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Lexus RX 400h Hybrid
Lexus long-term outlook for hybrids is bright

The hybrid car continues to be on the minds of carmakers and consumers alike. With the weak economy and high gas prices, the hybrid car owner is in a position to save on fuel costs and possibly even get a tax break.

Many luxury carmakers are getting into the green segment with luxury cars using some sort of electric boost to aid fuel economy, and Lexus is one of them. Lexus raised a few eyebrows in the luxury car ranks when it unveiled the LS 600h L Hybrid in 2006.

Motor Authority reports that Lexus is eyeing a transition to a hybrid-only line of vehicles in the medium to long term. Reports say that Toyota managing officer Toshio Furutani told Nikkei business daily that hybrid vehicles are being fast tracked for development.

Lexus currently offers three hybrid vehicles in the U.S. including -- the GS 450h, LS 600h, and the RX 400h crossover. A forthcoming Lexus hybrid based on the Toyota Prius has been confirmed and a new hybrid RX crossover is expected to break cover sometime next year.

According to Motor Authority, Toyota is currently testing a plug-in version of the Prius for launch in 2010, which would mean any Lexus based on the Prius would likely get the plug-in works as well. Lexus has a super car in the works called the LF-A and one option for the vehicle is expected to be a gas-electric system.

Support for a sports car from an electric motor makes sense considering that all of the torque produced by an electric engine is ready immediately.


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hybrids
By Masospaghetti on 10/10/2008 10:28:12 AM , Rating: 5
I hope that, even if Lexus does go all-hybrid, that they do not qualify for any additional tax breaks. Why? Because thus far, all of their hybrids have done little to nothing to save fuel and is simply a status symbol. Case in point is the LS600h - 20/22 mpg compared to 16/24 of the non-hybrid LS460L. Keep in mind also that the LS600h is tens of thousands more expensive to purchase and is has no faster acceleration.




RE: hybrids
By vapore0n on 10/10/08, Rating: 0
RE: hybrids
By mmntech on 10/10/2008 11:10:32 AM , Rating: 5
Vary little. For a while there, automakers were grossly overstating the MPGs fuel efficient cars, especially hybrids. They were claiming at one point the Prius got 60mpg when it actual tests it only got 40mpg. That's not a heck of a lot better than my Civic at 33mpg (self tested) which features a more powerful gas engine. 7mpg gain for something like $5000 more, the car really isn't that economical. That's the fundamental flaw of hybrids, tax break or no.

As for Lexus, I do like their cars. They've represented style and performance for Toyota. Going all-hybrid would kill the latter. It would become no more than a status symbol for wealthy greenies. I guess Hollywood types got board of the pedestrian Prius.


RE: hybrids
By JoshuaBuss on 10/10/08, Rating: 0
RE: hybrids
By AnnihilatorX on 10/10/2008 1:06:14 PM , Rating: 5
I personally slow way away from a traffic light at red and slowly 'drift' (not the maneuver) towards it. If lucky enough the light just turn green, I beat all other cars in accelerating when they had to start at 1st gear, and using less fuel. I can also minimize brake wear doing this.

I am surprised not many people do that. In fact, many people speed towards the traffic light, and brake harshly for no reason, as if the lights will turn green faster if they do that.

Of course if there are junctions before traffic light I won't do that in case I block someone from behind me trying to reach the junction.


RE: hybrids
By jRaskell on 10/10/2008 2:32:13 PM , Rating: 2
If there's little or no traffic, and the lights are triggered, then the quicker you get to the intersection, the quicker the light will in fact turn green.

If there's traffic, then the only thing you should be concerned with is going with the flow of traffic and not becoming an obstruction to it.


RE: hybrids
By exanimas on 10/10/2008 10:36:44 PM , Rating: 2
Your first statement is technically true, however, if he is slowly rolling towards the red light the sensor may trigger in time that he can stay in 2nd and not have to come to a complete stop. If he comes flying in by the time the sensor detects his car and the light turns green he would have already mashed his brakes and stopped completely. I do the same this he is talking about, but unfortunately my automatic isn't always as smart as I'd like it to be and downshifts to 1st anyways.


