AutoNet, an online Taiwanese magazine, has revealed some new design specs of the upcoming Lexus super saloon from an "exclusive" source (so take the following with a grain of salt).
http://tw.autos.yahoo.com/041205/64/183do.html

And here's my attempt of a translation:

Planned to be released in 2008, the super saloon, currently code-named SFS, will have target dimensions of 5150x1900x1400mm and a wheelbase that spans 3090mm, wrapped in an aerodynamic exterior design. Powered by a twin-turbo 5.0L DOHC V12 that bursts out 400hp and coupled with an electric/petrol hybrid system that Toyota is so proud of, the car is looking at an estimated output of at least 500hp. The car will weigh no more than 2200 kilograms, to help keep a superior performance and better gas mileage.

Though the SFS is to be positioned as a super luxury saloon, Toyota is hoping to also achieve superior handling dynamics for the car by strengthening the chassis and adding 4WD.

 

Your translation is pretty good

I hope it won't even remotely look like that Toyota Century pic in that site. The Toyota Century is a 5 LITRE V12 also.

 

I've always had a soft spot for the Century's design, altough I don't think it would fly in the states. . .

 

A TT V-12 for 400hp is hella lame. I doubt its that engine. No way in hell. Benz is getting 600hp with its TT V-12.
Nice info though.

 

Could be just a result of a smaller displacement (the 600hp Benz has a 6.0L V12) to make room for the hybrid system. But yeah, 400hp sounds lame for a TT V12 no matter what.

 

I think engine specs are bogus. Lexus will never use a turbo let alone twin turbo and I doubt it will be a V12 also.
But the truth is that super luxury sedan is coming.

 

I call mega BS as well. The days of higher-end Japanese saloons with factory FI (a la Aristo) are gone. Either way, NA V8 or NA V12, I'd like to see a displacement between 4.8L and 5.5L. Good for 400-450HP and electric via hybrid to the order of 100-150HP to the front wheels to complete an AWD system. Throw in a 7-speed auto for fun. This would be a real Frankensteining of technologies, though, and I would be very surprised to see Lexus come out with anything close within the next 5 years.

 

MB V12 is severaly underrated too. If you do the number, things don't add up.

 

Might be a typo, the headline says V12 500hp.

I know its still 100hp short of MB.......but the Germans are having a horsepower war!!
And Toyota is very conservative on hp output, its not like they can't do it , don't forget they have one of the most powerful engines in Formula 1. IMHO, insanely high hp its just not their style.