While buyers of current and previous LS models have been restricted to a single drivetrain, a large-displacement V8 engine of either 4.0 or
4.3 litres, for the first time with this new generation Lexus will be offering an alternative. The LS flagship (and Lexus flagship for that matter) will be the LS 600h, a hybrid-assisted version of the LS 460 generating the equivalent power of a car with a 6.0-litre engine (V8 or V12; whichever sounds more dramatic). Aside from offering unheard-of levels of performance, the LS 600h will also be a most economical full-size sedan, with diesel-like fuel consumption and even lower emissions.
If a potential timeline were to be put together for the LF-Sh / LS, it would look a little bit like this. The introduction of the LF-Sh with full details will take place promptly before the car's public showing at the Tokyo Motor Show, which just took place. Having completed its purpose of appetizer to the world, focus would shift to the production LS, scheduled to make an appearance in production-ready form at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, this coming January. Finally, the long wheelbase and high-performance hybrid versions would be shown at the New York International Auto Show in April. Expect sales for the regular LS to begin late 2006.
Specifications:
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| Expect the introduction of the next-generation LS in Detroit. (Photo: Lexus Canada) <br> |
If a potential timeline were to be put together for the LF-Sh / LS, it would look a little bit like this. The introduction of the LF-Sh with full details will take place promptly before the car's public showing at the Tokyo Motor Show, which just took place. Having completed its purpose of appetizer to the world, focus would shift to the production LS, scheduled to make an appearance in production-ready form at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, this coming January. Finally, the long wheelbase and high-performance hybrid versions would be shown at the New York International Auto Show in April. Expect sales for the regular LS to begin late 2006.
Specifications:
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: front engine, RWD
- Engine (estimated): 4.3L, 32-valve, DOHC high-output V8 (hybrid electric)
- Transmission (estimated): 6-spd sequential manual with paddle-shift actuation
- Brakes: disc/disc, ABS
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Exterior Dimensions: 5,060 / 1,875 / 1,465 / 2,970mm (199.2 / 73.8 / 57.7 / 116.9 in)
- Tire Size (front/rear): 245/40R19 / 285/35R19
- Web Site: www.lexus.ca
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