RE: hybrids
By Kuroyama on 10/10/2008 1:16:35 PM , Rating: 2
The mpg of course depends on driving habits. To compare similar driving habits note that Consumer Reports (2006) says the Prius averages 44mpg and the Civic automatic gets 28mpg (manual is 31mpg). So for an automatic the Prius averages over 50% better mpg, not 7mpg. I personally average 50mpg (about 75% highway driving).

Anyways, a Prius and Civic are not comparable. My choice when buying was between a Prius and a Camry, not a Civic. The wife was particularly in favor of the Prius as she wanted the traction and stability control for winter driving. Last year I drove 500 miles through a blizzard (the storm and I were going the same direction). The stability control light came on plenty of times, but the car didn't slide even once. In contrast, I saw multiple Corollas & Civics that had been driven off the road. Thank god I had a Prius. Back in '05 a Camry with traction control (but not stability) was only about $1000 less than a Prius, and it was definitely worth the extra $1000 for the Prius.


RE: hybrids
By Cypherdude1 on 10/10/2008 2:02:06 PM , Rating: 2
I always thought Prius's, and electric cars in general, were less dependable in the winter because of their battery packs. As the weather gets colder, a battery's cold cranking amps (CCA's) go down.


RE: hybrids
By JoshuaBuss on 10/10/2008 2:07:39 PM , Rating: 2
you really think toyota would overlook this?

the prius works fine in even the harshest U.S. climates.


RE: hybrids
By Cypherdude1 on 10/10/2008 2:18:26 PM , Rating: 2
Do you remember the movie "Fargo"? Imagine getting stuck in N. Dakota in the middle of nowhere with your new-fangled hybrid which isn't tough enough to stand the coldest of winters screaming "WHY??!!".

B ^D
quote:
you really think toyota would overlook this?
the prius works fine in even the harshest U.S. climates.


RE: hybrids
By Spuke on 10/10/2008 2:44:15 PM , Rating: 2
The batteries still function but the charge held by them will be reduced. There are limits to the efficiency of the batteries in extreme climates but I think the car will still function in those situations. Remember you're operating primarily on the gas engine.


RE: hybrids
By Dystopic on 10/10/2008 4:36:37 PM , Rating: 2
in cold weather, or hot weather for that matter, the prius is propelled by the GAS Engine, so unless your main battery for running the starter is dead, you will have no problem.

My garage is heated, so it wouldnt matter either way


RE: hybrids
By jRaskell on 10/10/08, Rating: 0
RE: hybrids
By stonemetal on 10/10/2008 3:22:06 PM , Rating: 4
Prius is a mid size car so why are you trying to compare it to a small car? From edmunds:
camry = EPA Class: Midsize Cars
Civic = EPA Class: Subcompact Cars
Prius = EPA Class: Midsize Cars

as the song goes, one of these things is not like the others...


RE: hybrids
By TimberJon on 10/10/2008 3:54:07 PM , Rating: 2
What you really pay for is your Feet per second acceleration. Because the OEM can advertise all they want whatever the horsepower is.. but they are talking at the crank and even then approximating a little. Whats your Wheel HP? What are the gear ratios? final drive? Etc?? All those factors, especially the weight of the vehicle and the rolling radius, have ALOT to do with where your MPG's are going. Want to put 22" rims on your Altima? good job killing your mileage.

Do a search for a Feet per second calculator, or car acceleration calculator, and punch in your numbers. That way, you can compare your car to others. You will quickly find out where your money will be well spent, and where you will be dishing out cash for nothing but more frequent trips to the pump.

Oh yea LOL, check out Nozzlerage.com


RE: hybrids
By Dystopic on 10/10/2008 4:19:40 PM , Rating: 2
IS300 overpriced corolla? what corolla do you know of with rear wheel drive.

Lexus are toyotas.

In Japan

GS = Aristo
RX = Harrier
LS = Ceria
IS = Altezza
ES = not sure, may have been Camry/Avalon

Lexus was created to market more expensive toyotas in the US where toyota was know for lower priced / non luxuty vehicles.


