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Lexus Studying High-Performance Hybrids


Lexus is studying high-performance hybrids for inclusion in the F brand lineup — from Motoring Australia:

However, F chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi told motoring.com.au that the sub brand’s high performance and circuit driving requirements meant hybrid technology still had issues.

“In order to put the hybrid on track they need a little more development as far as track driving,” Yaguchi explained via an interpreter.

“If we use the current configuration hybrid we will drain the battery so fast we will need to have a capacitor to generate the electricity fast.”

There is a possible solution to the problem — the Toyota Le Mans TS040 Hybrid race car is equipped with super-capacitors that can generate and release electricity quickly:

“We are currently studying the application,” Yaguchi confirmed. “We are studying the data coming from the TS040 and we can’t say it will never make it into a production car.

“But obviously we will have to further develop the technology to apply to a production unit.”

[Source: Motoring Australia Photo: Road & Track]

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    Thomas
  • September 15, 2014
They should study how to advance in normal, roadgoing, luxury-hybrids that are better than their competitors. As of now, Lexus is falling behind in the game they used to be No. 1 in, namely luxury-hybrids. Stop messing about dreaming about "Circuit driving". Thats a game for Porsche, Catherham and Lotus, not Lexus.
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      BMWSUX
    • September 15, 2014
    I agree strongly! They are way behind! Nice car, way late to the party as usual and still lacking in interior flare compared to Mercedes/BMW. I wish they could step it up instead of playing it safe again.
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    Levi
  • September 16, 2014
German plug-in hybrids might seem better on paper but they are impractical. Lexus just needs turbocharged engines (I4, V6, V8) and their hybrid, and Lexus will outperform the Germans. Both the 918 Spyder and P1 run out of electric power after one lap on the N-Ring.
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      Hed
    • September 16, 2014
    Nope. Lexus should leave turbocharging to the germans. N/A is just better than turbo.

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