The innovative Lexus Hybrid Drive system encapsulates precisely the type of driving characteristics that are the hallmark of Lexus drive-train engineering. It utilises the ultimate in high technology to award its customers a unique driving experience which is exceptionally powerful, smooth and refined, without the normally associated penalties of high fuel consumption and emission levels.
The 2007 launch of the LS 600h will introduce Lexus’ revolutionary, high-performance hybrid technology to the flagship of the brand for the first time. Following the RX 400h and the GS 450h, the new LS 600h is Lexus’ third vehicle to feature Lexus Hybrid Drive. Each new Lexus hybrid further reinforces the importance of hybrid systems as the core powertrain technology for the brand. And Lexus remains the first, and only, premium manufacturer offering a comprehensive hybrid model range available today.
As with the RX and GS hybrid models, the LS 600h’s ‘600’ suffix refers not to the cubic capacity of the engine but, rather, a power output comparable to that of a conventional, 6.0 litre petrol engine, whilst the ‘h’ suffix indicates the presence of Lexus’ hybrid system.
Powertrain
The LS 600h is the world’s first vehicle to feature a full hybrid V8 powertrain, combining a technologically peerless 5.0 litre petrol engine with a powerful, high-output electric motor, a newly designed, large-capacity battery pack, a dual-stage, electronically controlled continuously variable transmission and permanent all-wheel drive.
This state-of-the-art hybrid system equips the LS 600h with an unparalleled balance of performance and environmental efficiency. It combines the 394 DIN hp/290 kW power of the 5.0 litre V8 with an electric motor output of 225 DIN hp/165 kW to generate a peak combined output rating of 445 DIN hp/327 kW, whilst returning a class-leading combined fuel consumption figure of 9.3 l/100 km (fuel consumption on a par with that of six cylinder vehicles), CO2 emissions of 219 g/km, and exceptionally clean exhaust gases.
Driving Dynamics
The Lexus LS 600h features the world’s first, full-time, all-wheel drive hybrid powertrain. The system adopts a three differential configuration and a propeller shaft, coupled directly to the hybrid transmission. A TORSEN ® Limited Slip Differential distributes drive power with a ratio of 40% to the front wheels and 60% to the rear. However, torque distribution is continuously controlled and can be varied between 30:70 and 50:50 front/rear.
The LS 600h’s all-round multilink suspension system utilises newly structured pneumatic cylinders with mono-tube shock absorbers, operating in co-operation with an improved Adaptive Variable Suspension system (AVS) which features a vehicle posture control system to synchronise vehicle roll and pitch when cornering, for maximum passenger comfort. It further benefits from active stabilisers (optional) to reduce body roll when cornering and, hence, improve its dynamic abilities.
The LS 600h is further equipped with a high-power, speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering (EPS ) system, featuring Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS ). The compact, lightweight, electrically assisted steering system offers noise-free operation and seamless, linear feedback, smoothly changing assistance characteristics depending on vehicle speed. The adoption of these features is instrumental in the use of steering support cooperation with the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM ), and the Pre-Crash Safety system’s Emergency Steering Assist function.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Lexus now offers the highest content of sophisticated preventive, active and passive safety technology in the world, incorporating numerous revolutionary developments based on the principle of accident avoidance through intelligent anticipation. The LS 600h’s Advanced Pre-Crash Safety System (Advanced PCS) offers maximum assistance to the driver in collision avoidance either by day or night. Advanced PCS incorporates four unique Lexus technologies: an Advanced Obstacle Detection System, a Driver Monitoring System, Emergency Steering Assist and a Rear Pre-Crash Safety system. These innovations ensure optimum vehicle responsiveness during evasion manoeuvres and reduce the consequences of a collision.
The new LS 600h is equipped with the latest generation of Lexus’ state-ofthe- art Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. VDIM integrates the LS 600h’s electro-hydraulic braking system, Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) active safety systems with the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), Electric Power Steering (EPS) and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) systems to enhance traction control and vehicle stability.