RE: hybrids
By Dystopic on 10/10/2008 4:44:03 PM , Rating: 2
Lexus are expensive, but considering my '98 with 180K on it, in immaculate condition is still worth approx 1/3 of its original price 10 year later, money well spent. My GS looks as good as the day I got it, runs even better (due to some engine work to increase HP), and is a blast to drive.

The IS is a great car, alotta fun with the stick, easy to throw around. Comparing an IS to a Corolla is like comparing steak to hot dogs.


RE: hybrids
By xsilver on 10/11/2008 1:34:16 AM , Rating: 2
some guys like hot dogs over steak - the OP might have been one of them.

not me...

the IS is usually compared to a similarly priced bmw 3 series and some reviewers tend to like it better than the 3.


RE: hybrids
By MarcLeFou on 10/10/2008 11:08:37 AM , Rating: 2
Some electrical engines in hybrid cars are geared toward faster acceleration rather than fuel economy.

I haven't looked at the numbers so I may be off base here but I'd wager its the case with the model you mentioned.


RE: hybrids
By mmcdonalataocdotgov on 10/10/2008 11:17:58 AM , Rating: 5
And GM does get a tax break?
2.4l Saturn Aura 22/33
2.4l Aura Hybrid 23/34


RE: hybrids
By austinag on 10/10/2008 11:22:45 AM , Rating: 2
People who buy lexuses, Lexi, lexus' ??? (What is the plural of Lexus) are buying it because it's a staus symbol. Otherwise, they'd buy the comprable Toyota and pile on the option and save 3 grand.


RE: hybrids
By The0ne on 10/10/2008 11:33:30 AM , Rating: 2
Lexus is a name so I don't think it has a plural form. You can use it like "Lexus vehicles." :)

People are buying Lexus for status and luxury. While you can compare it to it's Toyota counterpart the luxury is still a notch higher. Whether that's justifiable is up to whether you have the money or not :)


RE: hybrids
By Enigmatic on 10/10/2008 12:49:11 PM , Rating: 2
You've pretty much described every mainstream luxury brand: Cadillac, Acura, Lincoln, Lexus, Infiniti, etc. To some extent all luxury cars share their major underpinnings with their more pedestrian counterparts. Generally, I find there worth the price premium (though no one is as obnoxious as Lincoln when it comes to badge engineering: MKX, MKZ, Mark LT, thus I barely consider them luxury anymore).


RE: hybrids
By austinag on 10/10/2008 1:24:10 PM , Rating: 2
5 to 10 years ago that statement was dead accurate, but now Cadillac, Infiniti, and Acura are all puting out pretty unique vehicle in comparison to their parent comapanies (outside of the full size SUV market). It is hard to tell with Acura and Honda because everthing they make looks the same, and don't forget there is always BMW, Mercedes, and Jaguar which don't share platforms with anyone. I know Jaguar made the very unfortunate X-type based on the Ford Mondeo, but for the good of a dying brand lets all try to forget that. Lincoln and Lexus are the main rebadger left in the market now.


RE: hybrids
By Jimbo1234 on 10/10/2008 1:30:12 PM , Rating: 2
Lexus and Toyota develop their vehicles separately.


RE: hybrids
By austinag on 10/10/2008 1:42:28 PM , Rating: 2
You are absolutley correct. However, they do that development on top of common chassis and drivetrains.


RE: hybrids
By Oregonian2 on 10/10/2008 2:11:44 PM , Rating: 2
And I believe they're both Toyota in terms of company ownership. Isn't Lexus just a Toyota in the way a Cadillac is a GM car?

I had read (probably here) that Toyota intended to have Hybrid versions of everything eventually, so this article doesn't seem surprising.


RE: hybrids
By Smartless on 10/10/2008 2:45:10 PM , Rating: 2
Imagine getting stuck on the name.. I have 2 Lexususususs... Damn.

In any case I don't know why you got voted down. Lexus, Acura, and Infiniti don't exist in Japan because they call the car something else but in America its a different company logo. Even the Acura TSX is the European Honda Accord. And I do remember Toyota mentioning that after the fanfare of the Prius.


