Lexus Planning A Fuel Cell Version Of The LS By 2017?

Since Toyota launched the world’s first hybrid car – the Prius – in 1997, the brand has developed its hybrid line-up to the extent that virtually every model has a petrol-electric option.

Notwithstanding the fact the Japanese giant remains a long way from fulfilling its promise of offering a hybrid version of every model in its range by 2020, the company is moving into fuel-cells.

Having just released the Mirai, the world’s first production hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV), in Japan -- with US and European sales to follow by next October -- Toyota now plans to phase in fuel-cell powered versions of other model – including the flagship of its Lexus luxury brand, the LS limousine.

MDarringer - 12/28/2014 1:43:47 PM

+1 Boost

A fuel cell version makes ZERO sense. Recasting the next LS as a coupesedan like the Tesla S and offering it with a gas/plug-in electric power train like the Volt and then a pure EV version would be the way to make the LS relevant again.

Tesla is ZERO threat to BMW and Mercedes, but the Tesla S is a threat to the Lexus LS and Toyota needs tocrush them.