Lexus Working on Hybrid-Powered SC 430 Replacement

LC would be a different model. SC will be shown next year. LC would be range topping coupe.

 

Huh.....the SC430 (at least the JDM version) was always supposed to be something like "a Supra in a suit." It'll be interesting to see if it has performance characteristics above those of the past/current SC.

 

Yes. SC would continue to battle the SL. This LC would battle the CL.

Correct CLK was based on the C-class but looked and priced like an E-class. Benz is smart THe CLK name was dropped and now the E-class is back being a sedan and coupe. The Coupe is again based on the C-class but with E-class looks and price. Must be a huge profit maker.

The last SC was based on the GS platform.

So future Lexus flagship lineup would be;
LS-flagship sedan
LX-flagship SUV
LC-flagship coupe
LFA-flagship of flagships

 

Yes sir, here is a source confirmed by Benz themselves...

2010 Mercedes E-Class Coupe is based on W204 C-Class Platform

 

I don't think most consumers care or even know. Another car(s) with a large spread is the FM based M56 and FX 50 which can hit near 70k loaded bus share platforms with the 29k 370Z.

A good platform is a good platform. :rockon:

 

Beautiful styling/look, but I'd NEVER buy one with that engine configuration.

Give me that car, RWD, with the RX450h HSD system but with DFI adopted for the downsized, 3L, ICE and with a positive displacement SC. SC driven by a CVT/PSD summing device, belt drive from the ICE and variable speed electric motor for the "opposite" CVT/PSD input...NO throttle plate.

20-30% FE improvement while still providing 300+ HP.

 

The LC 600h, when released, is shooting for 500hp. The luxury 600h already out has 438hp. I wonder where they're planning on getting the additional 60-ish hp from ... ICE? Electric? both? Which ever way they do it ... that's quite a bit more.

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The engine in the faster activhybrid 7 has 60 more ponies than the lexus V8 and gets there by turbo charging. It seems like a simple change to make, until you realize that neither of these hybrids sell in any quantity. The hybrid benz does by reducing fuel consumption and cost.

To get the hp and lower fuel there are some easy tricks. First throw away that nimh battery, I know I know its in the prius, get over it, it doesn't have enough power for the application. Put in a lithium battery this is a heavy luxury car, maybe make it 2kwh, or worse make it 4kwh for that tax credit and add a plug and some bragging rights for the first luxury phev. Now put a motor, maybe 40kw driving each of the front wheels. Ta da lighter 4wd and more power. Ok but what about other weight and handling. Well ditch the hsd, I know its toyota, and make the thing get some mileage. Switch to a dual clutch 40kw motor (or whatever size really makes sense). Now you have 120kw of electric power to cruize engine free and bragging rights that the thing can drive electric at 100. Now also sell it with the standard 8 but also an atkinson tuned v6. With the better mileage lower price and lower weight of the 6 they might move from 7 of these hybrids a month to hundreds.

 

It will use the next gen V-8 hybrid system. The LS 600h L debuted in 2007 I believe so the system is on its way out.

Toyota/Lexus has shown significant leaps with each generation of system so 500hp and more MPG sounds very feasible.

Funny but hybrid/EV LFA rumors are still floating since there is a LFA mule being sighted around still.

 

The big advantage of the HSD CVT/PSD system is that the electric motors, MGs, can be used thoroughout their "productive" range, 0-15-18,000 RPM.

An "inline" ICE - electric motor, MG must have an RPM limit, wastefull limit, equal to the ICE.

 

DFI..??

Or maybe a switch to a SuperCharged 4 cylinder w/DFI....

 

My guess is from the sporty lithium battery.

 

This is true, but it was the last thing on my list. Switching to electric motors for the front drive portion removes losses in the AWD system. A properely specified motor all is rumored in the M35 will be less efficient, but it also removes losses in the electronic generation/consumption at high speeds. I would save the weight, but the bigger things are change the AWD system and ...

That should be the most obvious change.