Flagship Lexus launching May 2017, aims to be official car for Tokyo Olympics 2020!
All Lexus Japanese correspondent has confirmed that the 2017 Lexus LS chassis will sit on the platform of the LC 500 FR. The world first heard of the LC 500 last year when it was conceived as a rear-wheel drive uber-luxury flagship coupe, something of Japan's answer to the Mercedes S class coupe or Bentley Continental GT.
For now, forget those grand coupe plans and look squarely at the platform dimensions: 5035cm x 1878cm for that's what the next-generation Lexus LS will sit on. That means, in the long wheel base version, the all-new 2017 Lexus LS will be 5cm longer and 3cm wider than the current model, which would ensure it will command a significant road presence.
The LC 500's connection with the all-new 2017 Lexus LS doesn't end there.
The Lexus V8 has died. Long live the V8!
In May 2015, it was reported that Lexus trademarked the nameplate LS 500h for Europe and Australia. That's right: In favour of cleaner-burning, more fuel-efficient engines, gone is the silky-smooth V8 as Lexus finally ditches the hallowed LS 600h in all markets. In its replacement is the engine donated from the above LC 500h: A 3.5 litre V6 mated to a 1.5 litre electric motor to push output in excess of 500bhp. Set to debut in May 2017, Lexus' flagship model will be the all-new hybrid LS 500h!
That's not all. According to early reports mentioned above, the all-new 2017 Lexus LS is also set to debut as the world's first luxury Fuel Cell Vehicle. Featuring a revolutionary technology that combines compressed Hydrogen gas and oxygen from outside air to generate electricity to power the electric motor, the new powerplant will be completely emissions-free and is said to be the last word in environmental-friendliness. The structure of the new LS is said to be strengthened to accommodate Hydrogen storage tanks to surpass standards for passenger safety requirements.
Our Japanese correspondent also confirms that the timing of the launch of the next-generation Lexus LS in 2017 was set to coincide with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. But that's three years earlier, so what gives? To ferry state dignitaries and top athletes from all around the world, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics organising committee requires a fleet of luxurious vehicles with credible eco credentials. The deal to supply cars is inked with the manufacturer two years before the event. In 2018, the organising committee will gather to review the list of cars currently in the market that would fit the criteria. By 2018, the all-new Lexus LS will have been released for a year, still fresh and with enough time to be in the running as the official vehicle for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Of course, competitors such as Mercedes, BMW and Audi are expected to submit their proposals - but this is a major international sporting event to be hosted by Japan. It is likely they would choose to showcase something homegrown.
Looks-wise, it's set to take inspiration from the Lexus LF-LC concept previewed at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.
As for the appearance of the all-new LS, Lexus have said we can expect a slight modification of the signature spindle-grille, with future LS-F models sporting the aggressive stance currently seen on the all new Lexus RX. The entire car is articulated to cut through the air with class-leading Cd figures, so expect a lower, sleeker profile.
The all-new Lexus LS is also set to absorb design cues from the cabin of the LF-LC concept. There will be 15 modes of ambient lighting which is rumoured to be scientifically-tested for therapeutic effect, 10-way adjustable rear seats (normally only the privilege for front-seat passengers) and 20 modes of massage. Also rumoured is a 13" HD LED infotainment screen, the largest ever in production vehicles, which is said to combine 3D technology with navigation to allow visualisation of maps, buildings and roads like never seen before.
So there we have it. All that can possibly be known about the next-generation Lexus LS, set to debut in 2017. Do read Part 1 of this article to understand why it has taken Lexus this long to debut their flagship model.
The all-new 2017 Lexus LS. The last word in luxury, technology and environment-friendliness. Probably the ultimate expression in large luxury saloons. You read it on All Lexus first.
Cheers.
All Lexus.
You're looking at the all-new 2017 Lexus LS. Japanese Magazine MAG-X has published these rather unflattering images of the next-generation Lexus LS test mule currently undergoing track tests in Japan. But make no mistake: Under this underwhelming shell lies advanced technology and plushness designed to push the limits of 'luxury on wheels' to new levels. More on the looks later. For now...
I see the Lexus LC 500 in the picture above. What does the new 2017 Lexus LS have to do with it?
All Lexus Japanese correspondent has confirmed that the 2017 Lexus LS chassis will sit on the platform of the LC 500 FR. The world first heard of the LC 500 last year when it was conceived as a rear-wheel drive uber-luxury flagship coupe, something of Japan's answer to the Mercedes S class coupe or Bentley Continental GT.
For now, forget those grand coupe plans and look squarely at the platform dimensions: 5035cm x 1878cm for that's what the next-generation Lexus LS will sit on. That means, in the long wheel base version, the all-new 2017 Lexus LS will be 5cm longer and 3cm wider than the current model, which would ensure it will command a significant road presence.
The LC 500's connection with the all-new 2017 Lexus LS doesn't end there.
The Lexus V8 has died. Long live the V8!
In May 2015, it was reported that Lexus trademarked the nameplate LS 500h for Europe and Australia. That's right: In favour of cleaner-burning, more fuel-efficient engines, gone is the silky-smooth V8 as Lexus finally ditches the hallowed LS 600h in all markets. In its replacement is the engine donated from the above LC 500h: A 3.5 litre V6 mated to a 1.5 litre electric motor to push output in excess of 500bhp. Set to debut in May 2017, Lexus' flagship model will be the all-new hybrid LS 500h!
Our Japanese correspondent also confirms that the timing of the launch of the next-generation Lexus LS in 2017 was set to coincide with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. But that's three years earlier, so what gives? To ferry state dignitaries and top athletes from all around the world, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics organising committee requires a fleet of luxurious vehicles with credible eco credentials. The deal to supply cars is inked with the manufacturer two years before the event. In 2018, the organising committee will gather to review the list of cars currently in the market that would fit the criteria. By 2018, the all-new Lexus LS will have been released for a year, still fresh and with enough time to be in the running as the official vehicle for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Of course, competitors such as Mercedes, BMW and Audi are expected to submit their proposals - but this is a major international sporting event to be hosted by Japan. It is likely they would choose to showcase something homegrown.
Looks-wise, it's set to take inspiration from the Lexus LF-LC concept previewed at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.
As for the appearance of the all-new LS, Lexus have said we can expect a slight modification of the signature spindle-grille, with future LS-F models sporting the aggressive stance currently seen on the all new Lexus RX. The entire car is articulated to cut through the air with class-leading Cd figures, so expect a lower, sleeker profile.
The all-new Lexus LS is also set to absorb design cues from the cabin of the LF-LC concept. There will be 15 modes of ambient lighting which is rumoured to be scientifically-tested for therapeutic effect, 10-way adjustable rear seats (normally only the privilege for front-seat passengers) and 20 modes of massage. Also rumoured is a 13" HD LED infotainment screen, the largest ever in production vehicles, which is said to combine 3D technology with navigation to allow visualisation of maps, buildings and roads like never seen before.
So there we have it. All that can possibly be known about the next-generation Lexus LS, set to debut in 2017. Do read Part 1 of this article to understand why it has taken Lexus this long to debut their flagship model.
Cheers.
All Lexus.
When can I order one from my lexus dealer in the USA?
ReplyDeleteWhen can I place an order for the 2017 LS in the USA?
ReplyDeleteBy mid to the third quarter of 2016 Tom... Let's just hope it'll knock the S class and 7 series out of the park :-)
ReplyDelete