LS600guy

One of the fun things about my LS600 is the electric powered drive. The ability to sweep noiselessly past people on the road and see their expressions is quite enjoyable.

But I had a real practical use for this stealth mode today when my wife and I delivered some flowers to a sick friend. She lives in a small cul de sac close to the road, and the house next door has a vigilant - and loud - dog. We went knowing she was asleep, and my concern was whether we'd make a noise causing the dog to bark and wake her.

I needn't have worried. We glided silently past her place to turn at the end of the street, then returned to park soundlessly outside her door. No sound from the dog yet. I opened the trunk from inside, and exited the car - closing the driver's door on soft-close. No sound there either.

Once I got the flowers from the trunk, I closed that using the self close button, and the only noise was when it locked with a tiny clunk sound. Same procedure when I got back in the car after putting the flowers on her doorstep.

Someone listening from inside any of the houses around would never have guessed we were there. Like a ghost in the day!

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2007 LS600hL, 5 seat
2000 Lexus LX470 (traded and missed)

Mercedes SL500 AMG (garage queen)
Mercedes SLK 230 (wife's toy)
Suzuki Grand Vitara (rain & runaround)

encore888

That's really cool, going at low speeds can be whisper-quiet. One review I read called it something like 'samurai/ninja stalking mode' lol.

Interestingly, actress Diane Keaton here in the States was on an evening TV interview show, and told a story of how she drove over her dog in the driveway with her Lexus hybrid, it was so quiet the dog slept through it all!!! Fortunately the dog was not injured.

From a safety standpoint, that may be an issue, Lotus reportedly is developing a 'noisemaking' system for ultra-quiet cars. Still it's pretty cool to be in 'stealth mode' -- takes quiet to a whole another level.

LS600guy

Yes, we might have to go back to the era when a person walked in front with a red flag.

I've read about the noise-maker, but to have it on a car is ridiculous. We've had silent bicycles for over a century without such a requirement.

I think the onus should be on the pedestrian to insure their path is clear. What are they doing walking on the road anyhow!

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2007 LS600hL, 5 seat
2000 Lexus LX470 (traded and missed)

Mercedes SL500 AMG (garage queen)
Mercedes SLK 230 (wife's toy)
Suzuki Grand Vitara (rain & runaround)

encore888

I agree, having the car emit noises for the sake of noise warning is too much. Although in Asia I've seen some more 'obvious' versions, there is a somewhat common version in Taiwan where when the car backs up, a synthesizer plays a rendition of a classical waltz to warn bystanders. Or maybe it was Fur Elise...the melody varies from model to model.

My guess is though, from the automotive standpoint, in addition to pedestrian-sensitive bumpers, the car might emit some kind of beeps if pedestrians get too close. Hopefully, like Park Assist, it can be turned off...allowing the 'Stealth Mode' to continue use.

For some reason that 'Silent Running' feature is something I can imagine being used in a James Bond film. Maybe because I was watching Tomorrow Never Dies...

Johnny

All good things eventually are derided by special interest groups. In North America for instance, organizations representing the blind are lobbying the governments to legislate hybrid manufacturers to install "noise makers" on their cars because their "quiet" cars are too silent and have unwittingly become road hazards when they attempt to cross city street.

Read the full article here.

Progress is progressively becoming a "dirty" word in this World...

Nospinzone

I'm sorry, did you say something?

Johnny

Unwittingly, somewhat yes...

Nospinzone

Oh, like LS600guy, it was soooooo quiet, I didn't even hear it!

TNLS600hL

Yes LS600hL is awesome! Hey LS600guy your LS is an 08 right? why you'd list it as 07? You should post some pictures! Check out my black on chrome!

encore888

Sweet picture, and welcome to ClubLexus, TNLS600hL!!!

zzzzdoc

Nice picture. Is it the Obsidian black or the black opal mica? Looks like the Obsidian from the pic.

Welcome to CL. We'll send a description of the secret LS600hL handshake by special courier.

Whipple1

That is one unbelievable paint job they put on that car,you can really appreciate it with Black,lookin really sweet,Those wheels are nice in chrome also,lookin to pickup a set myself,Good luck and welcome to CLF!

LS600guy

It's an '07, no question. They have been around for a while now

I would post a pic but mine looks the same as everything else's - only the background would change.

Hey, I like your chrome wheels, very smart.

--------------------------
2007 LS600hL, 5 seat
2000 Lexus LX470 (traded and missed)

Mercedes SL500 AMG (garage queen)
Mercedes SLK 230 (wife's toy)
Suzuki Grand Vitara (rain & runaround)

TNLS600hL

Thank you for all the comments and welcoming to CL. I decided to switch to chrome wheels since it matches with the side trims and all. Plus chrome wheels are so much easier to take care of and it looks a lot better. The reason why I asked is because here in the US the first models shipped out in 07 as an 08 model. Mine ordered out of factory in May of 08. But I love the car!

And oh yeah, some guy in an IS 250 decided he wants to race my 600h today...iono what he was thinking but he can barely keep up lol

Johnny

Your LS600 should have no trouble putting away a "stock" IS350 as well...

Edmunds lists the 350's time at 6.1, whereas the 600's time is 5.5 with all gear on...

You've got a lot of ponies pulling that puppy.

BTW, I don't see a XM antenna; do you have satellite radio?