Just last Friday, Lexus told U.S. safety regulators it was halting sales and recalling about 17,000 Lexus HS250h gasoline-electric hybrid sedans due to a potential fuel leak. Toyota acted after a U.S. government crash test that showed fuel leaking after an HS250h was struck from the rear by a car traveling about 50 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour).

The auto maker has found a problem with the valve spring of 4.6 liter V8 engines and 3.5 liter V6 engines installed in the Lexus LS460, Lexus LS600h, Lexus LS600hL, Lexus GS350, Lexus GS450h, Lexus GS460 and Lexus IS350 and the Toyota Crown.

The problem could cause the engine to stall, the Toyota spokeswoman said.

Of the 270,000 vehicles powered by the affected engines, 90,000 were sold in Japan and the rest overseas. Toyota has received 200 complaints about the engine problem, the spokeswoman said, and no related accidents have been reported.

A unique Lexus full hybrid LS 600h L Landaulet* featuring a one-piece, transparent polycarbonate roof will serve as the official Royal Wedding car on the occasion of the marriage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco to Ms. Charlene Wittstock on Saturday 2nd July 2011.

Equipped with Lexus Hybrid Drive, Prince Albert’s LS 600h L offers all the performance and comfort expected from a Lexus flagship, and generates significantly lower CO2, NOx and particulate emissions than any comparable car.

'Lexus is very proud to present this exceptional full hybrid vehicle to H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince of Monaco', said Andy Pfeiffenberger, Vice President of Lexus Europe. ‘Our commitment to innovation and sustainable mobility at Lexus matches well with His Serene Highness’ keen interest in promoting sustainable development and environmental protection.’

The state-of-the-art conversion was undertaken by renowned Belgian coachbuilders Carat Duchatelet in close collaboration with Lexus engineers based in Brussels. It took over 2000 hours to complete. The fundamental objective of the project was to ensure that the finished car maintained the levels of quality and technological sophistication inherent in every Lexus, whilst preserving all the performance, safety and dynamic attributes of the original LS 600h L.

‘We have 40 years experience in making armoured and extended vehicles for Heads of State, Royal Families and VVIPs around the world', explained Benoit Ceulemans, Executive Director Corporate Development, Carat Duchatelet. 'However, this will be a milestone project for us. It is the first time we are publicly associated to such a prestigious project and memorable event.'

The conversion process began with extensive computer-aided design calculations, simulations and 3-D modelling. The reinforcement of the bodyshell required extensive applications of the very latest in honeycomb structures, Kevlar and carbon fibre technology, in order to maintain the vehicle's chassis stiffness and torsional rigidity following the removal of the roof and pillars.

Parts fabricated from composites require very high temperatures for curing. These components were literally ‘cooked’ onto the bare chassis in a specially prepared oven. As a result, much of the vehicle first had to be completely dismantled, involving the stripping out of some 20,000 mechanical parts, electronic components and interior features and upholstery. Re-assembly occurred under the close supervision of the Lexus engineering team, to ensure consistency with the original vehicle specifications and performance.

Painting and polishing was a key phase before re-assembly. The Royal Wedding LS 600h L is finished in a particularly elegant Midnight Blue livery, which was applied manually using several coats of a bespoke, environmentally-friendly water-based paint.

The transparent roof was a challenge both in its design, as a large single piece with no reinforcements and no pillars, and in its manufacturing, for which Lexus sought the cooperation of a supplier specialising in similar elements for the aerospace industry. The demountable roof has been built in France by one of the world’s leading transparent component-production companies. This highly specialised company mainly supplies complex components of an exceptionally high specification such as helicopter windshields and jet fighter canopies.

The roof is a single, lightweight polycarbonate shell, just 8 mm thick and weighing only 26 kg. Fixed to the body of the Lexus through two intermediary parts, it will allow perfect visibility from both inside and outside the vehicle.

Before production of the transparent roof itself, a template in honeycomb structure and carbon fibre was used to validate shape, structural integrity and a perfect fit to the body of the vehicle within tolerances of less than 1 mm. With the design complete, the extreme precision of production was carried out by robotic tools, which machined the final canopy in a completely automated process.

The final conversion stage of this unique LS 600h L, re-assembly and finishing, involved a team of 10 people in conjunction with Lexus engineers, working full time for over two weeks to ensure that every aspect of the vehicle meets the highest levels of quality and sophistication.

On the day of the wedding, the Landaulet LS 600h L will be used by the royal couple to tour the Principality after the ceremony. The tour will bring them from the Palace on the Rocher down to the harbour, and then along Boulevard Albert I up to the Sainte-Devote Church where, as is the tradition, the princess will leave her bridal bouquet to the waiting Monegasques. For most of this tour, the vehicle will operate in full zero-emission mode, driving under electric-motor power alone, hereby reaffirming Lexus Hybrid Drive's environmental credentials.

With the end of the celebrations, the unique Lexus Landaulet will be displayed first at the Media Centre and subsequently at the Oceanographic Museum, where visitors will be able to view a remarkable reminder of an exceptional occasion.

The flagship Lexus LS 600h L long-wheelbase prestige hybrid sedan establishes a unique vision of the ultimate contemporary luxury for its owners. The LS hybrid marries unprecedented comfort, refinement and luxury with awe inspiring power, handling, and safety. It surrounds Canadian motorists with advanced technology that surprises and delights. And it delivers remarkable fuel efficiency and emissions performance that offers drivers a feeling of distinction without compromise as a more sustainable partner in their pursuit of automotive perfection.

“The Lexus LS 600h L is the ultimate expression of Lexus luxury and for 2010 we offer our Canadian guests a single, generously equipped model with even more refinement and features,” explained Larry Hutchinson, Director of Lexus in Canada. “From an audio system enhanced with USB connectivity, to a new hard disc based navigation system, to a new suite of premium finishes in the already luxurious cabin, Canadians will find a wealth of wonderful, carefully considered refinements inside and out that advances the LS hybrid as a remarkable innovative and environmentally sophisticated luxury sedan.”

The LS 600h L is available in one remarkably equipped model, with a generous suite of standard features. New features for 2010 include:

*USB audio connectivity;
*A hard disc based navigation system with integrated backup camera;
*Power rear door sunshades;
*Automatic high beam system;
*Refinements to the exterior including a unique hybrid grille and outside mirrors that now feature integrated signal lamps;
*A more refined interior featuring escaine headliner, premium leather seat surfaces, and leather covered upper instrument panel and door interior panels.


These join an already incredibly equipped vehicle, with standard features including:

* A 19-speaker, 5.1-channel, 450-watt Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound audio system, six-disc DVD changer, input jack for portable music players, the automatic sound levelizer system (ASL), Radio Data System (RDS), and steering wheel-mounted audio controls;
*Bluetooth® capability and integrated XM Satellite Radio;
*The Lexus Advanced Parking Guidance System;
*An advanced instrument cluster featuring thin film LCD gauges and an eco-drive indicator;
* A dual-zone automatic climate control system with soft-touch controls and dust/pollen/odour filter;
*A 16-way power adjustable driver’s seat with three memory settings, and 12-way power adjustable front passenger seat;
*Power windows with variable-speed auto up/down function on all windows;
*A heated wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel with power tilting/telescoping steering column linked to the seat memory system;
*The Lexus Smart Key system with push button start and wallet size smart card key;
*Power-assist doors including an automatic, powered trunk lid;



In a class by itself, the advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive is tailored to the unique demands of the LS hybrid, delivering the performance of a V12 and the efficiency of a V6. For the LS 600h L, the Lexus Hybrid Drive is built around a precision manufactured 5.0 litre V8 coupled to high-torque, high-efficiency electric motors, large-capacity storage battery, and a sophisticated hybrid power management system that delivers 438 net horsepower and up to 385 lb-ft of torque. A dual-mode Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) with sequential multi-mode shifter delivers smooth, confident acceleration and remarkable fuel efficiency of just 9.9 L / 100 km (city/highway combined) and a Tier 2 Bin 3 emissions rating. What’s more, a master craftsman individually tunes each engine system to virtually eliminate unwanted noise and vibration.

The all-wheel-drive LS hybrid is fitted with the state of the art Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM), plus Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC). These work in concert with sophisticated independent multi-link suspension systems featuring anti-vibration subframes, stabilizer bars and front anti-dive and anti-squat geometry – further enhanced with an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), front and rear – to deliver a comfortable yet controlled ride over a wide variety of pavement surfaces. Handling and control is enhanced with highly responsive Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and Electric Power Steering (EPS) and sure-footed P245/45R19 all season radials mounted on 19” aluminum alloy wheels with wheel locks and a full-size spare tire.

Full safety systems include eight air bags as standard (driver and front passenger, front seat mounted side, driver and front passenger knee, front and rear side/curtain). Other safety systems include seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters for front and rear occupants, power-adjustable B pillar shoulder belt anchors, and an on-board first aid kit. In addition, Lexus paid exceptional care to driver vision, with rain-sensing variable intermittent wipers, fog lamps, and advanced energy-saving Light Emitting Diode headlamps with headlamp washers and fog lamps. Bright and reliable LED tail lamps bring up the rear.

The LS 600h L’s advanced technology systems and prestige amenities are wrapped in a distinctive body informed by the Lexus L-finesse design language, finished with a power tilt-moon roof with sun shade and Lexus hybrid blue accented front headlamps, rear tail lamps and badging.

Lexus guests may order the long-wheelbase LS 600h L with the Premium Executive Package, which turns this prestige hybrid sedan into a rolling sanctuary, day or night. Features in this exclusive package include:


In a class by itself, the advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive is tailored to the unique demands of the LS hybrid, delivering the performance of a V12 and the efficiency of a V6. For the LS 600h L, the Lexus Hybrid Drive is built around a precision manufactured 5.0 litre V8 coupled to high-torque, high-efficiency electric motors, large-capacity storage battery, and a sophisticated hybrid power management system that delivers 438 net horsepower and up to 385 lb-ft of torque. A dual-mode Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) with sequential multi-mode shifter delivers smooth, confident acceleration and remarkable fuel efficiency of just 9.9 L / 100 km (city/highway combined) and a Tier 2 Bin 3 emissions rating. What’s more, a master craftsman individually tunes each engine system to virtually eliminate unwanted noise and vibration.

The all-wheel-drive LS hybrid is fitted with the state of the art Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM), plus Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC). These work in concert with sophisticated independent multi-link suspension systems featuring anti-vibration subframes, stabilizer bars and front anti-dive and anti-squat geometry – further enhanced with an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), front and rear – to deliver a comfortable yet controlled ride over a wide variety of pavement surfaces. Handling and control is enhanced with highly responsive Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and Electric Power Steering (EPS) and sure-footed P245/45R19 all season radials mounted on 19” aluminum alloy wheels with wheel locks and a full-size spare tire.

Full safety systems include eight air bags as standard (driver and front passenger, front seat mounted side, driver and front passenger knee, front and rear side/curtain). Other safety systems include seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters for front and rear occupants, power-adjustable B pillar shoulder belt anchors, and an on-board first aid kit. In addition, Lexus paid exceptional care to driver vision, with rain-sensing variable intermittent wipers, fog lamps, and advanced energy-saving Light Emitting Diode headlamps with headlamp washers and fog lamps. Bright and reliable LED tail lamps bring up the rear.

The LS 600h L’s advanced technology systems and prestige amenities are wrapped in a distinctive body informed by the Lexus L-finesse design language, finished with a power tilt-moon roof with sun shade and Lexus hybrid blue accented front headlamps, rear tail lamps and badging.

Lexus guests may order the long-wheelbase LS 600h L with the Premium Executive Package, which turns this prestige hybrid sedan into a rolling sanctuary, day or night. Features in this exclusive package include:

* Four-zone independent climate control with infrared body temperature sensor;
*Rear seat DVD entertainment system with 9” LCD monitor, rear audio controls, audio and DVD remote control, and two sets of wireless headphones;
* A retractable ottoman on the right rear seat, Lexus rear-seat memory system, and Shiatsu massage feature;
*Heated and air conditioned rear power seats;
*The addition of rear seat side airbags and including an ottoman seat cushion air bag, bringing the vehicle’s airbag system to 11;
*Rear armrest with built-in 12V power supply;
*The Lexus Lane Keeping Assist system;
* A millimetre-wave radar cruise control system;
*The Lexus Pre-Collision System;
*The Lexus Obstacle Detection System;
*The Lexus Driver Monitoring System;
*P235/50R18 all season tires on 18” aluminum alloy wheels with locks and a full-size spare.

Though Lexus won’t officially drop the sheet on its new 2013 LS flagship until next Monday, a pair of leaked images may have revealed the exterior of the revised full-size sedan.

The images, nabbed by Chinese site Xcar (via ClubLexus), depict the biggest and boldest rendition of Lexus’ “spindle grille” yet. This mug appears to line up perfectly with a teaser (viewable in the gallery above) that appeared in a video released by Lexus in March – suggesting that the images are the real deal.

Around back, the taillights look quite similar to those of the recently-redesigned ES midsize sedan, while bumper-integrated exhaust slots are a cue that is familiar from the last-gen model.

Notably, the entire side also looks quite similar to the last-gen model – particularly the window lines – suggesting that the 2013 changes may not be as much of a full redesign as previously thought.

Judging by the aggressive lower front fascia, extended side sills and sporty wheels (not to mention the license plate) the model pictured is the LS 460 F-Sport. Lexus has also stated that the big four-door will also be available in standard LS 460, LS 460 L (for long wheelbase) and LS 600h L hybrid forms.