The 2008 Lexus LS 600h L - hybrid power meets style, quality and comfort to create a new masterpiece of motoring luxury
(TORONTO) - Lexus of Canada today announced the luxury auto-maker's most sophisticated flagship vehicle to date - the 2008 Lexus LS 600h L hybrid-powered, All-Wheel-Drive, long-wheelbase prestige luxury sedan.
The Lexus LS 600h L seamlessly marries the Lexus Hybrid Drive's unparalleled performance with contemporary style, unique comfort and convenience features, and the Lexus reputation for quality design and manufacture. The result is a vehicle that doesn't merely qualify as best in class, but changes the very definition of prestige luxury sedan. It sets a new, desirable standard for the prestige luxury segment through the blending of advanced technology and unique new values.
It's fair to say that - to our knowledge - there is nothing on the road or on the drawing board that comes close to delivering such a formerly contradictory combination of jaw-dropping engine performance, fuel efficiency and low emissions, said Stuart Payne, Director responsible for Lexus in Canada. Combine this with Lexus' reputation for quality and service for our guests, the L-finesse approach to uncompromised,contemporary luxury, and an attention to detail that's second-to-none, and the LS 600h L is quite simply in a class by itself.
Building upon the success of the 2007 Lexus LS 460L, which has enjoyed steadily increasing sales since its introduction to Canada in November, the 2008 LS 600h L combines top-flight performance, a new level of meticulous detail and polished excellence, hospitable comfort, and leading edge automotive technology that is uniquely Lexus*.
Performance and handling:
The world's first full-hybrid V8 AWD powertrain.
An all-new 5.0-litre V8 engine coupled with large, high-output electric motors and a newly designed large-capacity battery pack to deliver performance on par with a V12: up to 438 HP and up to 385 lb-ft of torque. At the same time, this Lexus Hybrid Drive system achieves remarkable V6 fuel efficiency while generating a fraction of the emissions of a conventionally powered vehicle.
Numerous enhancements to the Lexus Hybrid Drive unique to the LS 600h L. These include advances in inverter and battery cooling technology for better performance from smaller, lighter components, and a new electric motor design that delivers high torque at every speed.
A new dual stage electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) allowing the driver to select one of three acceleration response modes and choose engine brake force from eight different ranges. The transmission also features a two-stage motor speed reduction planetary gear unit that delivers impressively powerful yet comfortable acceleration at any speed.
A driver-controlled powertrain, allowing the driver to modify the powertrain's performance from normal (optimized) operation to power (maximum performance) or snow (maximum control) settings, as driving conditions warrant.
A new all-wheel-drive system engineered to fully harness the LS 600h L 's power, delivering dynamic performance and an absolute sense of security.
Safety:
The world's first white LED headlamps, in a multiple-projector arrangement confer a distinctive eye to the vehicle and improve visibility. The headlamps are mounted in an adaptive front lighting system featuring automatic headlamp beam levelling to better illuminate the road ahead as the vehicle corners.
The Lexus Advanced Pre-Collision System, which uses a millimetre-wave radar system and stereo cameras to detect and identify people, animals and other obstacles in front of the vehicle, as well as a surveillance system to monitor driver attention and distraction. The system - the first of its kind in North America - then co-ordinates with the vehicle's suspension stiffness, variable gear ratio steering and brake assist on standby in case it's needed to support driver evasive actions.
The state of the art Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system integrates and manages a complete package of sophisticated handling systems to maximize control and responsiveness under any driving condition.
A full suite of Lexus-designed active control systems that interface with VDIM, including an electronically controlled throttle, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC) and Electric Power Steering with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (EPS w/VGRS).
An advanced braking system, including electronically controlled brake system, antilock braking system, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution and electric parking brake.
Standard 19 all season tires or available 18 all-season tires. Every LS 600h L is also equipped with a full-size spare tire.
Each vehicle is equipped with ten airbags - the most in this class. Other safety features include a front passenger occupancy classification indicator, and three-point lap and shoulder belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters in all seating positions. Vehicles equipped with the available rear seat ottoman include an eleventh, rear seat submarine prevention airbag exclusive to Lexus, which stops passengers from sliding under their seat belt in the event of an accident.
Comfort and Luxury:
A new suspension system tailored to the LS 600h L 's unique platform, achieving a new balance of handling stability, riding comfort and remarkable performance. The result is superb vehicle posture and stability with minimal pitching and rolling - even over uneven road surfaces.
