2007 (4th-generation) Lexus LS model plans
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2007 (4th-generation) Lexus LS model plans
Filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office have revealed that the next Lexus LS, due to go on sale in fall 2006 as a 2007 model, will be available in 3 models:
LS 460: Short-wheelbase version powered by a 4.6-liter V8.
LS 460L: Long-wheelbase version powered by a 4.6-liter V8.
LS 600hL: Long-wheelbase version powered by a 4.6-liter V8 plus electric motor (hybrid).
Here's further information in an article from Automotive News via AutoWeek:
Lexus to stretch flagship sedan; LS 460 also will offer industry's first hybrid V-8
MARK RECHTIN | Automotive News
To match luxury competitors, Lexus will offer a long-wheelbase version of its redesigned flagship, the LS 460, when it arrives in fall 2006.
Soon after, a hybrid version of the vehicle will debut. It will be the first gasoline-electric powertrain with a V-8 engine by any automaker.
The LS 460 information was revealed in filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Lexus spokesman Bill Ussery declined to confirm the product plan or reveal the hybrid's launch date.
Toyota Motor Co. executives have said they want to build a flagship Lexus hybrid but have never given specifics.
Lexus has studied developing a long-wheelbase flagship and "found the potential for a mix" of long- and standard-wheelbase versions, Ussery says.
Wheelbase typically is a strong indicator for interior roominess for occupants. The LS 460 will be available with short and long wheelbases, the filings say.
Lexus has the shortest wheelbase among luxury flagships in the United States. Mercedes-Benz sells only long-wheelbase versions of its S-Class in this country. BMW and Jaguar sell standard- and long-wheelbase versions of their flagships.
According to the filings, Lexus will call the long-wheelbase version the LS 460L.
The hybrid, to be called the LS 600hL, will have a long wheelbase.
Lexus code-names its hybrid vehicles differently than its gasoline engine vehicles, which have a direct numerical correlation to the size of its engine.
Therefore, LS 460 refers to the vehicle's 4.6-liter engine. The current flagship, the LS 430, has a 4.3-liter engine. But LS 600hL refers to the equivalent power of a 6.0-liter engine, when the V-8 gasoline engine is mated to an electric motor.
http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102210
LS 460: Short-wheelbase version powered by a 4.6-liter V8.
LS 460L: Long-wheelbase version powered by a 4.6-liter V8.
LS 600hL: Long-wheelbase version powered by a 4.6-liter V8 plus electric motor (hybrid).
Here's further information in an article from Automotive News via AutoWeek:
Lexus to stretch flagship sedan; LS 460 also will offer industry's first hybrid V-8
MARK RECHTIN | Automotive News
To match luxury competitors, Lexus will offer a long-wheelbase version of its redesigned flagship, the LS 460, when it arrives in fall 2006.
Soon after, a hybrid version of the vehicle will debut. It will be the first gasoline-electric powertrain with a V-8 engine by any automaker.
The LS 460 information was revealed in filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Lexus spokesman Bill Ussery declined to confirm the product plan or reveal the hybrid's launch date.
Toyota Motor Co. executives have said they want to build a flagship Lexus hybrid but have never given specifics.
Lexus has studied developing a long-wheelbase flagship and "found the potential for a mix" of long- and standard-wheelbase versions, Ussery says.
Wheelbase typically is a strong indicator for interior roominess for occupants. The LS 460 will be available with short and long wheelbases, the filings say.
Lexus has the shortest wheelbase among luxury flagships in the United States. Mercedes-Benz sells only long-wheelbase versions of its S-Class in this country. BMW and Jaguar sell standard- and long-wheelbase versions of their flagships.
According to the filings, Lexus will call the long-wheelbase version the LS 460L.
The hybrid, to be called the LS 600hL, will have a long wheelbase.
Lexus code-names its hybrid vehicles differently than its gasoline engine vehicles, which have a direct numerical correlation to the size of its engine.
Therefore, LS 460 refers to the vehicle's 4.6-liter engine. The current flagship, the LS 430, has a 4.3-liter engine. But LS 600hL refers to the equivalent power of a 6.0-liter engine, when the V-8 gasoline engine is mated to an electric motor.
http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102210
#4
Lexus Test Driver
something like that was on motor trend as well, saying bout the LS being something like that. they also stated that the ES 350 well come out with a 245bhp. when yall say long wheelbase, that means the car will be bigger than 197.w/e inches it already is? the car isnt big enough or something?
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Originally Posted by AJL0365
when yall say long wheelbase, that means the car will be bigger than 197.w/e inches it already is? the car isnt big enough or something?
#6
Lexus Fanatic
It'd be nice if Lexus would offer the hybrid powertrain to the regular wheel-base version as well. Not everyone who's into the top-of-the-line model wants or needs the extra bulk. Even the Maybach comes in two wheelbases.
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#8
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by XeroK00L
It'd be nice if Lexus would offer the hybrid powertrain to the regular wheel-base version as well. Not everyone who's into the top-of-the-line model wants or needs the extra bulk. Even the Maybach comes in two wheelbases.
#9
Super Moderator
Originally Posted by XeroK00L
It'd be nice if Lexus would offer the hybrid powertrain to the regular wheel-base version as well. Not everyone who's into the top-of-the-line model wants or needs the extra bulk. Even the Maybach comes in two wheelbases.
#10
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by AmethySC
The S430 is available in short wheel base here in Canada & the weight difference is only 45 pounds compared to the long wheel base version, & is 4.8 in. shorter in wheel base.
#12
I hope Lexus makes as big an impact with this 4th gen as they did in 1989, does as good a job at emulating success as they did in 1995, and of building upon the LS' excellent reputation with even more fantastic technology and more power as they did in 2001.
With 2 models out there, the LS truly will go from iconic luxury automobile to a 'family' of its own. Now the 'LS-class' will truly be a force to contend with.
I hope that Lexus still lavishes as much attention on all models of the LS-class, so that no matter which wheelbase version you buy, it is still as magnificient, top-of-the-line as when there was just one LS model.
In my mind, the original 'short' wheelbase model is the iconic LS, but the new 'long' wheelbase model will be the super-LS!
Bring on some excellent L-Finesse styling, class-leading aerodynamics, luxury, and safety features, and you will have another winner!
With 2 models out there, the LS truly will go from iconic luxury automobile to a 'family' of its own. Now the 'LS-class' will truly be a force to contend with.
I hope that Lexus still lavishes as much attention on all models of the LS-class, so that no matter which wheelbase version you buy, it is still as magnificient, top-of-the-line as when there was just one LS model.
In my mind, the original 'short' wheelbase model is the iconic LS, but the new 'long' wheelbase model will be the super-LS!
Bring on some excellent L-Finesse styling, class-leading aerodynamics, luxury, and safety features, and you will have another winner!
#13
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Outgoing Lexus US General Manager Denny Clements has promised that the new, 4th-gen Lexus LS will be just as significant as the first one was back in 1989. Here's hoping he's right.