RE: hybrids
By jconan on 10/10/2008 11:07:49 PM , Rating: 2
I'm not sure what you're talking about if you Lexus doesn't exist in Japan. That would have been true if it is still the early 2000s but your info is outdated. http://lexus.jp/ Toyota has been selling Lexus in Japan since 2005. The Lexus brand is standardardized worldwide as Toyota's lux brand. You can even wiki the history of the Lexus brand since it was created here in the US. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus


RE: hybrids
By Dystopic on 10/10/2008 4:22:25 PM , Rating: 2
Common chassis would at least have to be the asme wheels driving the vehicle. Lexus are RWD (except ES).


RE: hybrids
By Dystopic on 10/10/2008 4:27:36 PM , Rating: 2
not really. In Japan the GS is still called the Aristo, and shares virtually nothing with anything in the Toyota line up.

in Japan, these are separate vehicles, not some version of a Corolla or Camry (except for the entry ES)


RE: hybrids
By Spuke on 10/10/2008 6:56:16 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
in Japan, these are separate vehicles, not some version of a Corolla or Camry (except for the entry ES)
Lexus does NOT share platforms with any Toyota except for the ES models.


RE: hybrids
By Dystopic on 10/10/2008 7:26:05 PM , Rating: 2
Isn't that what I said??

Read my other posts


RE: hybrids
By Slaimus on 10/13/2008 12:20:08 PM , Rating: 2
You forgot the SUVs:

RX:Highlander
GX:4Runner
LX:Land Cruiser


RE: hybrids
By Dystopic on 10/10/2008 4:32:36 PM , Rating: 2
Jag shares underpinnings with several PAG cars.


RE: hybrids
By Dystopic on 10/10/2008 4:21:24 PM , Rating: 2
There are no "comparable" toyota versions of the Lexus brand, except for the entry level ES

ALL LEXUS (EXCEPT FOR THE ES) ARE REAR WHEEL DRIVE


RE: hybrids
By Dystopic on 10/10/2008 4:31:22 PM , Rating: 2
I bought my GS because it is a great car.

When my GS300 ('98 bought in '97) was brought to the US, it was one of the very first "bugeye" GS300s in the US. Still had Toyota Aristo badging, and was changed over to Lexus GS by the dealership to be a "demo" car.


RE: hybrids
By Dystopic on 10/10/2008 4:20:20 PM , Rating: 2
the LS600h is more expensice, not only because it is a hybrid, but also because it is a long wheelbase version - hence the L


RE: hybrids
By Enigmatic on 10/10/2008 5:44:30 PM , Rating: 2
I didn't mean to say that all luxury makes just re-badge everything, but that they do share underpinnings. There seem to be a lot of exceptions to that rule nowadays, I agree. I guess like the Cadillacs CTS and SRX for example are not really comparable to anything else in the GM lineup (is there anything else on the sigma rear wheel drive platform?).

Maybe I'm wrong, I don't know. Regardless, no one is as bad as Lincoln.


RE: hybrids
By Dystopic on 10/10/2008 6:15:07 PM , Rating: 2
Agreed on the lincoln.

I know little of GM, I wouldn't drive a GM if they gave it to me. I know a little more of the Ford lineup, I have a 2006 Mustang GT (total crap, more of a rattle trap than my old 91 Saleen, my 89 GT or my 83 HO - all long gone).

American cars & anything FWD in my judgement, regardless of badging is garbage. I have owned quite a few american cars, and not one can stand up to my GS300.


RE: hybrids
By stryfe on 10/10/2008 11:54:45 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
Case in point is the LS600h - 20/22 mpg compared to 16/24 of the non-hybrid LS460L.

A difference of 4mpg city may not seem like much but when you start with 16mpg it's actually a 25% increase. Not too shabby.


RE: hybrids
By the kernel on 10/11/2008 3:57:43 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
Because thus far, all of their hybrids have done little to nothing to save fuel and is simply a status symbol. Case in point is the LS600h - 20/22 mpg compared to 16/24 of the non-hybrid LS460L. Keep in mind also that the LS600h is tens of thousands more expensive to purchase and is has no faster acceleration.


