Lexus LS 600hL: the World's first V-8 All-Wheel-Drive Hybrid

Lexus, the luxury car division of Toyota Motor Corp., presents the Lexus LS 600hL as the world’s first V8 all-wheel-drive hybrid. It is also the Lexus that is capable of parking itself, apart from having the performance comparable to a sport sedan.

Powered with a 5 L V8 hybrid that provides 290kW/520Nm of torque, the Lexus LS 600hL is capable of running 0 to 100 km in 6.3 seconds. And it only consumes as little as 9.3 liters of 95 RON petrol for every 100 km.

The 2.4 tonne kerb weight leaves a fairly petite carbon footprint of 219 grams per kilometer, as the weight is being clawed through a tight bend with surety via a Torsen all-paw system.

The LS 600hL has the first application of LED low-bean headlights. But, what is more thrilling is the Intelligent Park Assist (IPA) system sustained. The technology makes use of a rear camera and ultrasonic sensors in identifying a parking space and calculates the correct steering angle to guide the vehicle without curbing the 19 inches rims or perhaps bending fenders. And, the driver’s involvement only comes from putting pressure on the gas pedal.

Aside from the intuitive park assist, the LS 600hL is also equipped with an advanced pre-collision system that readies the car for an unavoidable accident. It also has antilock breaks, vehicle stability control and traction control to provide assurance of safety to drivers in the event of an accident.

The LS 600hL also features push button control on side and rear window blinds, and automatic controls on body heat sensor.

According to Jesse Munoz, technical instructor for Toyota, Lexus and Scion AK, the LS 600hL is compared to other cars like talking about apples and oranges. He said that the new Lexus brought the luxury car to the next level, significant observed from a personal entertainment standpoint. He pointed out the Mark Levinson Reference Surround hi-fi sound system, multi-display 9 inches LCD flip-down screen and 450-watt 19-speaker audio system. To provide private audio playback, there are also high quality wireless headphones. He said, “… it’s also got a rear ottoman seat with shiatsu massage – it’s something you just got to experience to believe. It’s just amazing.” With the impressive 16-way power-adjustable heated/cooled ventilated seat, all occupants are sure to breathe purified air, arriving with a touch of the interactive screen that also serves the voice-activated navigation system.

Overall, the Lexus LS 600hL hybrid is another technology-packed luxury car with enhanced performance in significant aspects, not just for being equipped with premium Lexus oxygen sensor, but well-innovated auto parts to optimize quality and precision.

Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.