Lexus Unveils Next Generation LS430
Motoring Channel Staff- 27/10/2005
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Lexus LF-Sh Concept
The LF-Sh design gives a clear indication as
to the look of the next-gen LS430, and it's a
solid design, if somewhat lacking in originality
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Adhering to its concept car naming regimen, Lexus has unveiled
the LF-Sh, a vehicle that would take pride of place at the
top of the Lexus line-up as a luxury hybrid flagship.
Launched at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show in front of hundreds
of eager industry insiders and journalists, the LF-Sh is the
fifth Lexus concept car that has been conceived under its
L-finesse styling program.
According to Lexus, the vehicle gives strong styling clues
to the next-generation Lexus flagship, LS430 (reviewed right
here).
The LF-Sh was revealed alongside the stunning Lexus LF-A,
a V10-powered supercar concept and the world's first rear-drive
luxury hybrid vehicle, the GS450h sedan.
Using a combination of electric and petrol motors - like
the headline LF-Sh - the GS450h combines the performance of
a 3.5-litre Quad Cam V6 petrol engine and a permanent-magnet
electric motor that Lexus says produces roughly 225kW of power,
with an estimated 0-100km/h acceleration time of less than
6.0 seconds.
Lexus has also revealed that the new hybrid GS450h will be
launched in Australia early 2006, beating both Mercedes and
BMW to the punch in terms of hybrid luxury cars, while the
LF-Sh continues Lexus' commitment to high-performance hybrid
vehicles.
The LF-Sh concept is an all-wheel-drive vehicle, giving the
car high levels of grip in all types of weather, and is powered
by a V8 engine as well as hybrid electric motors.
"Performance, styling and advanced technology were core
themes of the Lexus reveals at the Tokyo Motor Show,"
Lexus Australia divisional manager Scott Grant said. "Lexus
plans to lead the way in introducing high-performance hybrid
technology to the market."
Alongside the two hybrid vehicles, Lexus also showed the
LF-A concept, which first saw the light of day at the 2005
Detroit Motor Show in January. Having borne the brunt of criticism
for its blocky styling in States, the concept car is now doing
the rounds in Japan, where it's expected to be received with
more praise.
Toyota, the parent company of Lexus, wants to draw more attention
to its Formula One exploits, and both Lexus and Toyota are
considering this concept as a benchmark for a V10-powered
super sports coupe. It has recently been spotted testing at
the Nürburgring, which substantially increases the prospect
of the LF-A reaching production.
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The Lexus LF-A Concept is looking more and
more likely to reach production in 2006-2007
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The LF-A has been fitted with a 40-valve V10 engine outputting
500 horsepower, or about 373kW of power and Lexus is the first
to admit that the LF-A is based on the corporation's developing
Formula One technology.
It says the sleek two-seater concept blends the performance
of an exotic sports car with the luxury refinements of a Lexus,
also mentioning that at 1220mm, it is almost identical in
height to the Ferrari F430.
It measures 4400mm in length and has a 1860mm width, and
rides on large 19-inch alloy wheels (tyres: 245/40 R19 fronts,
285/35 R19 rears).
"The LF-A concept expresses how we would design a premium
sports car to compete with the best on offer," Scott
Grant said, hinting that the new sports car would rival the
best exotic cars from Italy, Germany and Britain.
"We are hopeful it will be built as a production model,
and that we would be able to make it available in Australia,"
concluded Scott Grant.
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