The LF-Sh's presentation does a fairly good job at disguising the vehicle's size, betrayed only by a few softer edges. Overall, the car
measures 5,060 mm (199.2 inches) in length, 1,875 mm (73.8 inches) in width, 1,465 mm (57.7 inches) in height, and it rides on a wheelbase of 2,970 mm (116.9 inches). Translation: it's the same size range as its main European competitors like the S-Class, A8 and 7-Series.
Interestingly, there is some internal interest at raising the LS' competitive status by offering a long wheelbase version. Less drastic moves have been made elsewhere in the Lexus' lineup, such as offering different drivetrains or all-wheel drive, but never in such a large scale. Lexus' change on the "one size fits all" policy is sure to benefit the brand down the road by reaching a larger audience.
For the concept, Lexus has specified that the car will be powered by a V8 engine assisted by an electric hybrid motor (hence the 'h' in its name). It's unclear exactly what type of motor will be used, but judging by the fact that it's an eight-cylinder the unit under the hood of the LF-Sh concept is most
likely the new 4.6-litre V8 with a low-performance assist system. Lexus claims that the car generates approximately 400-horsepower, enough to muscle it to the top of its class. As with optional drivetrains available in the GS and IS, all 400 ponies are harnessed to an electronically controlled all-wheel drive system. Details on the hybrid system, such as whether it's a 'sandwich' type (i.e. Lexus GS 450h) or front-wheel assist (i.e. Lexus RX 400h), have yet to be been announced.
As for production, it's expected that a new 4.6-litre V8 featuring VVT-L dual variable valve timing, and D4-S direct injection will power the standard LS. Although the engine has yet to be officially confirmed, it's been long speculated that power output will be around 350-horsepower, a significant improvement over the current 4.3-litre's 290-hp. Without any great leaps and bounds of imagination, this car will be called the LS 460. This motor will most likely be paired to a six-speed automatic.
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| The LF-Sh's presentation does a fairly good job at disguising the vehicle's size, betrayed only by a few softer edges. (Photo: Lexus Canada) |
Interestingly, there is some internal interest at raising the LS' competitive status by offering a long wheelbase version. Less drastic moves have been made elsewhere in the Lexus' lineup, such as offering different drivetrains or all-wheel drive, but never in such a large scale. Lexus' change on the "one size fits all" policy is sure to benefit the brand down the road by reaching a larger audience.
For the concept, Lexus has specified that the car will be powered by a V8 engine assisted by an electric hybrid motor (hence the 'h' in its name). It's unclear exactly what type of motor will be used, but judging by the fact that it's an eight-cylinder the unit under the hood of the LF-Sh concept is most
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| Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe (left) and Lexus development chiefTakeshi Yoshida introduce the Lexus LF-Sh concept. (Photo: Lexus Canada) |
As for production, it's expected that a new 4.6-litre V8 featuring VVT-L dual variable valve timing, and D4-S direct injection will power the standard LS. Although the engine has yet to be officially confirmed, it's been long speculated that power output will be around 350-horsepower, a significant improvement over the current 4.3-litre's 290-hp. Without any great leaps and bounds of imagination, this car will be called the LS 460. This motor will most likely be paired to a six-speed automatic.