Lexus limo gets AMG snarl
'600hp+' hyperbarge has been created by Toyota Motorsport in Germany
The TS650, as the car’s been christened, will feature a twin-turbo version of the company’s 5.0-litre V8 engine, which will be rated at ‘around 600hp’. Top speed would therefore be suitably ridiculous, possibly even approaching 200mph.
No pictures of the car have been released yet, but TMG did send out a load of shots of the body upgrades such as the carbon-fibre roof. Carbon-fibre will also feature heavily in the aero pack, which will include enormous, scooped bumpers, a whopping boot spoiler and chunky side skirts. Six-pot brakes and the obligatory suspension upgrades also look likely.
Unfortunately, the car will only be a prototype for now, but the noises emanating from Toyota Motorsport suggest that a very limited number may make production – assuming Toyota bosses give it the go-ahead. Whether that happens hinges largely on the public’s reaction when the TS650 is given its debut in Germany at the Essen motor show this December, but the rumours are that Toyota boss Akio Toyoda himself has had a go.
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard rumours of a fast LS under development. Back in 2011, pictures of a hot LS lapping the ’ring did the rounds – back then, it was known as the LS-F TMG Edition, so we think it’s reasonable to assume that the latest prototype will be an update of that car, if not based heavily upon it.
And Lexus has already signalled its intent to build a sportier version of the all-new LS with the arrival of the F-Sport. With a TorSen limited-slip diff, Brembo six-pot calipers, a lower ride height and a 386bhp 4.6-litre V8, this is itself already a pretty serious driver's car.
Even if it doesn’t get made, the TS650 will at least hint at a much less genteel future for Lexus and Toyota. Toyota has indicated a desire to release TMG-fettled versions of its cars, and the first road-legal TMG model is slated to arrive in 2013. If this prototype is anything to go by, the sub-brand will likely be pitched at the pure performance driver, in line with the Mercedes Black Series and Audi’s RS range.
But neither of those ranges features a rival to the TS650. In fact, the Lexus is somewhat in a class of its own – even the S63 AMG can ‘only’ muster 537bhp. Which begs the question: will anyone buy a car like this? Or is it just too big and too powerful to make a case for itself?
Surely Lexus have been in this market long enough and have a sound enough history in motorsport / performance cars through toyota to bring a bit of their own brand innovation...
Here's some inspiration
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wY3gJkbN-l0
Well, I'll go against the grain and say I think it's pointless and don't get it.
If I want a fast, firm, carbon-laden barge which likes to think it can live on race tracks - then I'll head to Germany. They do this well and the choice is plentiful.
If I want to waft home in a silent cocoon of refinement, whilst listening to possibly the best in-car sound systems known to human kind to soothe my troubles away - then I'll head over to Lexus.
I thought Lexus was a luxury brand.
Lexus, hold you nerve! I know you are seeing sales slip to M, RS and AMG, but give those owners time to realise that the car they bought is not as well suited to the task they purchased it for and they'll come find you. No need for any of this 'handling' or 'bodykits'.
They buy an SL65 not because they want to go fast or love the sound, but because the neighbour/colleague has got the SL500.
TMG will have a hard time going up against that no matter what the performance figures.
Yuck! and thats without mentioning the gawdy carbon fibe bits that look like halfords stick on jobs.
600bhp always improves the situation... a wait and see one i think
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?start=121&um=1&...
and this
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?um=1&hl=en&...
Well, I'll go against the grain and say I think it's pointless and don't get it.
If I want a fast, firm, carbon-laden barge which likes to think it can live on race tracks - then I'll head to Germany. They do this well and the choice is plentiful.
If I want to waft home in a silent cocoon of refinement, whilst listening to possibly the best in-car sound systems known to human kind to soothe my troubles away - then I'll head over to Lexus.
I thought Lexus was a luxury brand.
Lexus, hold you nerve! I know you are seeing sales slip to M, RS and AMG, but give those owners time to realise that the car they bought is not as well suited to the task they purchased it for and they'll come find you. No need for any of this 'handling' or 'bodykits'.
The one made by Pioneer rather than Madrigal Labs (a division of Harmon Kardon)?
Next time you have a chance, step inside a Panamera, and listen to the Burmester system.
Highly confident it'll show the Levinson as fitted to the Lexus for what it really is - a cross-marketing exercise.
st JUST GOT SERIOUS!
Love the look of it as well, looks a lot less bland than the Audi rivals, although the S-class still has it in road presence.
600bhp though, that's proper Brabus territory.
I posted in the barge thread the comparison against my E39 530i with my current LS430. A bit off topic but just shows how Lexus is really not that bad. Bearing in mind the my Ls is one class above the 5 series. I bet the running costs of a German equivalent would be nowhere near.
Lexus Dealer minor Service inc oil £120
BMW INDY equivalent Service Insp 1 inc oil - £200
Bmw main dealer insp 1 - £230
(I compared what was covered in a minor service and it was pretty much the same as Bmws Inspection 1 )
Lexus Brake Fluid flush at Toyota Dealer - £29.99
BMW Brake Fluid flush Indy - £50
Lexus Ferrodo Rear Pads -£25
BMW Ferrodo Rear Pads - £23
Lexus Specific Tranny Fluid - £40 / 6L
BMW Specific Tranny Fluid - £100 / 6L
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