GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Lexus LS 500h powertrain revealed

Lexus has revealed more information about the flagship hybrid LS 500h it plans to reveal in two weeks' time at the Geneva motor show.

Releasing two pictures of its advanced hybrid powertrain, the Japanese prestige car maker confirmed its low polluting Mercedes-Benz S-Class rival will come with a development of the Multi Stage Hybrid System the LC 500h coupe comes equipped with.

Lexus hasn't confirmed numbers, but it's almost certain the hybrid LS will combine a 220kW 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol with a four-speed automatic gearbox and two electric motors that drive a CVT transmission.

According to Lexus the CVT has been engineered to replicate a six-speed auto so, in total, the big LS acts as if it has a 10-speed transmission.

Better yet, shift times are claimed to be comparable to the fastest dual-clutch transmissions despite the fact that both the LS transmissions are lighter and more compact.

In total, the new Multi Stage Hybrid System will produce around 310kW/600Nm matching what the regular, non-hybrid LS 500 pumps out.

According to the pictures published late last night, the two motors drive each front wheel allowing the LS to drive in full electric mode at speeds of up to 140km/h.

It’s thought the significant 90kg weight saving over the previous model, combined with the twin-transmissions, will bring considerable efficiency savings over the old model.

Timings and pricing will be announced at the Swiss show.

Lexus has already announced it will also unveil the RC F GT3 racer that will compete in Japan’s Super GT series and the IMSA in the US.