Frankfurt Auto Show: Lexus LS 600h

The hybrid flagship of the Lexus LSA range is on display at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, bringing for the 2010 model year a series of improvements in both performance and styling, the most noticeable of which is the addition of the ECO driving mode for the vehicle's hybrid drive.

The ECO mode "modifies the throttle action and performance of the air conditioning system to support fuel-efficient driving." When outside air temperature is above 20 degrees Celsius, the ECO mode automatically selects its air recirculation mode to reduce power consumption. Even if the blower airflow is set to high, it is automatically reduced and the PT compact heater is stopped. When the vehicle is idle, the system will not signal for an increase in engine speed.

The revised hybrid drive also brings a new repackaging mode for the LS' batteries, with the two sections of six and 14 modules now being smaller in size. The hybrid now meets Euro V exhaust emissions standards, without affecting performance.

The engine has remained the same: a 5.0l V8 petrol engine and a 165kW electric motor as a companion. Together, they produce 439 bhp and 520 Nm of torque, meaning a 6.3 seconds naught to sixty acceleration time.

The 2010 LS 600h also received new larger brakes: 380 mm ventilated front disc brakes with six-piston calipers, rotors and pads developed by Brembo.

Visual enhancements include a new four-bar grille and front bumper with redesigned air intakes and fog lamps, a new one-piece rocker moulding and new door mirrors with twin LED turn signals.

The palette of colors has been extended with the addition of Mesa Red, Vanilla Mist, Richmond Green and Atlantic Blue.

On the interior, the 2010 600h brings new seating features (inflator operated active headrests, new return/away function), new hard disc drive (HDD) navigation system with the 40 GB capacity and a 19-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system.