European premiere for the Lexus LS 600h

The LS 600h combines a 5.0-litre V8 engine with a hybrid powertrain – hence the ‘h’ suffix – enabling it to comfortably match the performance of even larger capacity normally-aspirated V12 engines. It will make its European debut on the Lexus stand at the Paris Motor Show on 28 September, presented both in standard and long-wheelbase form. The LS 600h L is 12cm longer overall, providing passengers with even more space and additional comfort features, such as reclining rear seats with built-in massage functions and air conditioning that is controlled according to the body temperature of the people on board.

Lexus Hybrid Drive

The Lexus Hybrid Drive in the LS 600h has a power output of 444bhp (450 DIN hp/330kW), delivers segment-beating fuel consumption of 29.7mpg (combined cycle) and carbon dioxide emissions below 220g/km. The new all-wheel drive system works in tandem with a newly-developed dual-stage, electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission (E-CVT), giving the car excellent linear acceleration capability.

The new LS 600h will be joined on Lexus’s show stand by its hybrid siblings, the RX 400h and the GS 450h, both of which have set new standards in environmentally-conscious performance in the luxury car market.

The RX 400h has revolutionised the premium SUV segment with its unique combination of a high performance, frugal fuel consumption (34.9mpg combined cycle) and CO2 emissions (192g/km) that are up to 30 per cent lower than those of its direct competitors.

The GS 450h is the world’s first hybrid power performance saloon, with genuine sports driving dynamics from its classic front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration. Its 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine is the first in its segment to feature dual fuel injection (port and direct injection), increasing both efficiency and performance. As a result, the GS 450h returns 35.8mpg in combined cycle driving and CO2 emissions of 186g/km, lower than for any competitor in its segment.

These new hybrid models have contributed to growth in Lexus sales throughout Europe: the forecast for 2006 is for a 66 per cent increase to 48,000 units.