Toyota Launches Hybrid Lexus in Japan

Toyota Motor Corp. introduced its luxury sedan hybrid Lexus LS600h in May, with target sales of 4,000 vehicles in Japan and 3,000 abroad over the next six months.

The hybrid system combines a 5-liter V-8 engine with a high-output electric motor and all-wheel-drive. The vehicle offers mileage of 12.2km per liter of gasoline, nearly 60% better than that of conventional cars with a comparable engine size. The LS600h’s carbon dioxide emissions are also about half the emission levels of conventional gasoline engine-driven counterparts.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price of ¥15.1 million for the fully equipped version makes it the priciest passenger car in Japan.