Lexus Launches LS600h and LS600hL in Japan

TOKYO, May 17, 2007 ― Lexus started sales in Japan today of the LS600h and LS600hL¹ hybrid sedans, which form the pinnacle of the Lexus brand.


The new LS600h and LS600hL models, products designed as the ultimate embodiment of the principles of the Lexus brand, combine the outstanding basic performance and advanced environmental performance required of a next-generation premium vehicle, setting them beyond the parameters of the conventional luxury vehicle.

The LS600h and LS600hL feature the world's first² hybrid system combining a 5.0-liter V8 engine, a high-output motor and a full-time all-wheel-drive system.  These two flagship vehicles represent a new standard in the world of luxury vehicles: dynamic acceleration on par with that of a 6-liter vehicle³ ; stable cruising across all speed ranges; and reduced gasoline consumption and lower CO2 emissions, realized by optimal engine and motor control and energy recovery based on four-wheel regenerative braking during deceleration.

1. With "h" standing for "hybrid," "600h" refers to a hybrid vehicle with performance on a par with that of a 6-liter conventional vehicle.  "L" stands for "long wheelbase."
2. As of April 2007, according to a TMC survey
3. Comparison based on TMC measurements

Note: Products described in this and in any attached materials are for the Japanese market only.


Japan Sales Outline

1. Sales Outlets


2. Monthly Sales Target


3. Dealer Launch Events



Assembly Plant

Tahara Plant, Toyota Motor Corporation

* Excluding recycling fees; 23,100 yen higher in Hokkaido


Vehicle Outline

1. Outstanding Driving and Environmental Performance

The newly developed 5.0-liter V8 gasoline engine and the high-output motor allow the vehicles to achieve acceleration on par with that of a conventional 6-liter vehicle and outstanding environmental performance that places them at the top of their class* worldwide. Additionally, regenerative braking based on the hybrid transmission boosts energy recovery efficiency and keeps gasoline consumption down, contributing to a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions.

• The new vehicles feature the D-4S (direct injection four-stroke gasoline engine, superior version) engine, which has a dual-injector system that combines direct fuel injection with port fuel injection. Advanced technologies, including an electric motor-driven VVT-iE Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Electric installed on the intake side of the Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent), maximize the performance of this V8 engine.
• The newly developed high-output motor of the hybrid transmission is coupled with a two-stage motor speed reduction device and operates across a wide band of speeds from low to high within the motor’s efficient range.  When starting and accelerating at low speeds, the low gear is used to provide strong acceleration; at medium and high speeds, the high gear is used for high-speed cruising.
• Combining the advantages of engine and motor produces both outstanding driving performance and excellent environmental performance.
• The vehicles are fitted with four-wheel regenerative braking that converts the kinetic energy released during deceleration and braking to electricity and stores it in the battery for later use.  Coordinated control of front and rear wheels' regenerative braking and hydraulic braking raises energy recovery efficiency and cuts gasoline consumption to realize a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions.  This coordinated control also delivers more reliable braking power and a natural braking feel.
• The power control unit adopts a newly configured cooling mechanism to cool its power semiconductor module, which converts direct current to alternating current and vice versa.  This mechanism is designed to cool both sides of the module surface to increase cooling performance and realize more compact dimensions and higher output density of the control unit.
• The hybrid system battery enjoys enhanced cooling performance through cooling control based on cabin air and cool air from the rear air conditioner.  Compact and with high density, it is accommodated in the luggage space behind the rear seat.

^*Compared to vehicles of similar engine displacement


2. A New Dimension in High Vehicle Performance

The combination of a smooth and highly responsive hybrid transmission with the full-time all-wheel drive efficiently transmits acceleration power on a par with that of a 6-liter engine through all four wheels to the road surface, delivering stable cruising performance in all road conditions.

• A hybrid system combining a newly developed 5.0-liter V8 gasoline engine with a high-output motor provides high responsiveness, smoothness and acceleration on par with that of a conventional 6-liter vehicle, creating a clear distinction from conventional gasoline-engine vehicles.
  
