2007 Lexus LS600hL V8 Limo
March 5, 2007 by Alborz Fallah
If you thought Toyota wasn’t serious about Hybrid technology, you’d be wrong. There is this presumption in the minds of many motorists today that Hybrid technology is just a fad, one which is fueled by political correctness and the need to be green. However this is far from the truth.
The need for Hybrid technology is fueled by not only the desire of manufacturers to create greener cars, but also a result of tougher emission laws coming into affect in the next 10 years.
“The LS600hL is the pinnacle of our hybrid range, LS600hL is the only upper-luxury hybrid in the world. We have managed to create a vehicle that is not only the ultimate in luxury and packed with world-class safety features, but one with significantly reduced harmful vehicle emissions.
“Lexus is committed to the concept and development of hybrid technology. To introduce a performance sedan, an SUV and a luxury V8 into the hybrid range is a fantastic result in the space of just over one year,” said Lexus Australia divisional manager, John Roca. said.
Toyota and Honda have been the leaders in this field for the last few years, and Lexus, Toyota’s luxury arm has now brought out the worlds first Hybrid Limo. The long wheelbase Lexus LS600hL limousine is the world’s first petrol-electric V8 hybrid. It is the forerunner of a new breed of super-performance energy-efficient sedans.
“As every day goes by, hybrid is gaining traction as the sustainable and reasonable energy solution, hybrid is not only the current solution – it is also the building block for the future.” Mr Roca said.
The Limo becomes the third member of the Lexus hybrid stable, joining the GS450h and the RX400h which were launched in Australia last year. The LS600hL is currently on display, at the Melbourne International Motor Show.
The LS600hL is the most advanced Lexus ever built, featuring V8 hybrid technology and a wealth of luxury standard features, including an ottoman seat with shiatsu massage functions in the four-seat configuration model. It also has a 19-speaker, 450-watt Mark Levinson audio system.
So how does a V8 Hybrid perform? You’d be amazed at the figures, the V8 hybrid combination reaches V12 style power with more than 430 horsepower. Being a Limo the The LS600hL will incorporate world-leading safety features, including cool features such as the Pre-Collision Safety System.
The LS600hL will go on sale in Australia in late 2007.
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What a beast of a car. The motor show was well worth a visit this year.