2022 Lexus LX600 details leak
Leaked documents confirm the new flagship Lexus will be the LX600 – but does this mean it will get Toyota's new twin-turbo V8?
More details of the 2022 Lexus LX600 have emerged, ahead of its expected release in the second half of 2021.
Based on the new LandCruiser 300 Series, industry rumours suggest the flagship Lexus could forego the V6 from the Toyota, instead offering a V8 engine in the new-generation LX.
In October 2019, Lexus trademarked the LX600 name, and a new image believed to be a screenshot of leaked internal company documents confirms the model name.
The image, posted to Spanish forum Cochespias, also reveals three models: an entry-level LX600, sport-themed LX600 F Sport, and a range-topping LX600 VIP.
It's unclear whether the LX600 VIP will be another variant offered to the public, or whether it is related to an armoured protection version – with the current LX570 being a very popular vehicle for bullet-proof upgrades across the globe.
In the past, Lexus model names have related directly to the engine size, but in recent years it has followed the lead of BMW and Mercedes-Benz in diverging from this practice – seen in cars such as 2.0-litre turbo versions of the the IS sedan and RC coupe, which switched in late 2017 from '200t' to '300' badging.
While Toyota has received some criticism for replacing its revered V8 engine with V6 powertrains in the 2022 LandCruiser, it's possible Lexus could offer an all-new petrol V8 in the upcoming LX600 as a way of differentiating it from the LandCruiser.
The widely-rumoured 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 is said to be arriving in the Lexus LS F sedan and LC F coupe in late 2021, with claims out of Japan the engine will offer 493kW and 650Nm.
If Lexus chose to fit it in the LX600, it would bring the model more into line with other luxury SUV models from Mercedes-AMG, BMW, and Range Rover. The change would arguably make the Lexus more attractive in markets such as the US and the Middle East, where high-powered petrol V8 models remain popular.
At this stage, it's unclear whether Lexus will develop a hybrid version of the twin-turbo V8, or if it will simply offer the 3.5-litre hybrid petrol V6 said to be coming in the LandCruiser 300 Series, given Lexus has previously announced all of its models would have an electrified powertrain option by 2025.
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Ben Zachariah is an experienced writer and motoring journalist from Melbourne, having worked in the automotive industry for more than 15 years. Ben was previously an interstate truck driver and completed his MBA in 2021. Ben began publishing car reviews and opinion pieces before being appointed Motoring Editor for an online lifestyle magazine. Working throughout the automotive industry in various marketing and communications roles over the past 15 years, he has written freelance on the topics of cars and watches for a number of publications. Ben is considered an expert in the area of classic car investment, which combines his love of finance, macroeconomics, and all things automotive. Ben lives in Melbourne and enjoys music, road trips, and the outdoors.
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