Lexus LS650HL: V8, V12 or hybrid motors?

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.

Homer008 - 3/25/2008 11:12:12 PM

-2 Boost

GoObanana has a good point. You can't deny the truth when its on smack front of your face exception of few knockleheads.

Designer1 - 3/26/2008 12:54:57 AM

-1 Boost

SpellChecker001, these monkeys at Toyota are those that made Toyota be the biggest and most successful car company in the "FRIGGIN" world.

So next time, maybe run spell check on your comments before publishing them.
:-)

lexusis350 - 3/26/2008 1:50:59 AM

+1 Boost

Spellchecker001-

Heritage has little to do with how good a car is. Take Jaguar for example. They have been around far longer than Lexus and Ford, FORD!, brought up their engine quality. Heritage means more experience, not better cars.

silver1 - 3/26/2008 9:16:40 AM

+4 Boost

"JesusChrist"

Any car Lexus makes is never a waste of time. It will sell sell sell....And all of you know it....

I think you guys are scared....

Dutchman - 3/26/2008 12:09:45 PM

-4 Boost

Spellchecker you are the best....and remember LExUS.

"Luxury Export United States" only foolsih americans will pay $15,000 for a LX 570 (12 mpg city)when they can get the identical new Toyota Land Cruiser! No hybrid mention for that Toyota.

audirevolution - 3/26/2008 5:23:12 PM

-3 Boost

Oh please. Even Mercedes, BMW, and Audi can not compete with Rolls Royce and Bentley. And these companies have way more prestige than Lexus.
Saying Lexus can compete with Bentley and Rolls is like saying VW competes with Mercedes. We all know how well the Phaeton sold...

silver1 - 3/28/2008 5:19:54 AM

+2 Boost

"audirevolution"

You must forgot who has all the money..."Lexus"

Hyundai - 3/25/2008 11:15:16 PM

+4 Boost

There is no such thing as an L650hL and there will NEVER be.

This "article" is some kind of wet dream from the year 2002.

Homer008 - 3/25/2008 10:49:30 PM

-4 Boost

LOL, anytime bud.

Monk - 3/25/2008 10:09:16 PM

+2 Boost

Hybrid = good fuel-saving method like diesel
having a V12 defeats the purpose of being a hybrid

EL34 - 3/25/2008 10:19:17 PM

+5 Boost

EL34 does in fact wear a chastity belt and owns an Easy Bake Oven :Flamin Mad

But I will nver own a Lexus :-D

BTW, whatever happend to Will :-?

Homer008 - 3/25/2008 10:55:04 PM

-4 Boost

I knew it.

good.

Will, are you still here?

LOL

EL34 - 3/25/2008 11:17:38 PM

+2 Boost

GoObama08, you're so anti-American :-(

nicehomer, what did you do with Will?

Homer008 - 3/25/2008 10:59:56 PM

-4 Boost

You are correct! (save for the EL34 part)

M35MT - 3/26/2008 7:53:06 AM

+4 Boost

EL34 wears a chastity belt.

M35MT - 3/26/2008 7:54:31 AM

0 Boost

...the only the thing of reason I got from this article, otherwise its pure lunacy.

Htay7500 - 3/26/2008 10:15:54 AM

0 Boost

next...

LACMAN - 3/26/2008 10:42:01 AM

0 Boost

Ditto...

StickShiftCamry - 3/26/2008 11:56:37 AM

+2 Boost

LOL Speller said ppl who buy Bentley and Rolls are better informed. They just have the cash to buy the most expensive, and nothing else will do. Whats w/ the "gussied" up Toyota, some ppl put Toyota badges on their Lex anyway. I'd rather it be Toyota than the Lexus name. Just something about RWD Toyotas.

Dutchman - 3/26/2008 12:10:29 PM

-2 Boost

"Luxury Export United States" only foolsih americans will pay $15,000 for a LX 570 (12 mpg city)when they can get the identical new Toyota Land Cruiser! No hybrid mention for that Toyota.

spruce_rd - 3/27/2008 7:02:05 PM

0 Boost

Goobama08 should be changed to -> Goobamatohell (with his pastor)
I'm a democrat,
but obama = total ineptitude
BTW, about cars, in general:
buy whatever you can afford!