A crankshaft polished to a mirror finish in critical areas minimizes friction between pistons and crankshaft to reduce unwanted engine noise and vibration.
State of the art noise and vibration reduction expertise and technology, first applied to the conventionally powered 2007 Lexus LS 460, have been further refined in recognition of the whisper-quiet performance of the LS 600h L 's full-hybrid powertrain, to create a tranquility never before experienced while sitting in a motor vehicle, while acoustic engineering ensures pleasant sounds accompany vehicle functions.
Wood trim and careful choice of leather finishing techniques and stitching patterns provides a luxuriously tactile, as well as visual, passenger cabin.
The exclusive L-finesse design language combined with the ideal mix of intelligent technology and emotionally evocative design to create an experience of welcome hospitality that makes passengers feel like they are travelling in a private jet.
The luxuriously appointed 2008 Lexus LS 600h L is equipped with many luxury, comfort and convenience features, including the Lexus Advanced Parking Guidance System, which assists the driver in parallel parking or backing into a parking space; power assist doors; 16-way power adjustable drivers seat; available rear seat cooler box; a hard disc-based navigation system with voice recognition; a back-up camera; push-button start; and available milliwave radar cruise control system.
An available executive package, includes a rear ottoman seat; reclining rear seat; multi-function rear-seat massage system; and 4-zone independent climate control system with body temperature sensors combine to transform the rear passenger cabin into a rolling sanctuary.
The executive package also features a leather-covered instrument panel, leather-covered door panels, and an available rear-seat DVD entertainment system with 9 LCD monitor and two sets of wireless headphones that sets a new standard for in-vehicle entertainment experiences.
Exemplary craftsmanship:
Master machinists listen to each completed engine using a stethoscope to search for minute yet abnormal noises and ensure the completed engine is properly balanced. Only engines that pass this check are assembled into the new LS 600h L.
A takumi (artistic craftsman) water-polishes each vehicle by hand between paint coatings, to achieve the ultimate in smooth finishes.
A production control system tailored to the LS, which monitors the precision of body and subassembly manufacture against design benchmarks.
Each vehicle is test-driven to check for and eliminate unwanted noises and vibration, and confirm riding comfort and steering response.
The LS 600h L is a new icon for the Lexus brand - a state-of-the-art image of style, technical advancement, and performance second to none, Mr. Payne continued. It's the perfect vehicle for Canadians ready to enjoy new levels of performance, style and safety.
The 2008 Lexus LS 600h L has a suggested retail price of $132,000. The LS 600h L with Executive Package has a suggested retail price of $158,700. Both versions of the LS Hybrid go on sale in the summer of 2007.
Lexus in Canada is the exclusive Canadian importer and distributor of Lexus luxury cars and sports utility vehicles through a sales and service network of 30 dealers across Canada. An industry leader for product quality and ownership satisfaction since its inception, Lexus has sold more than 80,000 vehicles in Canada. The best-selling Lexus RX SUV, the acknowledged benchmark in the luxury sport utility vehicle segment, is built for the North American market in Cambridge, Ontario. For more information about Lexus products, and Lexus' pursuit of perfection, visit www.lexus.ca.
2008 LEXUS LS 600h L - PRODUCT DETAIL
Performance: Lexus Hybrid Drive delivers V12 power with a V6 appetite
The 2008 Lexus LS 600h L redefines prestige luxury sedan performance, as its highly intelligent full-hybrid powertrain consigns the large displacement engines traditionally found in this segment to the dustbin.
The LS 600h L 's unique Lexus Hybrid Drive is built around a newly developed 5.0 litre V8. This engine features a Dual Variable Valve Timing system with intelligence including an electronically controlled intake cam (VVT-iE). This system - exclusive to Lexus - combines electrically controlled intake cams adjusted by electric motors and hydraulically controlled exhaust cams to achieve superior engine start-up operation and high output performance.
The 5.0-L V8 features a two-way direct cylinder and port injection system, including a direct injection system with dual knock sensors, to maximize performance and fuel burning efficiency, and is controlled by an Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i).
Developed at the same time as the 4.6-litre V8 used in the 2007 LS 460, this new engine differs from its smaller cousin with all-new pistons, crankshaft, connecting rods, damper pulley, valve timing system, exhaust manifold, all-wheel-drive compatible oil pan, and more. But both engines share the same special processes developed by Lexus to squeeze the greatest possible performance out of them.
