Hybrid Car Review

The Lexus LS 600h L sedan has a slightly different look and a brand new telematics system for 2010. While not exactly a fuel miser, the LS 600h L does use all wheel drive hybrid drivetrain combined with a v8 gas engine to up its fuel efficiency to 21 mpg (combined). The LS is rated as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle II (SULEV II) certification, emitting nearly 70-percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car.

For 2010, the front grille and bumper have been revised. The rear of the vehicle has been enhanced with blue tinted taillamps and a license plate with surround and exhaust diffusers.

The side mirrors have integrated turn signals and the trunk space has increased by two cubic feet. New Intelligent High Beams adjust their lighting in response to oncoming vehicles.

The drives seat now has a standard slide-away feature that makes ingress/egress more comfortable. The front passenger gets his/her own passenger memory system. The LCD instrument cluster is all new. And the Lexus Navigation system employs new casual language recognition; Bluetooth® phonebook capability and new music playing capability with USB/iPod® connectivity and Bluetooth audio streaming.

And the aforementioned all new Lexus Enform™ with Safety Connect™ telematics system is available with a complimentary one-year trial subscription.

Keep reading for more details on the interior and exterior features of the 2010 Lexus LS 600h L as written in the press release.

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance
The LS 600h L hybrid powertrain system uniquely combines a 5.0-liter V8 gasoline engine with two powerful electric motors and a large-capacity battery pack. The hybrid powertrain generates a peak combined output rating of 438 horsepower and can effortlessly accelerate the LS 600h L from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. Mid-range acceleration is even more impressive. The system's electric motor is capable of delivering maximum torque on demand and is most beneficial during passing maneuvers. The LS 600h L can accelerate from 50-70 mph in just 3.5 seconds.

The innovative V8 features an electric motor-driven Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and Electrically controlled intake cam (VVT-iE). The combination of VVT-iE and oil pressure-controlled VVT-i for the exhaust cam provides superior engine-startup operation and high-output performance. A specially developed Hydrocarbon Absorber and Catalyst System is linked to the two-way exhaust to help prevent hydrocarbons contained in the exhaust from being released into the atmosphere during cold start up when the catalysts are not up to temperature.

The LS 600h L meets the Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle II (SULEV II) certification, emitting nearly 70-percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car.

The super-low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels in the LS 600h L make it one of the quietest automobiles ever built. The LS 600h L is a full hybrid, capable of operating in electric-only mode or with a combination of the gas engine and electric motor. Lexus hybrid technology allows electric-mode-only operation when certain conditions are met at low speeds or stop-and-go driving conditions, reducing fuel consumption and noise.

A compact 288-volt DC Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack is installed behind the rear seat. The battery's power is directed through a boost converter that efficiently raises voltage to a maximum 650V DC. An inverter changes this to AC, providing its elevated power to a 165-kW electric motor that turns at up to 10,240 rpm. The trunk also contains a 12-volt auxiliary battery that powers the audio, navigation, and other systems.

The LS 600h L powertrain uses two motor generators: MG1 and MG2. Each performs specific functions and can operate as either a motor or a generator, although MG1 is used as a starter motor and provides no motive force. The engine-driven generator, MG1, can charge the battery pack or provide additional power to the drive motor, MG2, as needed.

A regenerative-braking system further boosts efficiency. When the vehicle is coasting or the brakes are applied, the electric motors function as generators, capturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat through the brakes and transforming it into useable electricity to recharge the batteries.

A state-of-the-art, full-time all-wheel drive system adapts to road surface conditions to help provide excellent vehicle control during acceleration, high-speed driving and cornering. The AWD system employs a compact, ultra-quiet transfer case equipped with a TORSEN® limited-slip differential (LSD) that is 30 percent lighter in size and weight than previous TORSEN systems.

The LSD provides rear biased torque distribution of 40:60 during normal straight-line driving, automatically and continually adjusting power distribution according to changing speed and road conditions.

An eight-speed sequential braking mode, activated when the shift lever is in the “S” position, allows eight different stages of response. When up-shifting, engine speed is controlled by the selected range, offering an exhilarating boost in acceleration during each of the eight “shift” stages. When downshifting, brake-force increases to provide powerful deceleration.

The driver can select "hybrid" (normal), "power," or "snow" modes to change the rate of throttle opening for a given throttle-pedal angle. The "hybrid" mode provides the smoothest operation and is ideal for city or suburban driving; "power" sharpens accelerator pedal response and "snow" mode softens accelerator pedal response, making it easier to accelerate on slippery road surfaces. By pushing an EV switch, power reverts to full electric mode for short-distance, low-speed driving situations such as residential areas or parking garages.

Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes
Multi-link front and rear air-suspension systems help maintain superb vehicle posture and driving performance while maintaining the ultra-comfortable ride that is synonymous with all Lexus vehicles.

The LS 600h L is equipped with large front- and rear-ventilated disc brakes and standard 19-inch, seven-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with all-season tires. These special wheels receive extensive buffing.

Electronic Power Steering (EPS) delivers a smooth steering feel and reduces parasitic losses. Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) optimizes the steering gear ratio according to vehicle speed, enhancing responsiveness and driver control.

Networked with the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, VGRS can make minor adjustments to the front-wheel angle to help provide improved stability in challenging road conditions.

Safety/Security Features
The VDIM stability system incorporates and manages all of the car’s dynamic handling sub-systems, including: Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB) system, EPS, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and engine torque via the electronically controlled throttle. Monitoring a variety of sensors, the system anticipates the onset of a vehicle skid or slide while cornering, and helps correct the situation with a combination of braking, throttle and steering control in a way that is essentially transparent to the driver. VSC can be turned off for particular circumstances via the Trac Off button.

In addition to the active safety features, the LS 600h L is standard-equipped with eight airbags, with a maximum of 11 airbags available through option packages. The world’s first low-beam LED headlamps provide superior road illumination, and the standard Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) helps to illuminate a turn or curve as the driver steers into it.

The available Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS) was the world's first system designed to help detect pedestrians in the vehicle's path when it debuted on the 2009 Pebble Beach® Edition LS 600h L. This system is now available for the 2010 LS 600h L (and the LS 460 models) with Lane Keep Assist. Using two small cameras mounted at the front of the car that work in conjunction with millimeter-wave radar, APCS is sensitive enough to detect certain nonmetallic objects.

As part of APCS, the LS also offers the Driver Monitor System, which was another world first. A third camera, mounted on the steering column, monitors the orientation of the driver's face.

If the camera detects that it appears the driver is not looking directly ahead for a few seconds or more, and if an obstacle is detected ahead, then it alerts the driver, first with a warning chime and a flashing light. As the car gets closer to the obstacle, APCS can begin to gently apply the brakes on its own.

To help assist the driver in maneuvering around the obstacle, the system reprograms the steering ratio, amplifying the intensity and quickness of the steering response. At the same time, APCS automatically retracts the front seatbelts and prepares the brake system to respond with full force when activated by the driver in anticipation of a possible impact.

Luxury/Comfort/Convenience
The LS 600h L is based on the long-wheelbase LS chassis, providing nearly five inches more legroom than the standard LS 460 model. This flagship sedan provides the highest level of comfort and convenience features in the LS series. Standard features include a hard disk drive (HDD) Lexus Navigation system with a backup camera, Bluetooth technology, Voice Command casual language voice-recognition system, plus an integrated XM® Satellite Radio receiver.

For theater-level entertainment, the LS 600h L features a standard 19-speaker 450-watt Mark Levinson® Reference Surround Sound audio system. An auxiliary jack located in the front center console allows for MP3 digital music players while a USB port allows for iPod connectivity.

Additional standard features include climate-controlled front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, power rear sunshade, one-touch open/close power trunk, power door closers, headlamp washers, SmartAccess with push-button start and card key, electronic parking brake, Intuitive Park Assist, and laminated side glass.

New standard features for 2010 include the Cold Weather Package, which includes a windshield de-icer, upgraded battery and more efficient heater, and the Advanced Parking Guidance System (APGS). APGS is designed to assist with parallel and back-in parking. Once the driver has correctly positioned the car and identified the desired parking spot via the navigation screen, APGS utilizes the rear back-up camera parking sonar sensors and electric power steering system to guide the car into the space, while the driver controls speed via braking.

Luxury Options
The Premium Package II includes two new additions for 2010, butterfly rear headrests and left rear seat with lumbar massage. The package also features rear climate controlled power seats with memory and power headrests, rear seat-mounted side airbags, a rear heater control panel, four-zone climate control, rear audio controls, additional wood trim, rear air purifier, rear headliner and side air ducts, power rear-door sunshades, and a rear seat entertainment system equipped with a power ceiling-mounted nine-inch screen for DVD viewing.

The Executive Class Seating Package II includes all features in the Premium Package II and adds a power right rear seat with ottoman. The seat reclines up to 45 degrees with an upper-back recliner featuring a 17-degree angle adjustment. A multi-function massage feature for the right-rear seat recliner can be used separately or in conjunction with the seat heater and cooler.

