encore888

First ads to appear today!!!

http://www.adweek.com/aw/creative/ar..._id=1003566009

encore888

From the article:

"This is the new fast. The 438 horsepower hybrid. This is the pursuit of perfection."

Pricing starts at $110,000.

clexusking

They may want to run this past the fact checker:
"
The LS is a 12-cylinder hybrid that is expected to be released in the summer."

Lexusman44

I find it hard to believe that it starts at 110,000, considering the LWB is like 70....Does anyone else agree with me?

Lexusman44

encore888

Well the $71,000 figure base no one really pays...

The average price for the LS 460 L has been $81,988 since launch in the US. With all options and packages the LS 460 L goes up to the $90,000+ range.

So the spread is $61,000+ LS 460, $71,000-$95,000 LS 460 L, $110,000+ LS 600h L.

I agree it is a very ambitious price but it's an ambitious product, and look at where the competition is.

sbk

Hey there, new to CL. I have been following the LS 460 release since last year and was actually quite surprised when I heard that the 600h was going for 110K. While I do agree it is a 1st on many levels that price tag seems to go against what I believe has been the Lexus competitive advantage in the marketplace, Luxury and quality for less than it's German counterparts. Maybe I underestimate the demand and manufacturing costs, but it seems that this car should probably be listed in the sub 100K range. Considering a LWB is on average 80K (leave out the executive pkg) it seems a little on the high side.

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

Very interesting, I can't wait to see one of these ads. Concerning the price of this car...I don't think that 110K is an unfair amount. It has an extra 60 horsepower, a LOT more torque, upgraded interior with leather wrapped dash, LED headlights, AWD, and also consider that people buying this caliber of sedan aren't really concerned with "value". These are the people who buy 760Li's and S600s...costing thousands of dollars more. I think they will be fine at this price point...and also consider that the car is already presold for the first year and a half.

Secondly, and somewhat unrelated, I can't really see the IS-F producing more horsepower than the top, top line executive sedan, so the rumors of 425HP are probably more accurate than those stating 440HP or more. Still a competitive number...but if they introduce a GS-F then it needs to have more than 440HP...so perhaps they will slate an LS-F above the LS 600hL. Who knows?

Luxofreak

Damn, now I have to start plaaning the trade

Trexus

$110,000 does seem high but Lexus can do it because they are the only luxury manufacturer with a true hybrid V8. Nobody can touch them. I can't wait to see the ad. Maybe it's on youtube already...

Nospinzone

Yea, but why would most people pay a premium for a hybrid? Its not like you are going to recoup the extra cost through gasoline savings (you'd have to drive a lot of miles and gas would have to be much higher than $3 a gallon, it would have to be much higher than European prices). And if you are concerned with the environment, buying a 400+ HP car is a bit hypocritical.

Sounds like this is a vehicle for Arnold Schwarzenegger or Al Gore or John Edwards. That way they can tout their sincerity with the environment without a wit of sacrifice.

That being said, if someone wants the car, go for it. Long term though, I just don't see it as being economically viable for either the owner or Lexus.

Lexusman44

If anyone finds the ad on youtube post a link...

encore888

The point of charging more for a hybrid in the luxury class (aka luxury hybrid), according to Lexus, so far seems to be 1) high-tech, 2) more power, 3) overall environmentally more friendly + bragging rights.

They're leaving the true money savings to the Prius crowd, and they will still pay a premium that will take years to recoup, but can be (according to CR).

Helmar

You've nailed the reason I have a deposit on a 600hL for delivery in February. One extra reason (I live in New England) is AWD.

HBH

Gojirra99

The V12's of other manufacturers are overpriced compared to the V8 models too & they depreciate much faster in % than the V8 counterparts as well. I think people buy this class of cars for exclusivity(there are very few of them compared with the V8 versions) & prestige. The 600hL is the first V8 hybrid with V12 like hp, some people just want the newest & the most unique, & not too concerned about economic viability.

encore888

Congrats on getting the car (in advance). Just 10 months away!