These photos, taken just recently at Germany's famous Nürburgring racetrack, have caught a prototype Lexus LS sedan as it undergoes high-speed testing. At first glance the car appears to be a current production model, but looking closer one can note a modification to the hood on either side of the grille. Also note the large wheels, low-profile tires, and fender bulges front and rear to cover the extra-large tires.

All this indicates a future LS sedan with more performance than the current model. A look at the rear, however, shows rather small dual exhaust pipes and not two or even four giant pipes as would be likely in a turbo model or a real high-performance car. So what is this prototype? An educated guess would be a hybrid powerplant coupling a standard-size LS V-8 engine with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive electric motors to give the LS improved performance while also improving fuel economy.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/Enth...178.A8787.html

 

Still looks staid to me.

 

I'm wondering what happened to that rumor a couple years back that Lexus was going to make a V-12 the standard engine on the LS, price it low, and really give the Germans an ass whooping?

Meh... the LS430 was always a nice car. This thing probably has the power but I agree that it desperately needs some sort of styling refresh.

 

i dunno why they'd still be using that body style in 07.. maybe they're testing the powertrain in the current version, for use in the next?

However, they did this with the current highlander .. brought out the hybrid version, when the car is due for a redesign soon... so who knows.

 

They probably don't want anybody to see the new one. h:

And Toyota has had a V12 in the home market Century in the past, although it's nothing to get excited over.

 

although... lexus did keep a similar LS for 10 years prior to the latest 01 model redesign... so who knows how long this "similar" 07+ model will be around.

Sean

 

Upon closer inspection of the pictures I think maybe this is a test mule. Check out the fender flares.

 

the panel surrounding the gas door looks odd.

 

The wheels look decent

 

I wouldn't be surprised if this was the next-gen chassis/powertrain wrapped in current-gen sheetmetal. The wheel arches and flairs don't seem to match the way the wheels are positioned. The whole car just looks like it's sitting on those wheels rather awkwardly, leading me to believe it's just a disguise.