Press Release
On display:
• LS 460: World leading safety features disclosed at European debut
• GS 450h: Hybrid sets new standards for responsible high performance: over 340 DIN hp − 7.9 l/100km − 186 g/km CO2
• RX 350: New 3.5-litre high performance petrol engine for the Lexus SUV
LS 460 – European Premiere
Arriving at European retailers towards the end of 2006, the fourth generation of the marque’s flagship, the Lexus LS 460, is featuring an all-new 4.6 litre engine generating around 279kW/380DIN hp. In addition to power, the LS offers one of the most economical petrol V8 on the market, returning 10.8 l/100km in the combined cycle (preliminary figures). For quick yet smooth acceleration, the V8 is mated to the world’s first 8-speed automatic transmission, fully exploiting the car’s performance potential.
Premiering at the Geneva Motor show with several world and segment firsts in the area of safety, the all-new LS 460 sets new standards in the protection of both occupants and pedestrians. Further details will be disclosed during the on-stand press conference.
GS 450h – The World’s first hybrid luxury sedan
The high-performance model of the GS range, the Lexus GS 450h is the world’s first hybrid luxury sedan, and the first full hybrid vehicle to combine front engine mounting with the rear wheel drive essential to sport driving dynamics.
On sale throughout Europe from early summer 2006, the GS 450h features a 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine coupled to a high-output, permanent magnet electric motor. Combined power output is in excess of 250 kW/340 DIN hp
accelerating the new GS 450h seamlessly from 0-100kph in less than 6.0 seconds.
The new powertrain equips the GS 450h with performance characteristics equivalent to conventional 4.5 litre V8 engined models with fuel consumption on a par with that of a 4-cylinder 2.0 litre engined vehicle.
Proving to be substantially more frugal than comparable sports sedans, the GS 450h is returning 7.9l/100km in the combined cycle; moreover, the new Lexus returns CO2 emissions of just 186g/km, markedly less than rival, premium sector sedans with similar engine power.
RX 350 – European Premiere
On sale throughout Europe in April 2006, the Lexus RX 350 further refines driving pleasure through the class-leading performance of a new 3.5 litre V6 petrol powerplant. Equipped with an ultra-smooth, 5-speed automatic
transmission, this outstanding powertrain offers increased power and torque of 203 kW/276 DIN hp at 6,200 rpm and 342 Nm at 4,700rpm whilst reducing fuel consumption by some 8% over the previous RX 300.
Enhanced Noise Vibration and Harshness measures result in even further reduction in noise levels at all vehicle speeds, whilst the new luxury SUV also features a new Mark Levinson Premium audio system, as well as a new, high definition and fast response Lexus Navigation System.
The Lexus press conference will take place on Tuesday, the 28th of February at 14.30, Hall 4.
