Lexus LS Fuel-Cell Prototype Spotted!

Posted by Kevin on July 31st, 2019

Australian website Motoring has published photos of a Lexus LS fuel-cell prototype currently testing in the USA.

A causal observer could be forgiven for not seeing any difference between the current LS and this camouflaged vehicle. However, with a Toyota Mirai and a Hyundai Nexo flanking the prototype, an equipped fuel-cell powertrain is a safe bet.

But that’s not the only thing — viewed from the side, it’s clear this LS has been modified substantially. The rear trunk is much smaller, as are the overhangs on the front and back:

Lexus LS Fuel Cell Side

Lexus LS Fuel Cell Hyundai Nexo

In 2015, Lexus debuted the LF-FC concept at the Tokyo Motor Show and foretold a fuel-cell version of the LS flagship. Current wisdom would suggest a production debut some time around next year’s Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where Toyota is expected to launch a major product blitz as the event’s headline sponsor.

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Will1991

Will1991

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Nice find!

That's very hard to believe it's an LS, maybe it's the supposed electric prototype seen before:

lexusenthusiast.com

Pure Electric Lexus ES Prototype Spotted in Japan?

Shorter wheelbase to boot.
lexusenthusiast.com

And both Mirai and Nexo it's to put us off?

Also, maybe it's only me (and I know it's clearly a test mule), but I'm really digging those short overhangs :)
 
krew

krew

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19-07-31-lexus-ls-fuel-cell.jpg

Australian website Motoring has published photos of a Lexus LS fuel-cell prototype currently testing in the USA.
A causal observer could be forgiven for not seeing any difference between the current LS and this camouflaged vehicle. However, with a Toyota Mirai and a Hyundai Nexo flanking the prototype, an equipped fuel-cell powertrain is a safe bet.
But that’s not the only thing — viewed from the side, it’s clear this LS has been modified substantially. The rear trunk is much smaller, as are the overhangs on the front and back:
19-07-31-lexus-ls-fuel-cell-side.jpg

19-07-31-lexus-ls-fuel-cell-nexo-hyundai.jpg

In 2015...
Click to expand...

Continue reading...
 
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DDas

I agree with everyone saying it's either a new IS or GS mule. Proportions are way off to be an LS, and Lexus wouldn't need to "squish" it to test an LS fuel cell vehicle. They would just use the regular LS. Size screams more IS to me, and I know it is a mule so it's very early in design stages, but I quite love the shape of it. I personally would love to see the IS look like a mini LS with some RC/F and LC influences.
 
DFGeneer

DFGeneer

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Proportions look like an IS indeed - I really like the new wheels-size-to-beltline ratio.
However, it is tested together with a Mirai and a Hyundai Nexo Fuel Cell - hence the FC guess.
 
corradoMR2

corradoMR2

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Finally! Great news for Lexus and the automotive industry to start getting more FC vehicles out there.
 
C

carguy420

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An IS FCV? Maybe it's Lexus' weapon to gain more sales and market share in China, since China is pushing hard for FCVs. Having a fuel cell version of the next gen IS should give Lexus an advantage over its competitors.
 
F1 Silver Arrows

F1 Silver Arrows

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You beat me to it. It's definitely not the prettiest, but it's not that bad either. The front is a bit ugly but when you look at everywhere else, it has some really nice styling cues and lines. Also, HOLY F*CKING SH*T THAT INTERIOR IS DROP-DEAD GORGEOUS. Toyota literally knocked it out of the park. It beats every Lexus interior except the GS F, the LC and the LS. And yeah, I'm pretty sure that mule was this. Well done Toyota!

Here's the full website and photos for anyone that is curious.

global.toyota

Toyota to Unveil Next-Generation "Mirai Concept" at 2019 Tokyo Motor Show's "Future Expo" | Toyota | Global Newsroom | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website

Toyota today announced that it will preview the next generation of its groundbreaking, zero-emission Mirai fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. "Mirai Concept," a final-stage development model of the second-generation Mirai will be on view at "Future Expo" from October...
global.toyota global.toyota

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ssun30

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The only way to restore the glory of the LS is making a proper FCEV/BEV twin with standard L2 and optional L4 autonomous driving.
 
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