Lexus LS350 and LS300h Hybrid Planned?
#17
#19
#20
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I mean in Europe where gas is high, taxes are high the large flagships do offer 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder versions but they NEVER stopped building V-8s, V-10s, V-12s.
Even before any government MPG announcements the luxury market here did change, people were downsizing to smaller engines and its not like these smaller engines are low power, awful units. We are talking about 300-350hp V-6's here, the same or more power than V-8s very recently.
The 2013 V-8 LS is rated at 19 MPG with 386hp and the 600h L is rated at 20 MPG with 438hp. The LS starts at $71,000, the LS 600h L starts at $119,000. I think Lexus will clearly offer a more fuel efficient hybrid next time around as what they are offering makes sense to a very tiny niche.
The fact of the matter is Lexus offering a V-8 only while the Germans offer FWD, 4 cylinder, 6 cylinder competition hasn't helped Lexus elevate the LS. The perception is still the LS is on par or below them even if the LS ONLY offers a V-8 to some of their econo car setups. This is a point Andrew and I made years ago most couldn't begin to understand.
With Mercedes offering a S400h V-6 here and BMW a 6 cylinder 740 and even Jaguar with a new V-6, the LS likely will offer one next generation.
And more than anything, its due to a changing luxury climate, not gov't regs.
#22
The LS desperately needs smaller engine options, especially outside the US. Even in the US they should have at least an LS450h to compete with the 740i, the A8 3.0T and the S350 BlueTEC/S400 Hybrid. It's about time!!!!
#24
Lexus Fanatic
I am certain will be seeing new engines, and turbos sometime in the next few years.
#25
I believe that Lexus needs an LS450h priced at the same level as the LS460 to appeal to the high end of the green movement. It would have near V8 performance with great fuel mileage. I'm not convinced that an LS350 increases sales.
Steve
Steve
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