AMG
19-04-2005, 02:48 PM
LOS ANGELES -- 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.
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.