The 2009 Lexus LS 600h L: the ultimate advanced luxury hybrid sedan from every angle

(TORONTO) – It does not get better than this. Those seeking the world’s most advanced luxury motoring experience – combining awe-inspiring performance and technology with the calm of a personal sanctuary on wheels – can stop searching and immerse themselves in the 2009 Lexus LS600hL.

“Lexus engineers have not only built the finest hybrid in the world – but the finest automobile,” said Tony Wearing, Managing Director of Lexus in Canada. “With its unprecedented style, performance, advanced safety technology, and class-leading fuel efficiency and emissions performance, the LS600hL is as close to perfection as Lexus has ever come.”

The all-wheel-drive LS600hL ably delivers maximum moments of supreme satisfaction, drawing on its Lexus Hybrid Drive for performance equal to that of a 6.0-litre V12, but with the fuel efficiency and emissions of a 3.5L V6. What’s more, driver and passengers will be enthralled by this advanced automobile’s smooth, whisper-quiet ride, and delighted by its many luxury convenience and comfort features. Most importantly, drivers and passengers will be well-protected by the most innovative safety technologies in the world.

The result is a new definition of luxury motoring – one without parallel – placing the 2009 LS600hL in a class by itself.

The 2009 Lexus LS600hL is now on sale across Canada, with a suggested retail price starting at $119,950.

2009 LEXUS LS600hL– PRODUCT DETAIL

The 2009 Lexus LS600hL is available in one remarkable model, featuring the sophisticated Lexus Hybrid Drive built around a 5.0L V8 and specially tuned to this all-wheel-drive prestige hybrid luxury sedan. Generating up to 438 net power and up to 385 lb-ft of torque, on the gas engine, the LS600hL achieves an impressive fuel efficiency of just 10.6L / 100 km in the city and 9.1L / 100 km on the highway and qualifies for a Tier 2 Bin 3 emissions rating.

Unprecedented performance

The 2009 Lexus LS600hL delivers performance that heralds the future of luxury motoring, representing the most sophisticated engineering of the pioneering Lexus Hybrid Drive to date. At its heart is a 5.0L V8 that’s unlike any eight-cylinder engine created for a passenger car. Lexus engineers devoted special care and attention to every aspect of its design to draw maximum performance and efficiency while minimizing noise and vibration. This remarkable engine features key moving parts that have been polished to a mirror finish to minimize friction, and every engine is checked by a master machinist, who uses a stethoscope to search for minute yet abnormal noises and ensure that each engine is properly balanced.

This engine is mated to high-torque electric motors, a storage battery and a sophisticated energy management system to deliver 438 total system net power and up to 385 lb-ft of torque on the gas engine. This is then mated to a carefully specified, electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.

The result is performance in a class by itself: The power of a 6.0L V12 enhanced with seamless acceleration for a surprisingly smooth and quiet motoring experience.

Uncompromised handling and control

The all-wheel-drive 2009 LS600hL delivers performance without equal, but does so under perfect control.

All models feature lightweight yet highly responsive variable gear ratio electric power steering for maximum control in all driving conditions. The state of the art Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system is standard fitted and is backstopped by Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) technologies.

The LS600hL is equipped with independent multi-link front and rear suspensions. Each features an air suspension system, stabilizer bar, and anti-vibration subframe, while the front suspension also benefits from carefully engineered anti-dive and anti-squat geometry. The all-wheel-drive LS600hL is further enhanced with an Adaptive Variable Air Suspension (AVS), front and rear.

Ground-breaking active and passive safety systems

The LS600hL owner demands an extensive suite of active and passive safety systems to protect vehicle occupants – and in this prestige hybrid luxury sedan, Lexus delivers its most sophisticated safety package to date. In addition to all-wheel-drive, VDIM, VSC, TRAC and other active handling and control design decisions, the LS600hL features a direct tire-pressure monitoring system and a generous complement of braking technologies. Ventilated disc brakes are fitted at all four corners. These are engaged via an Electronically Controlled Brake System (ECB) and enhanced with the Lexus Antilock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) as standard equipment. The LS600hL also features an electric parking brake.