It depends heavily on the Lexus. If you look at the EPA combined figures, the LS600h gets 10.5% better gas mileage than its non-hybrid counterpart which is on the low end. However, the GS450h gets 15% better combined mileage than the GS460 and the RX400h mini-SUV gets a whopping 31.5% better gas mileage over the RX350.

As for not having faster acceleration on hybrid models...well that's the point! You get a hybrid powertrain on the Lexus without losing any performance at all. Sure the price isn't worth it (except maybe on the RX400h which has awesome combined mileage of 25mpg in a luxury SUV) but for affluent buyers who want to feel better about their purchase they can have their cake and eat it too...for the right price anyway. In addition, let's not forget that the hybrid models have superior emissions as SULEV vehicles (regular gas models are LEV II or SLEV II) to cut down on pollution.

Granted I have a biased perspective on this (I'm a happy owner of an '08 IS350) but I dig Lexus' style on this one. They know their customers and they know that not everyone wants an econobox like a Prius, but is willing to part with some money for a car that helps out a bit with the gas usage problem and is significantly greener.

Also keep in mind that these hybrids will likely only get better. Lexus is pulling directly from Toyota's hybrid technology bin and Toyota is at the forefront of these designs.


RE: hybrids
By Sureshot324 on 10/11/2008 11:11:35 AM , Rating: 2
Lexus RX 400h AWD: 26/24, 0-60mph 7.3 seconds $43 480
Lexus RX 350 AWD: 17/22, 0-60mph 7.3 seconds $39 100

That's a nice mpg increase considering similar performance. I agree about the LS series though.


RE: hybrids
By Reclaimer77 on 10/11/2008 1:01:14 PM , Rating: 2
All hybrids are a status symbol.


Doh
By Pirks on 10/10/2008 12:49:08 PM , Rating: 2
As if someone who has extra $100000 for a nice Lexus really cares about additional dollar per gallon or whatever. Who are they kiddin? People who care about fuel economy got their Yarises and Smarts a long time ago.




RE: Doh
By BigPeen on 10/10/2008 12:56:56 PM , Rating: 1
Yes, people who do buy lexus's care about gas prices. Most affluent people aren't money wasting consumer whores, they are generally fairly conservative when it comes to spending (like Jews). The people who you are thinking of are the faux-riche, the ones who can only afford things like lexus's because they are in debt up to their eyeballs and are concerned with not caring about money even though they can't afford it because it makes them look "good".


RE: Doh
By Spuke on 10/10/2008 7:01:05 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
Most affluent people aren't money wasting consumer whores
What do you consider money wasting?


RE: Doh
By the kernel on 10/11/2008 4:01:10 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
Yes, people who do buy lexus's care about gas prices. Most affluent people aren't money wasting consumer whores, they are generally fairly conservative when it comes to spending (like Jews).


Wow, way to be a racist prick.


RE: Doh
By Cypherdude1 on 10/10/2008 2:08:44 PM , Rating: 2
You're right. I highly doubt Lexus will go all hybrid. People who are rich aren't fanatical about fuel economy. They care about status, comfort, looks, and performance.


RE: Doh
By Oregonian2 on 10/10/2008 2:21:45 PM , Rating: 2
Funny thing is that a friend of my wife came by a few weeks ago to pick up my wife to go somewhere with her. When I saw them leave , her brand new Lexus looked so much like my wife's 1994 Honda Accord (about 75K miles, not driven much) that I didn't know who drove without looking in our driveway to see that my wife's car was still there. I know the innards are VERY different, but from the outside, couldn't tell much difference from a not that far distance away. Or at least without it sitting there long enough to study for differences (they were the same color).


RE: Doh
By Dystopic on 10/10/2008 4:24:55 PM , Rating: 2
yeah, doubt they will all be hybrid. I wish the GS still had the 2JZ-GE engine (inline 6 3.0l from Supra). My GS300 has the 2JZ and with a little work, the 222HP now sits at 350HP. Still nothing compared to my 98 Supre Turbo with 850HP - it's a daily driver.


