Lexus Investigating New Engines For LS Sedan

Lexus may introduce a selection of new engines to the LS sedan, including full-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell power.

During an interview with Go Auto at the model’s Australian launch, LS chief engineer Toshio Asahi confirmed additional powertrains are “all on the table”. Pressed by the publication for extra information, an unnamed Lexus executive said the hydrogen full-cell powertrain used by the LF-LC Concept is heading to production “sooner than you think.”

If this powertrain does indeed make its way into the Lexus LS, the car will become the first vehicle in its segment to go down the hydrogen route.

The current hybrid powertrain will receive a boost in power

Lexus currently sells the LS with a bi-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 delivering 415 hp, and a hybrid that pairs the same V6 with an E-CVT and a four-speed automatic transmission. It produces 354 hp. Despite the LS500h reaching 62 mph (100 km/h) in a respectable 5.7 seconds with this powertrain, Asahi confirmed that the Japanese marque is looking to improve the hybrid system.

“Of course, we are considering how to improve the hybrid system, so in terms of power, we are looking how to improve that,” he said.

The more powertrains Lexus sells the LS with, the better chance it will have of stealing customers away from the likes of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Jaguar, and even Tesla.