  Acceleration during passing: 40-70km/h in 2.5 seconds (based on TMC measurements)
  Acceleration from start: 0-100km/h in 5.5 seconds (based on TMC measurements)
• The newly developed full-time all-wheel drive is equipped with a transfer device that distributes motive power to all four wheels.  The center differential built into the transfer unit is a newly developed Torsen^® LSD*, which automatically and instantaneously distributes optimum drive power according to road conditions to both the front and rear wheels.
• During normal cruising, the Torsen^® LSD distributes drive power to the front and rear based on a 40/60 split that favors the rear wheels, but can also instantaneously select a 50/50 or a 30/70 split in drive power distribution to match road conditions.  This allows outstanding cruising stability realized by the full-time all-wheel drive and produces natural handling characteristics without the feeling of understeer often experienced with all-wheel drive.  Additionally, the combination of full-time all-wheel drive with the VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) system delivers greater active safety performance and vehicle stability as well as smooth starting, acceleration, and cornering on all road surfaces.
• The Sequential Shiftmatic allows for selection of one of eight different levels of engine braking power depending on driving conditions, and offers greater responsiveness to pressure on the accelerator.  The Mode Select feature permits the driver to select from three driving modes ("Normal," "Power" and "Snow") according to preference and driving conditions.

^*"Torsen" is a registered trademark of JTEKT Corporation; Torsen LSD stands for "torque sensing limited slip differential".

^*Output that the system can achieve using the engine power and motor power (the motor power is dependent on battery power) (based on TMC calculations)


3. World's Top Level of Environmental Performance in its Class

• With the aim of reducing CO2 emissions, the new vehicles boast a fuel efficiency of 12.2km/l (in the 10-15 test cycle outlined by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport).  In addition, fuel efficiency is at least 20% better than the level called for by the Japanese 2010 standards*, which means that CO2 emissions are reduced to around half those of a conventional 6-liter vehicle, just 190.3g/km under the 10-15 test cycle.  Both NOx (nitrogen oxides) and NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbons) have been cut, achieving emissions levels 75% lower than the 2005 standards under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles.  The vehicles qualify for incentives under the Japanese government's Green Taxation System.
• Eco-VAS (Eco-Vehicle Assessment System)―Toyota's original environmental impact assessment system―was implemented to achieve the overall reduction of environmental impact throughout the vehicle's entire lifecycle.  Environmental targets were set in the vehicle development stage and a lifecycle assessment was carried out to achieve a reduction of substances of concern throughout all stages of the vehicle's life from production and use to disposal.
• In addition to using highly recyclable materials, greater attention has been paid to the environment by, among other means, reducing the use of substances of concern such as lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium, achieving the Japanese automobile industry's voluntary goals of eliminating the use of these substances.

^*Specified by the Japanese Law Concerning the Rational Use of Energy


4. Exceptionally Quiet Ride

In line with the idea of "action at the source", which is part of the essence of the LS series design, everything from the engine to the motor, hybrid transmission and transfer unit down to the wheels has been structurally reviewed to improve quietness.  When starting up and operating at low speeds or with a light load on the powertrain, the vehicle can be driven as an electric vehicle (EV), achieving unparalleled quietness.


5. Advanced Technologies to Enhance Vehicle Safety and Stability

Adopted in line with the Integrated Safety Management Concept*, the goal of which is to create in the future "a vehicle that does not cause accidents," is an advanced Pre-crash Safety System featuring a vehicle-front pedestrian detection system, collision-avoidance steering support and a safety function covering vehicles approaching from the rear (standard on LS600hL "separate rear seat package."  Optional on other models.)

• In addition to the impact-absorbing body and high-strength cabin, dual-stage SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags for driver and front passenger seat (SRS twin-chamber airbag for front passenger seat), SRS knee airbags for driver and front passenger seat, SRS side airbags for driver and front passenger seat, and SRS curtain shield airbags for both front and rear seats come as standard.
• New rear-seat SRS side airbags are standard on the LS600h "version U" and "version U-I package" and on all vehicles in the LS600hL series.
• LS600hL "separate rear seat package" vehicles are fitted with a rear-seat SRS seat cushion airbag as standard.  In the event of a frontal collision, an airbag in the seat cushion of the rear left-hand-side seat raises the front part of the cushion, reducing the forward motion of the occupant and combining with the seatbelt action to increase the protective effect on the occupant’s entire body.

