G2FAST

Peter Lyon of England's AutoExpress has published an interesting article with concrete predictions about Lexus' performance future, including fast and frugal hybrid sports models.

For the IS, they predict "a new flagship when it is replaced in 2006. The IS350 GT will offer a tuned version of the 3.5-litre V6 that will be in the GS. However, it's not clear if it will sport a hybrid powerplant, although it may integrate some of the bigger syst***s fuel-saving technology, including engine stop and start systems which save fuel in stationary traffic."

rominl

iTrader: (4)

i think they said it's going to be the 3.5 v6 with 300hp and a hybrid engine for another 100hp for a total of 400hp? there is a thread in the car chat forum about it.

mmarshall

If the engine stops and starts in stationary traffic, then how do they plan to keep the A/C running or hot anti-freeze coming through the heater core for the heat? Use an electric motor for the compressor? Or maybe a heat-pump type heater/ AC like on the Prius? And a dead engine means no vaccum for the power brakes...say you're stopped on a steep grade. That would mean a non-vaccum power brake booster...and maybe an electric power steering pump like on the newer Saturns.
Did that article in the AutoExpress address any of these issues?

G2FAST

Mean, Green Lexus On Way

Things look set to get highly charged at Toyota. The company intends to enter the performance saloon market with a family of Lexus models that will all feature hybrid technology.

Engineers are currently working on two machines, one of which will be a new version of the flagship LS. However, first to hit the road will be the GS350 GT, which was unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show. Expected in August 2005 and aimed at the Mercedes E55 AMG, it will mark Lexus' first anniversary of sales in Japan, and sport a 300bhp 3.5-litre V6 mated to a 170bhp electric motor. Offering an astounding 470bhp, the car will feature all-wheel drive and be capable of around 60mpg.

But if you think that sounds impressive, then just wait another 12 months, when Lexus' ultimate hybrid - the LS500 GT - will appear. Combining a 400bhp 5.0-litre V8 with a 200bhp electric motor, the car will offer at least 600bhp and be targeted at the Mercedes S-Class flagship, the S600L.

Thanks to predicted improvements in battery technology, economy of more than 50mpg is expected - double the standards set by traditional petrol engines of equivalent performance.

But the march to bring eco-friendly performance technology to Lexus models won't stop there. The firm's popular IS will inherit a new flagship when it is replaced in 2006. The IS350 GT will offer a tuned version of the 3.5-litre V6 that will be in the GS (i.e. over 300HP NA without hybrid - my comment). However, it's not clear if it will sport a hybrid powerplant, although it may integrate some of the bigger syst***s fuel-saving technology, including engine stop and start systems which save fuel in stationary traffic.

For now, the cost of hybrid technology means it's likely to be reserved for Toyota and Lexus' most expensive models. However, at the Geneva Motor Show this month, one Toyota insider told us that the company was committed to hybrid cars, and that ultimately they will be available right across both ranges. Peter Lyon



Forget the hybrid stuff (which is great of course) - but 300HP+ from a 3.5 V6 and 400HP 5.0 V8 is amazing (especially from conservative Toyota)!

The Toyota 5.0 NA engine is equivalent to the current BMW M5 engine (also 5 liters NA and 400HP) and better than the Corvette Z06 which gets 405 HP from 5.7 liters. Even the 3.5 liter Toyota engine will produce more power than most engines of this size/weight (similar to new Acura RL 3.5).

Checkout the link:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/ae_news_story.php?id=45233]Link Here[/URL]

talgrl626

that was ur 123 post.

G2FAST

Checkout the following link:

SPY

rominl

iTrader: (4)

damn if the car looks like that then it's awesome!

Gojirra99

Photoshopped. Does have styling cues from LF-S concept. Looks pretty good.