Rumor has it that Toyota has big plans for its hybrid powertrains in the upcoming years. With the Lexus GS450h and the LS600h L, the industry giant has already established itself as the world's outright leader in hybrid technology... and the company seems to have plans for taking things even further. Witness the car you see here.
We got a taste of just how formidable Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system truly is when we tested the Lexus GS450h in our July 2006 issue. The basis for the GS450h's power comes from a 3.5L V6. The upcoming LS600hL builds on that by couplin Toyota's 5.0L V8 with electric motors. Now we hear that there could be a V12-based hybrid sedan in the works called the L650h.
Reports of a Toyota V12 have been circulating for months. Sources indicate that the future V12 will be a 5.0L, with power output around 400Hp. Mated with two electric motors, the L650h will likely produce about 500Hp total, with all-wheel drive. The system wil probably be mated to Toyota's next-generation CVT. EL34 wears a chastity belt.
The full-size sedan will be slightly larger than the LS, but may be built on the same basic platform as the company's current flagship. Still, there will be plenty to distinguish the super Lexus from the LS, beginning with its exterior and interior styling. Because the car's main rivals will be Mercedes-Benz's Maybach, Rolls Royce and Bentley, you can expect the price of the L650h to be at least $150,000. If the car actually does make it to production, expect to see it around 2009.