For example, critical areas of the crankshaft have been polished to a mirror finish to minimize the friction between pistons and crankshaft. During final assembly, a technician uses a motor to crank each engine while checking for any vibration. After assembly, an accelerator meter is mounted to the front and rear of the crankshaft to measure any rotational difference. A master technician performs a final check on each engine, using a stethoscope to search for minute yet abnormal noises and ensure the completed engine is properly balanced. Only engines that pass this check are assembled into the new LS 600h L.
But this all-new, high performance engine is only part of the powertrain story. What really places the LS 600h L in a class by itself is how Lexus has mated this intelligent V8 to the high-torque electric motors, high capacity storage battery, and sophisticated energy management system to create the world's first V8-based full-hybrid system. This iteration of the proven Lexus Hybrid Drive has been specially developed and tuned for the LS 600h L 's unique demands, both as a prestige automobile and a new icon for the Lexus brand. New advances in hybrid technology include a ompletely redesigned inverter that increases power while reducing size by incorporating a double-sided cooling structure; a new high-torque electric motor with a redesigned permanent magnet layout to make an already quiet motor even quieter; and a new cooling system for the rear-mounted storage battery that increases battery capacity while reducing weight.
The result is a hybrid powertrain that generates the equivalent of 438 HP and delivers seamless, powerful acceleration at all speeds; from the very instant the accelerator is pressed. The Lexus LS 600h L gratifies its driver with an unprecedented, seemingly contradictory sensation of thrill and serenity.
The precise powertrain demands a precise transmission to fully capitalize on engine performance while achieving the smooth yet rapid acceleration essential to the flagship Lexus sedan. Having developed the world's first eight-speed automatic transmission for the LS 460, Lexus engineers then improved the Lexus Hybrid Drive's continuously variable transmission with a two-stage motor speed reduction planetary gear unit.
Driver control is through the dual-stage continuously variable transmission. This allows the driver to select engine brake force from eight different ranges, as well as a switch that allows the driver to modify the powertrain's performance from normal (optimized) operation to power (maximum performance) or snow (maximum control) settings, as driving conditions warrant. The powertrain's output is then directed to all four corners through an all-wheel-drive system designed specifically for the LS 600h L . The result is an ideal acceleration curve that also delivers maximum torque faster than a conventionally-powered vehicle, for dynamic performance and the ultimate sense of security.
Add it up, and a new definition of prestige performance is the result. The LS 600h L 's Lexus Hybrid Drive delivers the performance of a 6.0 litre V12, with the fuel efficiency of a 3.5 litre V6. At the same time, the LS 600h L scores an impressive - indeed, class-leading Tier 2, Bin 3 rating for emissions.
Handling and control deliver confident driving and superior ride comfort
The new LS600hL achieves a superior level of ride comfort regardless ofroad conditions. Meantime, Lexus innovations in body structure, steering, suspension and all wheel drive technology enable pleasurable, confident driving performance.
The advances start with the platform, which is designed to maintain a delicate balance between ride comfort and responsive handling. The LS 600h L features a lightweight body that has a strong resistance to torsion, contributing to the vehicle's performance and fuel economy. Lexus designers paid careful attention to creating a comfortable cabin space that does not generate or transmit vibration. To achieve strength, quietness, style, and quality, Lexus developed a new production control system that monitors the precision of body and subassembly manufacture against design benchmarks, creating a vehicle body with the minimum number and size of gaps.
The LS 600h L features a multi-link suspension on both front and rear axles. First adopted for the LS 460, this improved suspension system was developed exclusively for the LS 600h L . This new front suspension is tailored to react in perfect concert with the vehicle's high output, all-wheel-drive powertrain.
The specially-designed air-suspension system adapts quickly to uneven road surfaces, while a newly developed stabilizer suppresses the roll angle and stabilizes the vehicle when turning. The resulting superior posture increases driving pleasure and ride comfort.
The 2008 Lexus LS 600h L features an electric power steering system that incorporates a large output brushless motor, increased precision through its reduction gearing, increased motor driving voltage and a more efficient controller. This system, originally developed by Lexus for the LS 460, has been optimized for the LS 600h L 's all-wheel-drive platform. The result is a smooth steering feel that engages the driver's senses for a very responsive feel when cornering. Integrated into the steering gear housing is a variable gear ratio steering (VGRS) system that optimizes the gear ratio according to vehicle speed to enhance responsiveness and increase driver control.