RE: Doh
By Fnoob on 10/10/2008 6:39:57 PM , Rating: 2
How many gallons to the mile do you get with your Supre?


RE: Doh
By Spuke on 10/10/2008 7:01:58 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
How many gallons to the mile do you get with your Supre?
Who cares? It's not a Honda Fit.


RE: Doh
By Dystopic on 10/10/2008 7:34:33 PM , Rating: 2
Depends... with the boost pulled back to around 17PSI I can get 15 on a good day. With the boost at 35PSI - around 5, unless I lean on it. So about the same as a big block.

Killed a SL65 AMG yesterday, I apparently have alot more traction than he does (which under heavy throttle isn't much even with the 315's in the back), wasn't even close, at the next light guy motioned me to pull over, I obliged, opened the hood and gave him the specs, offered to trade on the spot. I told him it wouldn't be an even swap, he would have to add about $30K to that. I can easily go and buy an SL65 AMG, if I wanted some monument to eurotrash.

The boost will go higher, with C17, but haven't been inclined to buy a 55g drum lately.

MPG isn't the be all end all, I have no problem filling my car with premium as often as I need to. Since I work on my property, I don't drive to commute.

Let me guess, you drive either a Cobalt or a Civic


RE: Doh
By Fnoob on 10/10/2008 9:08:07 PM , Rating: 2
Let me guess, you drive either a Cobalt or a Civic

Both. One with each foot.


RE: Doh
By Cypherdude1 on 10/11/2008 2:51:04 PM , Rating: 2
Your Toyota Supra achieved 850HP? No offense, but I find it hard to believe your Supra can make 850HP. Not even the most powerful suped up late 60's, early 70's muscle street cars with totally new supercharged engines, fully ported heads and aluminum manifolds can make 850HP. You might want to take your Supra to get dyno'd and get a more accurate reading of how much HP it really has.
quote:
Still nothing compared to my 98 Supre Turbo with 850HP


RE: Doh
By Fnoob on 10/11/2008 10:10:12 PM , Rating: 2
I share your doubt dude, and his tale of turning down a SLR 65 AMG is just another log on the doubtfire. However, I do recall that 'blown' motorcycle engines can get into this HP territory. Crazy insane and ultimately pointless - unless it makes you money somehow.


RE: Doh
By Dystopic on 10/13/2008 12:50:17 PM , Rating: 2
"Crazy insane and ultimately pointless - unless it makes you money somehow"

some boys have bigger toys, and the bank account to match.

Get off the "blown" idea, superchargers are low boost, and parasitically driven. Turbos are much much much better at making HP on the right engine. Blowers typically are inthe less than 15PSI range, Turbos, with proper block prep (o ringed cylinders etc) can do 50 - 60PSI. Head gaskets for my Supra are well over $250 from a shop in Japan.

I know of 1 Hyabusa with a turbo that is close to 450HP.

Ever see those screaming, wastegate blowing Japanese drift cars? Probably a SR20DETT putting 500HP to the ground on 2L.

I can have any Mercedes I want, absolutely no German cars are allowed on my property. Wife wanted an M3, gave her an education, now she drives a super sweet '08 Infiniti M45.

I have more than $75K in parts and discounted labor in the Supra, in addition to the $45K+ I paid when new. All top notch suspension, drive train - HKS SMG, Endless brand 15" cross drilled rotors, 8 pot front, 2 pot back, wide body kit from Japan (all carbon fiber), stock radio (best music comes from under the hood), lightened at bit (carbon fiber hood & trunk, body kit) was stripped to bare chassis, braced, body seams were fuly welded, 6 point roll cage (w/ swingout) (per NHRA), Bride racing seats & 5pt harnesses, 5" fully custom exhaust - including the cat. The brakes alone were close to $10K, if you can manage to get them here in the States. Car was built over the course of almost 3 years on and off, and went thru several iterations.

Waiting to be painted ("Bentley" dark blue with color matched inserts on the wheels). & upholsered (mostly all black alcantera) at this point once I am truly finished, I have been talking to a reputable magazine for a full layout hopefully during the 1st half of '09.

