High-end Hybrids: Toyota’s first V8-powered vehicle, Mercedes-Benz S-Class in development
AUTOWEEK
Posted Date: 10/12/05
Just because the gas pump says $3 per gallon does not mean the oil companies have sucked all the fun out of driving. Engineers in Japan and Germany are busy working on hot hybrid versions of current and coming production cars, including Toyota’s first V8-powered hybrid, and the initial fruits of Mercedes-Benz, BMW and General Motors working together on hybrid drive systems.

Less than a month after the big Mercedes-BMW-GM September hybrid announcement, our spies spotted this apparent gas-electric hybrid Mercedes-Benz S-Class (pictured at bottom) prowling the public roads near BMW’s proving grounds in Munich. What makes it a hybrid? Our shooter reports this prototype was virtually silent as it accelerated swiftly away from our cameraman’s prying lens.

Meanwhile another spy caught up with Lexus’ LS 460 flagship at a gas stop in Kingman, Arizona. Due to make its world debut at the coming Tokyo motor show, the LS 460 gets V8 power in the form of a 4.6-liter engine, along with wider fenders to accommodate bigger and wider wheels and tires. The good news for those minding their fuel economy? Look for the LS 600h hybrid version, combining a V8 and Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, to arrive a few months after the 2007 LS 460 debuts next fall.

 

 

Whoops. Sorry. Its basically the same pics we have seen before. Here it is....

 

And here is the Mercedes-Benx version all covered up.....



ENJOY!!

 

Hmm - no, I thought we'd only seen guesses. That pic though looks a lot like the current LS.

 

Yep, that is just a hybrid test mule using the current LS as a shell.

 

While the clueless tools only think about 0-60 times and 1/4 mile times since they race from every green light, Toyota and Lexus are making TOTAL cars.

Its incredible to see this hybrid tech continue to progress.

 

Why did they even bother putting that 1 wheel arch in the back? Might as well just buy a whole Mercedes AMG kit and glue it on instead.

 

coz' that is a prototype test car.... cutting panels and sticking on stuff is the way to go...

 

Either that or Lexus is hoping to get into Super Street.

 

Coz they wanted to send a message to MB "watch out, we're coming for the S class!"

 

"You've got big fender flares? Well look at us!"

 

I am curious as to how long MB has been working on their hybrid model for the S-Class, as it has never been tested with the general public, unlike Toyota and Honda with the Prius and Insight. Big gamble on MB since they are known for faulty computer and electircal failures. This can make or brake the MB Company, b/c at this point it sounds like a rush job. Also, I find it amusing that it takes up to 3 companies to make a hybrid vs One (Toyota or Honda) and since Toyota has already mastered their Hybrid Synergy Drive, they are now moving onto Hybrid/Fuel Cells?!?!.....as for the rest of rivals that are just starting to scratch the surface of hybrid technology......they are better off to buy Toyota Hybrid Patents, otherwise......good luck to them!