Ultimately, suspension and handling rely on the tires on which a vehicle rides. The new LS 600h L comes equipped with 19 aluminium alloy wheels with wheel locks and P245/45R19 all season tires. The executive package features P235/50R18 18 all-season tires. Regardless of wheel size, the vehicle exhibits a firm stance and benefits from a solid grip on the road, and comes equipped with a full-size spare tire.
Quality of design and manufacture is double checked as each LS 600h L rolls out of the assembly plant: All completed vehicles are put through rigorous test track evaluations by an experienced driver to confirm ride comfort and steering and handling response.
Safety systems: Active and passive, in perfect harmony
The LS 600h L would not be a Lexus without a full suite of active and passive safety technologies. On this signature sedan, Lexus has combined these technologies into a single, fully integrated system. The result goes beyond rapid response to actually predict situations and implement actions to protect the driver and passengers.
The 2008 LS 600h L offers the available Lexus Advanced Pre-Collision System, which combines millimetre-wave radar and stereo cameras to detect not only larger obstacles such as other vehicles, but also pedestrians and small animals, that are in front of the car. The Pre-Collision System found in the 2007 LS 460 and LS 460L, is enhanced for the new LS 600h L is the first in North America to employ stereo cameras, which are particularly suited to detecting and identifying potential obstacles human sized or smaller. Similarly, the LS 600h L's Advanced Pre-Collision System includes North America's first driver surveillance system, which monitors driver attention. The radar, camera and surveillance systems work together to determine whether an accident is a possibility, then optimize with the vehicle's suspension, braking and Variable Gear Ratio Steering systems in case the driver engages in evasive actions.
For the 2008 LS 600h L, Lexus has developed the next generation of its award-winning Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system - going beyond the already impressive performance of the VDIM system on the LS 460, and customizing it to take full advantage of the LS 600h L 's instant acceleration, maximum torque at any speed, and all-wheel-drive. The LS 600h L 's VDIM system integrates and manages the vehicle's electronically controlled brake system, electronic power steering, vehicle stability control, antilock braking system, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, and engine torque via the electronically controlled throttle. This new VDIM system gathers information from more sources, and processes it earlier and faster than in previous iterations, making it even less obtrusive and more effective as it anticipates, and corrects for, potential skids or slides. The resulting, near-invisible corrections maximize the driver's ability to avoid dangerous conditions on any surface, in any weather.
Passive safety systems include front and rear seatbelt pre-tensioners, and ten airbags. Those LS 600h L models with a rear seat Ottoman also include a submarine prevention airbag exclusive to Lexus, which deploys to prevent reclining passengers from sliding under their seatbelts in the event of a head-on collision.
Styling: the no-compromise, contemporary luxury of L-finesse
L-finesse - a design language created by Lexus to express contemporary luxury - achieves clear proportions through molding contrasts and surface and character lines. Having achieved new levels of meticulous detail, polished excellence, and hospitable comfort in the styling of the LS 460, Lexus designers took their pursuit of perfection to a new level with the LS 600h L . The result is a vehicle that provides pleasurable moments, inside and out, to eclipse those of any other vehicle on the road today.
Exterior:
Exterior design cues embody a dignified strength coupled with a sense of emotion exemplified in the continuous flow of the hood and bumper. The LS 600h L features the world's first true white LED headlamps arranged in a distinctive multiple lamp low-beam configuration that not only provides unprecedented illumination and light distribution, but also results in a maintenance free design for at least 15 years. The headlamps feature an adaptive front lighting and auto leveling system to illuminate more of the road ahead as the vehicle corners.
The 2008 LS 600h L presents a sophisticated silhouette with accented surface changes and seamlessly integrated cast moldings. Fluid corners that converge from the periphery combine with regal bumper moldings to highlight a dignified stern, which features striking integrated tail pipe diffusers.
The whole is finished using a new Lexus-developed colour management system and coating process. Regardless of colour, an opulent brilliance is achieved through the use of new materials, new robotic paint processes, and a hand-polishing process by a skilled takumi (artistic craftsman) after each coating process to ensure unprecedented quality. The LS 600h L is available in 10 exterior colours including Black Opal - a colour exclusive to the LS 600h L that appears jet black, but with notes of blue and purple that emerge when struck by light.
