Lexus’ upcoming range-topping SUV is likely getting a V6 hybrid from the Toyota Tundra/Sequoia.
At last, the Lexus LX will finally receive a hybrid powertrain! Interestingly, while it was previously rumored the Hybrid variant of the ultra-luxurious SUV would be called the LX 750h, Lexus would have reportedly filed a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for the “LX 700h” nameplate in Canada, according to a user from the 4thGenTacoma forum.
Currently, Lexus only offers the LX with two engine variants, the gasoline model called LX 600 and the diesel-powered LX 500d. The gasoline engine is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing a healthy 409 hp and 470 lb-ft torque, while the diesel produces 301 hp and a whopping 516 lb-ft from a smaller 3.3-liter turbocharged diesel V6. Both engines are connected to a conventional ten-speed automatic transmission shared across the Toyota lineup, mostly on Land Cruisers and Tacomas.
At this point, it’s safe to assume the new LX 700h would be getting the popular i-Force Max hybrid system, which is currently an option for the Toyota Tundra and a standard feature on the Toyota Sequoia. Worth mentioning; while other Lexus/Toyota hybrids use parallel hybrid (combustion engine and electric motors connected to a planetary gearset transmission), the i-Force Max works in series.
Indeed, the i-Force Max places the electric motor between the engine and the automatic transmission, putting the focus on the torque output and producing a total of 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft. Such numbers are a significant increase over the non-hybrid variant, especially when this engine is based on the same 3.5-liter turbo V6.
That being said, if you wonder if the i-Force Max engine will reach Toyota’s Land Cruiser, Toyota Australia’s VP of marketing and sales, Sean Hanley, said the brand’s aiming for electrification. So it would only make sense that an i-Force Max-equipped Land Cruiser may follow mid-way.
To be continued.
