Vmango said:
'Nonetheless, more to your point, the purposes of such a hybrid is less about the environment and more about image and showcasing technology for the purpose of the brand. You could make the image argument for most all hybrids.'
Silly me.
I've always assumed that NEW technology is what most manufacturers want to incorporate into so-called halo cars like the LS600H, or is the idea just to pack them with as much stuff as possible? I don't see any new technology being 'showcased' in the LS 600H. The Hybrid and AWD systems have been around for a long time in one form or another. The electronic and safety doo-dads may be impressive, but there's nothing new there either. The only 'new' technologies that I could see are the 'right rear seat retractable ottoman and rear seat Shiatsu massage.' Wow, that's impressive.
The new Chevy Volt is the only vehicle since the first-generation Honda and Toyota hybrids to offer anything really new as far as technology goes. Park one of those next to an LS600H and I wonder which one would get the most attention.