Specially produced vehicle badges are outlined in blue to subtly emphasizethe LS 600h L 's unique position as the world's first full-hybrid prestige automobile.
Interior:
Inside, the LS 600h L delicately wraps around its occupants, with a passenger-focused space featuring the dual elements of stability and security in the lower half, while imparting a sense of expansion and openness in the upper cabin.
To create a relaxed atmosphere, Lexus interior designers softened all passenger touch-points - from the finely crafted wood furniture feel of the assist grip and shift knob to the available all-leather instrument panel. The result is a renewed emphasis on tactile quality. Skilled craftspeople select, stretch, stitch and finish the leather for the instrument panel and other surface, while cutting is accomplished using the world's first three-dimensional patterns to ensure uniform quality of fabrication.
The centre console layout was designed to achieve perfect angles for ease of operation from either the driver's or passenger's seat, while the steering wheel's leather has been buffed twice the normal amount and coloured with a water-based dye to create a supple, more natural feel. A full-time specialist implements a whip-stitching pattern to ensure a smooth feel without any unevenness or jumps in the stitch, and the wheel incorporates a revolutionary heating mechanism to provide warmth the moment the heater is activated, with no variation in temperature regardless of where the wheel is gripped.
Cabin tranquility is of particular note. The first generation LS from 1990 set a new industry standard for cabin tranquility. The fourth, and current, generation LS 460 continued this heritage. For the LS 600h L , with its ultra-quiet Lexus Hybrid Drive, tranquility targets were even more stringent.
Lexus engineers used advanced analysis techniques to pinpoint sources of unwanted vibrations - which are leading causes of noise - and eliminated them through a body structure designed to create canceling vibrations. Because the source of most vehicle vibration is the engine, special emphasis was placed on reducing engine friction, improving rotational balance, and maximizing the vibration absorption qualities of the engine mounts.
With engine noise and other vibration addressed, equal attention was paid to ensuring the quality of other sounds would be pleasing to the driver and passengers. For example, extensive study by acoustic engineers ensured the sound of a door opening or closing embodied the luxury reminiscent of a skillfully crafted wooden door in a home.
Having minimized unwanted cabin noises and optimized desirable interior sounds, the LS is the perfect venue for a concert hall quality audio system. The LS 600h L therefore comes standard equipped with a Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound Audio System, featuring AM/FM/CD player with MP3/WMA capability, in-dash 6-CD audio changer, audio auxiliary input jack, automatic sound levelizer system (ASL), Bluetooth capability, and a Sound Library Music System. This 450-watt sound system drives 19 speakers to generate concert hall quality audio.
Redefining luxury
The LS 600h L reaches new levels of comfort and convenience through the ideal mix of intelligent technology, evocative design, and luxury appointments. Occupants enjoy a welcoming hospitality on par with that found in a private jet.
Every LS 600h L is equipped with many magnificent comfort and convenience features. These include 16-way adjustable powered driver's seat; 12-way adjustable powered front passenger's seat; power assist doors; an automatic powered opening and closing trunk; wallet sized smart card key and push button start; a hard-disc based navigation system with voice recognition; power rear window sunshade and rear side window auto sunshades; a clearance and back-up sensor and back-up camera; accessory power outlets and LED map lamps; and four-zone independent front and rear climate control with air purification, soft-touch heater controls, and rear seat heater ducts.
The 2008 LS 600h L with Executive Package adds several safety, comfort and convenience features tailored to the chauffeur-driven VIP, for whom a vehicle is also a rolling office and sanctuary. These include a rear seat DVD entertainment system with DVD player, remote control, a nine-inch LCD-based video screen with motorized operation via remote, an extra rear subwoofer, and two sets of wireless headphones; an infrared body temperature sensor that automatically adjusts the rear seat climate system for the perfect temperature; a fixed rear console with fold-out table; a left rear seat that reclines 28-38 degrees; and a right rear seat with ottoman footrest that reclines 28-45 degrees. Lexus developed these seats in partnership with a Japanese medical institute, then added an available multi-function shiatsu massage feature. The massage experience is created through the use of eight small airbags powered by a compressor in the trunk, and can be used separately or in conjunction with the seat's heater and cooler.
** Product information is based on the latest details at the time of publication. Final Canadian Specifications may differ. |
