Jonny Lieberman of Motor Trend is keeping the rumor train running with new speculation on the next-generation Lexus LS:
While the LS has traditionally been something of a rival to the Mercedes S-Class, people I spoke with at Lexus have been hinting that the new big Lexus will in fact target the sportier end of the segment — think Jaguar XJ and Porsche Panamera. Further proof that Mercedes ought to go ahead and write, “Can’t Touch This” on their new S-Class.
Regardless, the new LS will look to take on the S63 AMG by also using the 600-hp twin-turbo V-8 in what will be called the LS F. You can expect the LS 600hL to return (probably as the LS H), with the same Bavarian-flavored hybrid setup found in the SC H.
The base LS will get the 5.0-liter V-8. The new LS will launch in 2016 as a 2017 model.
Transforming the LS into something even sportier than the current F SPORT model would certainly fit the new look Lexus — there’s nothing wrong with boosting the performance, as long as it doesn’t affect the qualities that make the LS special (refinement, ride quality, & interior comfort springs to mind).
(The more I hear about this rumored engine lineup, the more I like it — at least three engine options for every Lexus model would be a welcome change.)
[Source: Motor Trend]
No discussion thread for this article yet.