Whether you believe or not, I don't really care. I know what's in my "toybox". Next to be added will be the new R35 Nissan GT-R (already payed for awaiting delivery).

Not everyone on this site are 20 somethings, I am 38, semi-retired, and have been very fortunate & successful in life. Hard work and perseverance do pay off. Cars are a hobby, whether you have a 1990 Civic that you built yourself, or have a stable of McLaren F1's, Koenigseggs & Bentleys (not me), the love of the car is the same, just from a different perspective or level.


RE: Doh
By tomthehand on 10/12/2008 10:47:07 PM , Rating: 2
Here's the drag car of one of the top Lancer Evolution tuners in the U.S.:

http://www.amsperformance.com/ams_dragevo.php

And here's its dyno sheet, showing 1130 all-wheel horsepower from 2.1 liters:

http://forums.evolutionm.net/showthread.php?t=3400...

Here's a 1128 rear-wheel horsepower Supra:

http://www.turbomagazine.com/features/0612turp_199...

From the second page, here's its dyno sheet:

http://www.turbomagazine.com/features/0612turp_199...

Heck, Lingenfelter will BUILD YOU a 1000 horsepower Corvette if you hand them a sufficiently large suitcase of money:

http://www.lingenfelter.com/LingenfelterC6ZO6427CI...

And their shop car makes 1300 horsepower at the rear wheels:

http://www.lingenfelter.com/Lingenfelter2006ZO6TTB...

Many, many cars make more than 850 horsepower. It's still very impressive, but in no way difficult to believe; he may or may not have an 850 hp Supra, but there are many of them out there.


RE: Doh
By wannabemedontu on 10/13/2008 10:13:11 AM , Rating: 2
Thanks tomthehand,

All these naysayers need to check there facts before spouting off on someones post. Put the keyboard down and leave the house sometime people, there is alot to see that you haven't seen. Geez.


RE: Doh
By Dystopic on 10/13/2008 12:06:56 PM , Rating: 2
Thanx Tom.

People not in the japanese car "scene" aren't aware of the kid of power that can be made. The general concensus is that the Supra's 2JZ-GTE engine is one of the best engines ever - definately in the same league as the RB28DETT.


RE: Doh
By Dystopic on 10/13/2008 12:02:36 PM , Rating: 2
Google Worlds Fasted Supras. My 98 Supra was on a chassis dyno, pulled 843HP @ 8500 on c17 (almost 10.5K redline). 800HP on a 2JZ-GTE engine is childs play. the engine is so perfectly balanced, and nearly bulletproof. there was less than 1PSI difference across all 6 cylinders. The bottom end is bone stock, except for the crank that was balanced, stress relieved and knife edged. The head was ported and polished, 1mm oversized ferrea valves, and custom ground cams. The stock intercooler was replaced with a monster created from 2 stock supra intercoolers, and has cold shot on the intercooler. Nearly ever single part in this car has been touched and/or upgraded. Set up for road racing now, has been set up prev for drifting.

There are many many over 1000 HP supras, some with as much as 1500HP. Tommy Banh's latest supra clocked 228.719 MPH at the Texas Mile. his car pegged the dyno at 1200HP - was probably alot more but the dyno only went to 1200.

Generally in the 1000HP and over, the turbos are drag turbos for top speed only, boost comes on like a sledgehammer.

My car is streetable, I usually don't even get into boost during daily trips. It also has AC, power steering, etc.

Take a look at Nissan's Skyline GT-Rs - several way over 1100HP on 2.8l straight 6. There is definately a replacement for displacement. My last generation 240SX with a SR20DETT (JDM) @ 2L puts out almost 475HP on the dyno. There are 4 cylinder Hondas with 500 -600HP. There is a subaru WRX STI around here with a 2L boxer that puts out 600HP +

Superchargers are crap, what maybe 10psi? HAH! and in your world, does aluminum manifolds make the difference?
I have been drag / road racing for 20 years, I have seen and driven alot of fast cars, nothing compares to the Supra - nothing like turning 10.05's in the 1/4m, changing back tires and driving home - not a trailer queen.

I have drag raced quite a few big block boys and handed them their ass. Dinosaurs.