^*A Toyota safety-related technology and vehicle development concept that aims to provide optimal driving support based on driving conditions, not only by integrating individual safety technologies and systems in the vehicle, but also by adopting an infrastructure-respondent system (road-to-vehicle) and using information obtained from vehicles other than the driver's (vehicle-to-vehicle), leading to the future realization of a vehicle that does not cause accidents.

The VDIM system, which integrates control of drive power, steering and braking to realize high vehicle stability and high active safety performance, appears in a newly developed version, representing a further evolution adapted to full-time all-wheel drive (standard on all vehicles in the two series).  Additionally, in vehicles fitted with electrically operated active stabilizers, the stabilizers are minutely controlled to respond to linear cruising, cornering and a range of other operating situations, which minimizes vehicle roll and allows stable cruising (standard on LS600h "version S" and "version S-I package").

For the front and rear multi-link suspension, an exclusive AWD-adapted front suspension was newly developed while the rear suspension underwent optimal tuning.  Combined with the electronically controlled air suspension system fitted with AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension), this provides superior handling and cruising stability and a smooth and even ride.


6. Superlative Hospitality and Craftsmanship

In the LS600hL with its long wheelbase, devoting all of the extra room afforded by the 120mm extension of the body to expansion of the rear seat space has created a relaxing cabin area. In addition, audiovisual equipment, independent temperature regulation through automatic air-conditioning, a rear-seat relaxation system and other features add up to a superlative level of hospitality full of thoughtful detail.

• The rear separate left-hand-side seat is equipped with a relaxation system that offers a vibrating function and pressure-point application function achieved by repeatedly passing air in and out of a total of eight pneumatic chambers, plus a leg rest for additional comfort (standard on LS600hL "separate rear seat package"
• Four-zone front and rear air conditioning allows independent automatic temperature control for all four occupants.  For rear seats, a matrix of newly adopted sensors detect temperature with the help of infrared rays makes possible sensitive regulation of the environment to ensure the comfort of the occupants (standard on LS600hL "separate rear seat package").

The instrument panel is covered, for the first time in a Japanese vehicle, with real leather.  Discerningly selected materials, skillfully shaped profiles and meticulous stitch-work are used to create a high quality piece of craftsmanship.  The ambience, tactile quality, and finish provide an all-round sensually pleasing experience for the occupants (standard on LS600h "version U-I package," and all vehicles in the LS600hL series).


7. Equipment and Designs Created Specifically for Lexus Hybrid Vehicles

A deep blue symbolizing the Lexus hybrid models adorns the emblems, logos, headlights, combination taillights and other parts, while the specially designed LED low-beam headlamps are among the other special features.

• The deep blue color is found throughout the vehicle, including the emblem on the front grille and the rear, and on the card key, the vehicle name logo on the rear, the side emblems, the entire immediate area surrounding the headlight lamps and lens rims, the combination taillights, and the ornamental logo on the engine cover.
• The low-beam headlights are made up of projector lamps in a three lamp configuration, the world's first* to use an LED light source, and small parabolic reflectors.
• A new Black Opal Mica has been selected as a body color to express the prestige of Lexus flagship models as well as the clean image and advanced nature of hybrid vehicles.
• The hybrid-vehicle exclusive interior color scheme is black and mellow white, a contrast that emphasizes the flowing lines from the instrument panel to the door and which projects at a glance the premium status of the interior space.
• A hybrid system status indicator displays fuel-efficient driving criteria.
• A thin film transistor (TFT) multi-information display located within the speedometer (in addition to being viewable on the navigation screen), includes an energy monitor for indicating the energy flow and an instantaneous fuel gauge, allowing the driver to constantly monitor driving status.
• New 19-inch 7-spoke aluminum wheels are available.
• Actual wood is used on assist-grips, the gear lever knob and the overhead console ornament.
• Automatic air-conditioning with an electrically operated inverter compressor not only ensures comfort by controlling temperature and humidity but also contributes to fuel efficiency and can be used even when the engine is switched off.

^*As of April 2007, according to a TMC survey