Unique to the Lexus flagship, the LS 600h drive-train’s Driving Response and Acceleration Management System (DRAMS) also affords VDIM unprecedented interaction with both engine and transmission, employing engine and electric motor output control to effect a faster, smoother and more precise response to situations involving the possibility of a loss of traction.
The LS further features a number of innovative driver assistance systems. Intelligent Parking Assist offers driver assistance with both parallel and series parking, a new Adaptive Cruise Control (AC) system is capable of operating at any vehicle speed between 0 and 170 km/h. The world’s first application of low-beam LED headlight technology ensures excellent illumination of the road ahead, and a Brake Hold function reduces driver burden in a frequent start-stop situation.
Design and Refinement
The new LS 600h is the ultimate expression of L-finesse, the unique Lexus design philosophy. It encompasses this design direction with styling, which is both vivid and forceful yet, at the same time, warm, inviting and entirely contemporary. With its long cabin, broad, purposeful ground-hugging stance, and elegantly sculpted, streamlined body contours, the hybrid Lexus flagship emphasises simplicity and style in a stunning, modern package, which demonstrates that a premium segment sedan can be understated, yet inspiring.
The LS 600h may be immediately differentiated from the rest of the LS model range through discreet ‘hybrid’ badging, a transparent blue coating to the ‘L’ emblem mounted in the front grille, bespoke, hand-polished alloy wheels, Black Opal (a hybrid-exclusive jet-black body colour revealing blue and purple undertones in bright sunlight), white LE D clearance lamps and the world’s first LED low-beam headlamps. The circumference of each of three LED projector lenses is fitted with a transparent blue ring, giving the LS 600h a unique, readily identifiable headlamp signature.
Comfort, Convenience and Entertainment
Comfort, convenience, discreet hospitality and carefully considered driver interaction lie at the heart of the Lexus ownership experience. They are exemplified through convenient Smart Key access, easy door closing assistance, and a powered boot lid.
The new LS 600h is further equipped with a fully comprehensive inventory of features, including front and side laminated windows, 4-zone air conditioning with Roof Climate Diffusers, electric seat heating and ventilation, and a high speed satellite navigation system that includes traffic avoidance technology and incorporates both an 8” Electro Multi Vision touch-screen VGA display and a voice command system for control of audio, air-conditioning, navigation and Bluetooth wireless phone operation. The system further incorporates the Lexus Parking Assist Monitor, a unique standard equipment feature in this automotive segment.
The standard, 10 speaker, LS 600h sound system features a magazineless, 6-disc, in-dash CD changer and steering wheel mounted controls. For those wanting the ultimate in on-board infotainment, the LS 600h offers a state-of-the-art, 19 speaker, 450 watt Mark Levinson® Reference Surround System. This system introduces Lexus LS 600h owners to a complete, discrete 5.1 home theatre entertainment experience optimised for the playback of music, music videos and DVD films within the luxurious environment of LS ’ interior.
Ultimate Comfort Experience: The LS 600h L
Offering unparalleled first class travelling luxury in the premium automotive segment, the LS 600h L features a wheelbase extended by 120 mm, entirely dedicated to increased rear passenger legroom and comfort.
Unique to long-wheelbase versions of the Lexus flagship, the Multi-zone Automatic Climate Control is the world’s most advanced climate control system, and incorporates the first human body temperature sensing control ever employed within a climate control system. The rear of the long-wheelbase hybrid flagship cabin is further equipped with a reclining, heated and air conditioned seat featuring a fully retractable ‘ottoman’ thigh and footrest, a cushion airbag and a unique pneumatic massage facility.
The Rear Seat Entertainment System on the long wheel base version, features a separate DVD/CD player and retractable, ceiling mounted, 9” full-colour VGA screen for the 5.1 home theatre entertainment experience of the Mark Levinson® Reference Surround System.
[Source: Lexus]
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