Lexus Shoots for the Moon With a V-8 Hybrid

Introduced on Wednesday: 2008 Lexus LS600hL long-wheelbase hybrid sedan


Is It Real? Yes. So real, in fact, that Mercedes-Benz and BMW executives were seen running from the press conference to convene strategy meetings.

What's the Point? No other manufacturer offers anything like this car, with a V-8 engine and a hybrid power train. And a safety system with a camera that watches the driver’s head. And a 19-speaker 450-watt sound system.

The Company Line: Bob Carter, group vice-president and general manager of Lexus, said the LS600hL is “simply the most advanced gas-electric hybrid system ever developed” and that the car is “the most technologically advanced automobile in the world.”

The View From Here: In one fell swoop, Lexus raised the luxury-car standard several very significant notches above the competition. Is this too much technology in a single car? Time and warranty costs will tell.

What Makes It Tick? Powered by a new 5.0-liter V-8 engine, a new continuously variable automatic transmission, new and larger electric motors and all-wheel drive. The combined gasoline and electric power sources total 430 horsepower.

How Much, How Soon? The LS600hL will be on the market in April, 2007, as a 2008 model, at a price in the neighborhood of $125,000, similar to the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 760iL.

How's It Look? Well, it sure does look like all the other Lexi out there in the showrooms, only longer and shinier. And way more expensive.


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