Fast track development of hybrids is good
By Bateluer on 10/10/2008 10:32:04 AM , Rating: 2
More auto makers developing and manufacturing hybrids is a good thing, it will spur competition and development. Fuel economy will increase.




RE: Fast track development of hybrids is good
By Enigmatic on 10/10/2008 10:36:40 AM , Rating: 2
I would think Lexus' primary market is consists of more affluent upper-class buyers, for whom fuel-economy is less of a concern. But then again, maybe this is like one of those features that are standad on luxury cars but after a few years trickle down and become standard on regular models. If Lexus goes all hybrid, I don't see it as unreasonable for the entire Toyota lineup to follow suit thereafter.


RE: Fast track development of hybrids is good
By Spuke on 10/10/2008 1:04:35 PM , Rating: 2
Hybrid tech is new tech and new tech is usually showcased on luxury cars. That's why Lexus and other luxury marques are using this.


By Jimbo1234 on 10/10/2008 1:29:05 PM , Rating: 2
If I recall correctly, a couple years ago Toyota made a statement that in about 5-7 years time every single vechicle they sell would have a hybrid option. This article is not really telling us anything new.


Mistake
By tshaughn on 10/10/2008 10:41:00 AM , Rating: 5
Nitpicking, but hybrids utilize electric motors. As far as I know there is no such thing as an electric engine, which the article mentions.




Lexus a carmaker???
By Segerstein on 10/10/2008 11:28:33 PM , Rating: 2
Lexus is a brand, Toyota is a carmaker. This is really a sign of subpar articles at DailyTech.

Lexus is as much of a carmaker as Hummer.




RE: Lexus a carmaker???
By the kernel on 10/11/2008 4:08:16 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
Lexus is a brand, Toyota is a carmaker. This is really a sign of subpar articles at DailyTech.

Lexus is as much of a carmaker as Hummer.


Wrong, you should really look things up before you post them.

Hummer H1s were (up till their discontinuation in 2006) produced exclusively by AM General, who GM bought when the picked up the Hummer name. AM General also produced the H2's for GM, it was only the H3 that was made in the same plant as the Chevy Colorado. And even the H3 was not just a rebadged Colorado, it was it's own car with it's own significantly different design.

Lexus does share some manufacturing facilities with its parent company Toyota, but it has its own design centers, manufacturing plants, parts bins, technology, etc. Calling it a rebadged Toyota is incredibly simplistic and in no way accurate. It may share parts and technology with Toyota cars, but they are distinctly separate designs.


This is a smart move by Toyota
By Athena on 10/10/2008 8:14:50 PM , Rating: 2
Energy self-sufficiency will be the key issue of our country for the next decade and Toyota is positioning itself to be ahead of the pack.

Over the past 2 decades, Detroit has been chasing the fast bucks generated by gas guzzling SUVs and squandered opportunity after opportunity to develop alternate technologies. It's been a disastrous policy for the country and financially irresponsible for the automakers.

5 years from now, Detroit will be whining about losing sales and jobs (which are always lost no matter what concessions are made to the automakers) while and international manufacturers will not be able to fill orders fast enough.




By Reclaimer77 on 10/12/2008 8:38:17 AM , Rating: 1
quote:
It's been a disastrous policy for the country and financially irresponsible for the automakers.


Bans on drilling and refining DOMESTIC oil have been the only disastrous policy leading to this mess. Not anything the automakers did.


2k9 aura
By boobot on 10/10/2008 12:11:53 PM , Rating: 2
Thats partially correct.

Looking at 2009 Aura:
2.4l Saturn Aura 22/33 up from 22/30 in 2008(and holds the best highway fuel economy rating of any non-hybrid midsize sedan)
2.4l Aura Hybrid 26/34 up from 24/32 in 2008

GM's hybrid system is a "light" version of the common system you will see on other hybrids. Hence they are able to keep costs down as compared to other hybrid vehicles




We'll need those tax breaks
By jimbojimbo on 10/10/08, Rating: 0
"Nowadays you can buy a CPU cheaper than the CPU fan." -- Unnamed AMD executive

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