Lexus Concept Car Hints at Next-Generation LS

TOKYO – Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus Div. uses the Tokyo Motor Show to feed the public's insatiable hunger for hybrids, while hinting strongly at the appearance of its next-generation LS sedan.

Augmenting a procession of Toyota-brand hybrids, the auto maker recently took the wraps off the LF-Sh, a muscular gasoline-electric sedan concept that closely resembles the next-generation Lexus flagship, a company spokesman confirms. (See related story: Toyota, Lexus Unveil Wide-Ranging Fleet of Concepts)

Lexus LF-Sh

The all-wheel-drive sedan is powered by a V-8 engine, mated to an electric-drive system. While it stands about the same height as the '06 LS 430 at 58 ins. (147 cm), the LF-Sh is nearly 2 ins. (5 cm) longer and wider at 199 ins. (506 cm) and 74 ins. (188 cm), respectively.

And at 117 ins. (297 cm), its wheelbase also is nearly 2 ins. longer.

Additionally, Lexus reprises its LF-A supercar concept, which debuted in Detroit at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, but offers no further hints about production plans. (See related story: Lexus: No Decision on Supercar, Performance Unit)

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