Inside, the LS600hL is more than a private, rolling sanctuary – it’s also a safe haven. Standard safety systems include a cocoon of eight airbags – including driver and front passenger airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, front seat mounted side airbags, and front and rear side /curtain airbags. Upgrade to a model enhanced with the Premium Package and benfit from added rear seat side airbags for a total of 10, while the LS600hL fitted with the Premium Executive Package adds an 11^th airbag that’s also an industry-first – a submarine prevention airbag built into the right rear seat Ottoman.

Three-point lap and shoulder belts are fitted in all positions, and include power adjustable “B” pillar shoulder belt anchors plus front and rear seat pre-tensioners and force limiters.

Available upgrade packages include additional safety items, such as a cruise control system that uses millimetre-wave radar to maintain safe cruising distances and the Lexus Advanced Pre-Collision System with Driver Monitor, which can detect obstacles in the vehicle’s path, monitor the driver’s reactions through stereo cameras and determine whether an accident is imminent, and take measures to minimize potential injury to occupants.

And because safety is important even when the LS600hL is parked, all models are also equipped with an anti-theft system, engine immobilizer and first aid kit.

Customization

Buyers may personalize their 2009 Lexus LS600hL prestige hybrid luxury sedan on the Lexus of Canada web site (www.lexus.ca) or by visiting any Lexus Dealer across Canada.

Peace of mind

Buyers of any 2009 Lexus LS600hL prestige luxury hybrid sedan enjoy the peace of mind that comes with the industry-leading Lexus comprehensive warranty that covers the entire vehicle for four years/80,000 kilometres. Power train components are covered for six years/110,000 kilometres, hybrid related components are covered for eight years/160,000 kilometres, major emission control components are covered for eight years/130,000 kilometres and corrosion perforation for six years with unlimited distance. Service adjustments - minor repairs not usually associated with the replacement of parts - are fully covered for one year/32,000 kilometres, while Lexus owners also enjoy the Tire Road Hazard Protection warranty and access to alternate transportation.

The four-year Lexus Roadside Assistance Program provides travel planning as well as the extra security and confidence of a dedicated toll-free telephone number and emergency service for towing - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The purchase of a new LS600hL also includes free membership in Club Lexus, an online convenience service that places important vehicle ownership information at the guest’s fingertips.

2009 Lexus LS600hL – features and specifications

2009 Lexus LS600hL – Available upgrade packages

Premium Package

Includes: 4-zone independent automatic climate control; Rear seat DVD entertainment system with audio/DVD remote control, 9” Liquid Crystal Display monitor and two sets of wireless headphones; Rear seat side airbags; Rear power adjustable seats featuring heating/air conditioning and the Lexus Rear Seat Memory Seat System with one memory setting; Premium leather seat surfaces; Rear cool box; Rear side window auto sunshade; Escaine head lining; Leather covered upper instrument panel and door interior surfaces.

Premium Executive Package

Includes Premium Package, plus: Lexus Advanced Pre-Collision System; Lexus Obstacle Detection System; Lexus Driver Monitoring System; Milli-wave radar cruise control system; Right rear seat retractable Ottoman with Ottoman seat cushion submarine prevention airbag; P235/50R18 all season radials; 18” aluminum alloy wheels; Wheel locks; Full size spare tire; Infrared body temperature sensor; Rear seat DVD player; Rear seat fold-out table; Rear seat armrest with integrated 12v power supply; Right rear seat with Shiatsu Massage system.

2009 Lexus LS600hL – Technical information

Lexus Hybrid Drive

The Lexus Hybrid Drive is customized to each model. On the all-wheel-drive LS600hL, the Lexus Hybrid Drive features a highly sophisticated 5.0L V8 gasoline engine mated to high-torque electric motors driving the front and rear axles, a powerful storage battery, and a sophisticated energy management system. The system allows the gasoline engine and electric motors to work independently or together, switching seamlessly between modes as driving conditions demand.