The package also includes a rear-seat wood-trimmed table, and the rear-seat entertainment system features a rear DVD player and wireless headphones. The rear climate control is upgraded with an infrared sensor located in the headliner that measures lap, upper body and seat surface temperatures on each side and adjusts airflow accordingly.

Exterior Design
The LS 600h L flagship hybrid luxury sedan showcases the brand’s L-finesse design philosophy, revealing a family resemblance that conveys elegance, refinement and a strong emotional appeal. Minimal body gaps, a low front grille and deep-drawn fenders all contribute to the car's distinctive, muscular profile. Lexus’ attention to detail is seen in the integrated dual chrome exhaust tips and the one-piece chrome window surround.

Projector-type headlamps with blue crystal rings, which introduced the world's first nighttime LED low beams, provide excellent visibility and contribute to the design theme. Blue accents on the headlamps, badging, engine cover and the SmartAccess key fobs and Smart Card key are unique to the LS 600h L – as are the blue-tinted taillamps added for 2010.

Interior Design
Passenger space and comfort were the primary focus of the interior cabin design. Genuine semi-aniline leather is featured throughout the cabin, its rich appearance softened and structured with additional stitching to create a relaxed atmosphere. The leather trim extends beyond the seats and onto the instrument panel, upper front doors and door armrests.

An Alcantara® headliner adds a pleasing touch point, and the center console is placed at the same height as the door armrests to enhance comfort and convenience. Additional luxury touches unique to the LS 600h L include a wood-trimmed and chrome-plated shift knob and wood-trimmed assist grips.
Lexus Enform™ with Safety Connect™

The Lexus LS 600h L offers an all-new telematics system, Lexus Enform™ with Safety Connect™, available by subscription. Complimentary one-year trial subscriptions are included on all purchases of new Lexus vehicles equipped with these features. Both the Lexus Enform and the Safety Connect response center operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—every day of the year.

Safety Connect, the cornerstone of the services, is standard on LS 600h L and offers four safety and security features: Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), and Enhanced Roadside Assistance, which adds GPS data to the already included warranty-based Lexus roadside service.

Lexus Enform includes all of the Safety Connect features and builds upon them with the premium services of Destination Assist and eDestination. Destination Assist agents are available via the on-board cellular equipment and can help drivers find a specific address, a business by name, or a type of business (e.g., gas station, movie theater, etc.), and even Zagat®-rated restaurants, and then send the coordinates to the navigation system for routing. With eDestination, drivers can go online via LexusDrivers.com to save and sort destinations in up to 20 folders, each holding as many as 10 destinations. Then drivers can send the locations—up to 200 at a time—to their vehicle, where they will be available for download into the navigation system. Online, drivers can create personalized location names (e.g., “Favorite sushi,” “1 PM Appt,” “Kids’ doc,” etc.) and even list notes about their saved locations, all helping them see exactly the information they choose in the vehicle.

Lexus Insider™, a complimentary, opt-in service is also available without a subscription on all Lexus Enform-equipped vehicles. This feature offers in-vehicle audio casts that provide owners access to useful vehicle tips and event information, and insights into exclusive owners' benefits – all designed to further enhance the Lexus experience.


XM – Beyond Radio
Lexus Enform vehicles are factory ready for subscriptions to a variety of innovative XM services. An Integrated XM® satellite radio receiver is standard. Additionally, Lexus Enform vehicles feature XM NavTraffic® and XM NavWeather™ services. XM NavTraffic informs the driver of current traffic conditions with real-time traffic displays. When traffic problems are detected the navigation system alerts the driver so that the route can be adjusted. XM NavWeather provides near real-time weather conditions as well as spoken and nav-screen forecasts, both based on official National Weather Service data.

Lexus Enform also provides the platform for XM® Sports and Stocks, which features in-vehicle updates on sports and stocks so drivers can stay connected to their favorite teams and investment data while on the road. XM Sports provides game results and schedules for up to five personally selected national league sports teams while XM Stocks supplies data for up to 10 personally selected stocks. After inputting their selections, drivers can access the reports either by the navigation system, or by using the voice command system, adding a new level of flexibility.

XM services require separate XM subscriptions. The XM Sports and Stocks service is included with an XM® radio subscription. All XM services offer complimentary 90-day trial subscriptions.

Warranty
All new Lexus vehicles come with a 48-month/50,000-mile basic limited warranty with roadside assistance for 48 months/unlimited miles. Powertrain and restraint system coverage is provided for 72 months/70,000 miles. Corrosion perforation protection is covered for 72 months, regardless of mileage. The hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for eight years/100,000 miles.