Sunday, July 8, 2007

Lexus LS 600hL - COTY Contender


It reaches up to 140 mph, possesses a V8 engine, churns out over 430 hp (from electric and gas-powered motors combined), and hits 60 mph in approximately 5.5 seconds. And its... a hybrid?

That's right. Lexus' luxurious beast, a long base, hybrid edition is not only it's largest car model, but one of it's most powerful. Remarkably, the 8 cylinder hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain puts out power approximately on par with the 12 cylinder Mercedes, BMW, and Audi models, and in most cases for less money as well. Technology is abound in this car, and not just in the powertrain: the LS 600hL features an Advanced Parking Guidance System, a feature that parallel parks for you at the touch of a button, making this the perfect cars for city-dwellers. Apparently, Lexus agrees too, as they introduced the vehicle in New York City, the nightmare of parallel-parkers everywhere.

Fuel savings, whether substantial or not, are not the biggest allure of the hybrid. The reward of the hybrid is that emissions are at least 70% lower than any other car in it's class, earning this beaut the official SULEV rating - Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle.

The interior is undeniably indulgent, offering (optional) heated and cooled reclining rear seats, a "cool box" (read mini fridge),
electric sunshades, rear seat audio controls, and every other luxurious feature Lexus engineers could think up.

This car packs a lot of prestige, power, and panache in a package that's relatively light on the emissions. That earns our respect, and unsurprisingly, our nomination for Car of the Year. So if you're a fan of this benign beast, remember to consider your vote for the Lexus LS600 hL for Car of the Year. Voting will be held near the end of the year.


Photos courtesy of Lexus


AddThis Social Bookmark Button

No comments:

Welcome!

Welcome to Reporting Luxury We hope you enjoy.