• Often at startup and low speeds, when energy demand is low, the LS600hL is powered by the electric motors.
• As speed increases, the gasoline engine kicks in. It also generates electricity to power the electric motors and charge the storage battery.
• During acceleration, the gasoline engine receives additional power from the electric motors, thus improving performance, saving fuel and reducing emissions.
• When slowing down or braking, the vehicle’s regenerative braking system uses kinetic energy to generate electricity and recharge the battery.

The benefits are many:

• With 438 net power, available across a broad band of engine speeds, plus up to 385 lb-ft of torque on the gas engine, the Lexus Hybrid Drive gives the LS600hL jaw-dropping power and awe-inspiring acceleration, on par with that of a 6.0L V12.
• A significant reduction in smog-forming emissions compared to a conventionally powered vehicle.
• Impressive fuel efficiency – equal to that of many 3.5L V6-equipped mid-size cars.

Engine: 5.0L V8

Features: Aluminum alloy block; 32 valves; Variable Valve Timing with intelligence electrically-driven on intake cam (VVT-iE); Variable Valve Timing with intelligence on intake exhaust cam (VVT-i); Direct Injection System with Dual Knock Sensors; Two-way direct cylinder and port injection system; Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i); Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS); Stainless steel exhaust; Dual integrated chrome tailpipe diffusers.

Emissions rating: Tier 2, Bin 3.

Variable Valve Timing with intelligence, electrically-driven intake cam

Unique to Lexus, VVT-iE provides the ideal air-fuel mixture for efficient combustion and optimum performance over a broad range of engine speeds. It increases torque at lower speeds and horsepower at higher speeds to improve engine performance and fuel economy, as well as help reduce emissions. The Engine Control Module receives data from a variety of sensors and signals the actuator to adjust the camshaft the amount needed to create perfect timing for engine speed and load at that exact moment. The exhaust cam is controlled by Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), a Lexus engine system that continually varies the exhaust valve timing to deliver optimal valve timing for a full range of driving conditions. It improves drivability, performance and fuel efficiency, and reduces emissions.

Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i)

The principle behind ETCS-i – sometimes called “drive-by-wire” – is used on all modern racing cars. When the driver depresses the accelerator, the engine instantaneously receives an electronic signal demanding more power. By replacing the traditional, less-efficient cable link between pedal and engine, ETCS-i can provide better fuel efficiency, faster response and smoother acceleration. It also networks with the engine’s computer to co-ordinate with other control systems, as appropriate.

Acoustic Control Induction System

ACIS increases the amount of air entering the engine by optimizing the length of the intake manifold under various driving conditions. The result is an increase in engine power and torque whenever the driver needs it most.

Transmission: Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)

Features: Sequential multi-mode shifter.

Fuel efficiency: 10.6 L/100km city; 9.1 L/100km highway. 9.9L/100km Combined

Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)

The Continuously Variable Transmission - first envisioned and sketched by Leonardo DaVinci in 1490 - does away with a conventional transmission’s fixed number of gear combinations, producing instead an infinite number of effective gear ratios. This enables the vehicle to deliver the optimal performance for all driving conditions. The result is smoother, rapid acceleration without gearshift lag, maximum torque when required and improved fuel efficiency. The Lexus ECVT features dual-stage technology to multiply torque, resulting in even greater responsiveness.

Capabilities

Seating capacity: 5 adults (4 adults in LS600hL AWD with Premium Executive Package)

Cargo capacity: 0.330m³ (11.8ft³)

Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management

Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) is the most sophisticated handling and control system Lexus offers. Specially tuned for each vehicle on which it’s fitted, VDIM uses information from computer-linked sensors to compare actual vehicle performance to driver commands. In this way, it’s able to anticipate potential vehicle stability problems such as a skid or slide. VDIM then makes subtle interventions through a combination of braking, throttle, and steering – in most cases, invisible to the driver – to maximize control.

