Toyota Confirms Lexus LS, Camry for Detroit

Toyota says that two important vehicles will be shown in production form at the Detroit auto show coming in January. First off the bat is the production Lexus LS, based on the LF-Sh concept shown in October in Tokyo. The new car, in concept form, boasted a hybrid-V-8 mated to an all-wheel-drive system. When it rolls into showrooms next year, we expect to see a 4.6-liter V-8 in the LS460. A rumored V-10 apparently is not in the works, though a seven-speed transmission will be added at some point. There will also be an optional 5.0-liter V-8/hybrid package. At the Tokyo preview, executives said the gasoline-electric powertrain will produce "an acceleration feeling of a different dimension."


That's in line with what TCC had been told by recently retired Lexus General Manager Denny Clements, who'd been championing a line of hybrid performance vehicles. The first of these, the GS450h, was also shown in Tokyo . In 5.0-liter hybrid form, a senior American Toyota executive boasted to TheCarConnection that the LS will outperform both the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series - a tall order that will be closely scrutinized.

The other major introduction of the Detroit show for Toyota will include the 2007 Camry sedan. The new Camry will be offered eventually with hybrid technology, but Toyota has not confirmed a timeline for that powertrain offering. Toyota does promise that the new Camry, which has been the best-selling car in America for seven of the past eight years, will feature significantly improved performance and new level of comfort and refinement.
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