Lexus goes 'all-in' with hybrid LS 600h L
In the high-stakes poker game of luxury sedans, Lexus always ups the ante when it comes time to redo its flagships LS sedan.
It started back in 1989 when Lexus introduced two models to the world, as part of Toyota's assault on the luxury market. It started off as an LS 400 (with the number roughly designating engine size), and progressed through the LS 430 to the latest generation of LS 460. The latest redesign brought with it a longer wheelbase model for the first time.
And now comes the world's first hybrid V8 model, in the LS 600h L. In presentation and price, it is well worthy of the flagship mantle for the Lexus line.
Deceptive power
As with all iterations of the LS over the ages, the hybrid version features a wealth of technological advancements. It starts with the mating of the Toyota Hybrid Drive system and a 5.0-litre V8, for a combined output of 438 hp and torque equivalent to 383 lbs.ft. Those figures are equivalent to most competitors' V12s. That's where the 600 designation comes from -- the power outputs would be equivalent to that of a 6.0 V12.
At the same time, it achieves sedate fuel consumption comparable to the Lexus 3.5 V6 (in the ES 350) thanks to Toyota's renowned variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i). Here, it is a dual system enhanced with an electric motor to adjust intake cam timing (creating a VVT-iE).
Further gains in fuel consumption are achieved by allowing the driver to choose to keep the gasoline engine off line in low speed conditions, such as when trolling for a parking spot. Push a button located to the left of the steering wheel and the vehicle will run at low speed strictly off the batteries for up to 2 km, though more brisk acceleration will override the system.
Preliminary manufacturer-supplied fuel economy figures rate the LS 600h L at 10.6 litres per 100 km in the city and 9.1 on the highway (for a combined figure of 9.9).
Power is delivered to all four wheels, all the time, by a dual stage continuously variable transmission (CVT). Two electric motor generators are integrated into the transmission unit that is no bigger than either the 8-speed automatic of the LS460, or the CVT of the GS 450h hybrid sedan. A Torsen (for TORque SENsing) centre differential is bolted on the rear of the transmission of the long-wheelbase sedan.
The diff sends torque to both axles, biased 60:40 to the rear. It can divert 10 percent more torque front or rear as needed. So, depending on what the car is doing at any given time, traction should never be a concern.
What it all means is full-out power from a standstill to rival any mass-production internal combustion engine. Left to its own devices, the 5.0 V8 would make the LS plenty quick, but factor in the added torque of the electric motors and you have a fast-forward machine with very few equals. Lexus claims a zero to 100 km/h time of 5.7 seconds.
“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.
Further, the driver can tailor the hybrid system to best meet conditions, by flipping a rocker-switch between "Power" (for better response and quicker acceleration), "Hybrid" (normal driving) and "Snow" (for enhanced control on slippery surfaces).
Holding traction
In fact, outside of driver interference, there will likely never come a time when the LS 600h L runs out of traction.
It all starts with Lexus' state-of-the-art Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) that controls traction, stability, steering, braking and throttle to make the large sedan compliant to the driver's needs (if not his abilities). The driver can turn off the traction component by pushing a button or the entire system by pushing and holding the same button for three seconds.
Skid pad exercises at Toyota's Arizona Proving Grounds showcased the system at its best, maintaining control and responsiveness at virtually any speed, and illustrated the weakness of the human factor when the system was overridden.
But these exercises were performed at the limit. In everyday conditions, the driver will not even be aware of the vehicle's doing anything other than responding to inputs from the steering wheel and the driver's right foot.
Accident avoidance to the max Lexus also took the initiative to include a couple new systems on the newest LS sedan.
Most interesting is an advanced pre-collision system that uses radar and the onboard cameras to detect and identify people, animals and other obstacles in front of the vehicle and take appropriate action with or without the driver's help.
The vehicle will alert the driver of an impending collision through an audible and visual warning and if he/she doesn't respond, it will automatically apply the brakes to lessen the impact. Through inattention, the system will not avoid a crash, but will slow significantly in order to lessen the damaging effects.
If the driver does heed the warnings an even brushes the brake pedal, the system will apply full pressure to the brakes and will avoid a collision in most cases. If the driver heeds the warning and attempts to steer around the object, the VDIM kicks in to aid in braking and response as needed.
The other part of this new technology is a surveillance system to monitor driver attention. Using infrared rays transmitted from the instrument panel, the system maps out the driver's facial features and in the case of an impending collision when it senses the driver is looking away, it will alert him/her audibly and visually, as well as apply a quick "slap" to the brakes, in order to get driver attention back to the road ahead.
These systems, working in combination with standard occupant protection features like dual-stage front airbags, front knee bags, seat mounted outboard side-impact airbags front and rear and full-side curtain airbags (10 airbags in all), make the LS 600h L probably the safest vehicle on the road today.
Unparalleled comfort
And since airbags and crash prevention aren't always top of mind to consumers, Lexus is throwing in an available executive package that includes reclining rear seats (the right-side one that looks as if it belongs in an airplane's first class cabin, complete with ottoman and multi-function massage system), 4-zone independent climate control system with body temperature sensors, and a DVD entertainment system with surround sound, 9-inch LCD screen and two sets of wireless headphones.
But the foundation for the flagship of the line is Lexus' typical quiet cabin and smooth ride, achieved through meticulous testing and improvement of engine components to ensure balance and quietness (machinists reportedly donned stethoscopes to isolate and eliminate vibrations), superb insulation of body and frame members to block wind and road noise, and a 3-mode push-button suspension that allows the driver to tailor the ride to bumpy city streets, undulating highway pavement or high-speed race-track switchbacks (if you want to race your new acquisition).
It all adds up to make the LS 600h L, the latest iteration of the Lexus LS sedan, probably the best car the world has ever known ... yet again!
Summary:
Test vehicle: 2008 Lexus LS 600h L
Price range: $132,000 to $158,700
Test model price: various
Freight: $1,775
Basic warranty: 4 years/80,000 km
Competition: Audi A8; BMW 7 Series; Cadillac DTS; Infiniti Q45, Jaguar XJ Series, Maserati Quattroporte; Mercedes CL-Class; Mercedes S-Class; Volkswagen Phaeton
Strengths:
- Useful technology
- Quiet, smooth ride
- Interior comfort and convenience
- Power/economy blend
Weaknesses:
- Nothing of consequence
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