It has been announced that a production version of the new Lexus LS saloon will debut at next month's
New York Auto Show. Lexus unveiled the LS460 in
Detroit in January featuring a new 4.6-litre V8 coupled to the world's first eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The Toyota company is one of the leaders in the hybrid field with current hybrid versions of its US-market Camry as well as the RX SUV and GS saloon complementing the purpose-built Toyota Prius. Lexus hinted at a hybrid version of the LS at the
2005 Tokyo Motor Show with the LF-Sh concept car. As with the RX, it is thought that the LS will utilise the hybrid powertrain to reduce emissions and fuel consumption at low speeds while boosting performance of a smaller petrol engine when required.
Shane O' Donoghue - 31 Mar 2006