Vehicle Stability Control

The Lexus Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system is an active safety system that automatically helps to control a vehicle when it starts to slide – for example, when trying to turn at too high a speed. VSC compares driver braking and steering commands to the vehicle’s actual performance then activates individual brakes as needed and adjusts the throttle setting to help maintain stability and keep the vehicle on course.

Traction Control

The Lexus Traction Control (TRAC) system helps the vehicle maintain traction when accelerating in slippery conditions. It also engages when the available grip differs from one side of the vehicle to the other, such as when two wheels are on a gravel or grass verge. When drive wheels begin to slip, TRAC automatically adjusts engine power to keep the wheels from losing traction.

Adaptive Variable Suspension

This suspension system allows the vehicle to raise or lower itself quickly, depending on need. For example, when the vehicle stops the chassis lowers two inches for easier loading an unloading. When driving at highway speeds the chassis lowers one inch at the front and one-half inch at the rear for improved stability; and when the vehicle’s four-wheel drive system is shifted into the low range, the vehicle rises three inches for better ground clearance.

Regenerative Braking

Regenerative Braking allows the high-torque electric motor in the Lexus Hybrid Drive system to act as a generator when coasting or braking. With this system, kinetic energy that normally would be lost during deceleration is captured and converted into electricity. This is then used to recharge the Lexus Hybrid Drive’s high-capacity storage battery, further increasing the system’s efficiency. Regenerative Braking is especially effective during stop-and-start city driving.

Antilock Braking System

The Lexus Antilock Braking System (ABS) uses sensors to monitor speed, traction, vehicle load and the driver’s applied brake force. The ABS then controls brake applications to minimize wheel lock-up, reducing the chance of the vehicle skidding. The result is shorter stopping distances on wet, gravel-covered, sandy or other surfaces where traction is questionable.

Brake Assist

The Lexus Brake Assist (BA) system is a system designed to assist the driver during emergency braking by supplementing the braking power applied if the driver has not pushed hard enough on the pedal in an emergency braking situation. It works in conjunction with ABS to minimize lock-up during emergency situations.

Electronic Brake Force Distribution

The Lexus Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system minimizes stopping distances by maximizing the braking power applied to those wheels that have the best grip. This system also automatically adjusts the fore/aft brake balance according to vehicle load, and the right/left brake balance if brakes are applied during cornering.

Adaptive Front Lighting System

The Lexus Adaptive Front Lighting System pivots the driver-side headlamp up to 15 degrees to the left and the passenger-side headlamp up to five degrees to the right to help illuminate the road through turns.

Auto Levelling Headlamp System

For safer night driving, the Lexus Auto Levelling Headlamp System adjusts the lights to a pre-set height. This allows for better road illumination without blinding oncoming traffic.

Advanced Parking Guidance System

This system greatly simplifies parking, and works for both parallel and angle parking situations. The driver pulls up to a parking space and at the press of a button, the vehicle determines whether it will fit, and then parks itself. The driver controls the speed using the brake pedal, while the car steers itself into place.

Pre-Collision System

Using a milliwave radar sensor, this revolutionary pre-collision system senses an impending collision and automatically initiates steps to reduce the potential for injuries. Vastly superior to previous systems, it features several Lexus breakthroughs, including an Advanced Obstacle Detection System, Emergency Steering Assist, Lane-Keeping Assist and a Driver Monitoring System. Information from the milliwave radar sensor is combined with computer data on vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw rate. If the system determines that a collision is unavoidable the following actions are initiated:

The pre-collision seatbelt motor preemptively retracts the driver and front passenger seatbelts.

The Brake Assist system is placed in stand-by mode, priming the system to deliver the necessary braking force as soon as the brake is applied.

The suspension stiffens to minimize nosedive and prevent unloading of the rear wheels to maximize braking.

The Emergency Steering Assist and Lane-Keeping Assist systems are triggered to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle.