Lexus LS: Looking Back In Time
The current Lexus LS flagship sedan’s design (chassis code XF40, the 4th generation) can be traced back to 13 years ago. The development lasted for around 5 years, and Lexus unveiled the production version in January at the 2006 Detroit auto show as a 2007 model.
In 2006, the 4th-gen LS sedan showcased some new technology, all of them were the first in the industry. For example, the 1UR-FSE V8 engine with dual fuel injection (direct plus port inject); the 8-speed automatic transmission; the AC system with infrared body temperature sensors etc. You wouldn’t find any other cars that had that technology at that particular time.
Now, 9 years have passed. Although the XF40 chassis has undergone an extensive refresh in 2012 as a 2013 model, the current LS platform has shown signs of being out-dated. Some consumers may find the latest Mercedes-Benz S-class, BMW 7-series and Audi A8 more appealing than the Lexus LS.
Obviously, people at Lexus also know this, and they have already been busy working on the next-gen LS sedan based on a brand new platform (chassis code: XF50). On top of that, they will also be using some state-of-the-art technology the say the least. It will be so ground-breaking that they are going to have similar or even bigger impact than the current LS back in the 2006 debut. Lexus plans to roll out the new LS in 2016 – exactly 10 years after the 4th generation LS.
More LS Rumors
New rumor surfaced recently indicating Lexus is going to build a fuel cell variant for the next LS flagship sedan. Whether it will come with a pure fuel cell engine, or in the form of hybrid power plant is unknown at this moment. But it will definitely be the first full size luxury sedan that will utilize the fuel cell technology.
What are your thoughts?
Feel free to leave a question or share an opinion in the comment box below.
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