HighestOfHigh

Hybrid vs. 12 cylinders

As well all know the Lexus LS600h is causing a lot of buzz in the Auto industry. Lexus has said that it will be able to compete with the German V12s. Given the fact that this vehicle is around 100k plus, will it be enough to take buyers from the S600, 760 and A8 W12?

Will the hybrid technology developed by Toyota persuade V12 buyers to rethink the German options? Considering most V12 buyers could probably care less how much gas their car consumes, is Lexus up to par with the Germans capability?

Will the Lexus Destroy the Germans 12 cylinder market considering the cost of gas? Have they really 1 upped the Germans?


Lexus LS hybrid arriving in June
Base price is $104,750


AutoWeek | Updated: 04/06/07, 8:00 pm et
AutoWeek's sister publication, Automotive News reported this evening that a hybrid version of the Lexus LS sedan is ready for the market and base priced at $104,750. The car is slated to go on sale in June 2007.

The Lexus LS 600h L will combine a V-8 engine with a continuously variable transmission and electric motor. According to the Automotive News report, Lexus stated that the powertrain will be rated at more than 430 hp.


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RICHBOY

As you already said, this segment could careless about gas mileage.

Merc1

It might be a true alternative to the 760Li and A8L W12, but it won't match the performance of the S600. The car will sell though, especially in the U.S., but it won't match the class leading S600 on the road.

M

Raj

It will sell well in London due to being CC exempt!

Bruce

It will be interesting to see how the LS600h sells, because no vehicle from Toyota before it has been that expensive. That's obviously not cheap, mind you, it's still cheaper than the alternatives.

I'm not sure how the performance of the LS600h will stand up to the 760i and A8 W12. Note that the standard LS was already heavier than the BMW and the Audi, but perhaps because it remains with just 8 cylinders it has a slight weight advantage. Can't count on it too much though - Toyota's have always weighed as much as barges (with the exception of a few - 1988 MR2, etc)

S600: I agree with Marcus who said it won't match the S600 in terms of performance.

Mr. M

I don't care for performance as long as V12s in supersaloons are in question - what I go for is in refinement and low noise levels. I think both would be satisfied very well with the hybrid V12 in the Lexus - and not the least because it doesn't have any turbos to contend with. I remember my test drive of the Flying Spur, when I was at the back seat the turbos spooling are really loud and is quite irritating.

I do believe the V12 Lexus would be a hit, and it has the credentials to go with it. I'd certainly consider one - have you seen gas prices lately? Who says people who buy these cars don't bother... Rich people can be greenies too, you know. And not all the rich are spendthrifts - in fact, the richest people are the ones who save the most.

RICHBOY

No one said that rich people are spendthrifts. My point being what you see as a costly exspense isn't the same for wealthier individuals imo. With that said their are alway's exceptions to everything.

Mr. M

Well, I do remember some talk about S-Class owners not caring about cost of options... Does that qualify as a statement to justify what I said?

Yes, you're right, there are exceptions of course.

RICHBOY

It should to the people who posed opposition to you, Let's not forget that their is a huge price differents between these vehicles base models and the models listed in this thread. The people who own a A8 4.2 usually aren't the same kind of people who own a A8L 12W.

Mr. M

You're absolutely spot-on.. The demographics of V12 buyers are completely different.