the world’s first 8-speed automatic transmission under the bonnet. Chassis-wise, both the front and rear suspension designs, all forged in aluminium. New for Lexus is that the LS is now available as a long-wheel-base version, the LS460L, 120mm longer than the standard model. It is this new model’s rear seats that will get the industry excited. Designed as two individual bucket seats separated by a full-length console, they can recline and offer massages, as well as have a footrest, or “Ottoman”, extend for the tired CEO or towkay to really sit back and relax. Drop down LCD screens that play DVDs, and chilled drink compartments are also part of the rear cabin equipment, not to mention a foldaway writing table and individual climate controls. Mr. Moritaka Yoshida, Chief Engineer of the LS460 explained that the LS460L was developed specially for the Asian markets, and every effort was made to cater to the needs of these back seat ‘drivers’. Lexus has certainly done its homework, and its no surprise that even before launch, over 100 LS460s have been booked.

Having one’s cake and eating it too is indeed a luxury, and Lexus has managed to do just that with its new RX400h. After introducing the 2nd generation Toyota Prius earlier this year, in late September it was Lexus’ turn to launch its eco-friendly petrol/electric hybrid model. Unlike the Prius, instead of having a combination of a small engine with an electric motor and battery to power the vehicle, the RX400h makes use of the same basic 3.3-litre V6 on the RX330 (which is not sold in Singapore), coupled to two electric motors – one located in front and one in the rear – and a battery pack. All three power units combine to give the RX400h a maximum output of 208bhp and 288Nm of torque, similar to that of a 4.0-litre V8 engine. Its 7.9 second 0-100km/h acceleration is also very impressive. So where does the eco-friendly aspect of this Lexus come in? The 400h’s complex powerplant has been engineered to idle and move off with the petrol engine off, and it only kicks in when speed and the road conditions need more juice. The other intelligent aspect of this Lexus is that it uses the rear electric motor to supply power to the rear wheels to supplement the front ones that are connected to the engine and electric motor. It definitely isn’t your conventional all-wheel-drive power unit. Oneshift.com is certainly looking forward to testing this state-of-the-art hybrid vehicle. Watch this space for a complete review.