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Monday, December 03, 2007

Clean, Green & Mean: Lexus LS600h L

This entry has been a long time coming... but it's been a beeeeezzzzyyyy few months!

it's not often that you come across a rolling incongruity like the Lexus LS600h L (L for Long Wheel-Base).
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The familiar (and some might even say, innocuous) form of the LS is home to the latest in Lexus Hybrid Drive technology, a fusion of electric engine and a finely tuned 5L V8 powerplant to serve up a platter of 6L V12 whoop-ass, while simultaneously delivering tree-hugging levels of fuel economy (equivalent to a 3L petrol engine).
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Say what you want, but there's something sleek and almost predatory to the LS's styling, while the humongous exhaust ports that are integrated into the rear under-skirting should serve as sufficient warning to pesky hot-hatches who might be tempted to 'have a go' at the hulk.

As it is, the occupants won't even feel a thing when the driver puts his foot down and pulls convincingly away from the contender... all in absolute, fuel-sipping silence no less! As if the LS460 wasn't quiet enough, this one takes the phrase 'silent but deadly' to whole new heights!

This 'green' car is distinguished by its rims and blue 'L' emblem in the front grille and trunk lid.
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The interior is a veritable command centre, with lots of knobs and buttons to help the car maximise efficiency.
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The LS600h L even comes equipped with adjustable damping to enhance the car's dynamism on the move. Crazy, we know... but i likeeeee!
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From standstill, this car is crazy quick, even with the extra load of the all-wheel drive transmission. Of course, all the creature comforts associated with the regular LS can be found on this range-topper (which means both 5-seater and massaging Ottoman versions are available).

This is the sort of car that will appeal to those with a rather warped sense of humour. on the one hand, it's the feather in Lexus' cap, the sum of the company's hybrid technology r&d. On the other, the performance the car is capable of is a clear finger in the face of all the bleeding heart environmentalists out there, since for some reason, they're happy to imagine eco-friendly cars to look like what passes for Noddy's car in Toyland and possess the performance of a dirty old spark plug.

The LS600h proves them all wrong; this green car will really make them see red. And i'm glad for it!

Fast Facts: Lexus LS600h L
Engine: 4969cc, V8, D-4S with Dual VVT-i
Maximum power: 389bhp at 6400rpm
Maximum torque: 520Nm at 4000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed CVT
0-100km/h: 6.3 seconds
Top speed: 250km/h
LxBxH: 5150x1875x1480 mm
Wheelbase: 3090mm
Kerbweight: 2320-2410kg
Price: $POA (with COE)
Agent: Borneo Motors

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