Hydrogen Powered Lexus LS Rumored for 2017
Lexus might already be laying plans for a hydrogen-powered version of its flagship sedan.
Toyota made a splash with the Mirai late last year during the L.A. Auto Show, but the gap between that technology arriving and then spreading to more product might be smaller than you would expect. The company hasn’t officially confirmed plans, but Australian outlet Motoring reports that Lexus is readying a hydrogen version of the LS for 2017.
SEE ALSO: 2016 Toyota Mirai Review
Citing an unnamed source, the report claims that it will use a reconfigured version of the Mirai powertrain designed to fit into the LS, which is a front-engine, rear-drive vehicle. The company will purportedly revise the front end with bigger intakes to cool the electric system, locating a fuel cell under the front seats and a hydrogen tank under the rear seats with a second tank under the rear parcel shelf, eating into cargo capacity.
The site reports that the FCEV LS is being planned for the U.S. market to be positioned above the current range-topping LS 600h L, which costs roughly $120,000, earmarking it to be especially expensive and placing it above the already-expensive Tesla Model S.
[Source: Motoring]
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Luke is an energetic automotive journalist who spends his time covering industry news and crawling the internet for the latest breaking story. When he isn't in the office, Luke can be found obsessively browsing used car listings, drinking scotch at his favorite bar and dreaming of what to drive next, though the list grows a lot faster than his bank account. He's always on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> looking for a good car conversation. Find Luke on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> and <A title="Luke on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/112531385961538774338?rel=author">Google+</A>.
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