Here's an interesting snippet from the PR spiel about the new hybrid LS 600h: it's so quiet inside that Lexus had to re-engineer all the accessory motors and switches so the sound of their operation wouldn't startle the occupants.

Of course, supreme refinement is just one asset in the 600h's portfolio. Its gasoline/electric powertrain has a SULEV rating. Fuel economy is allegedly the best in the V8 class. And performance is predicted to be on par with a V12.

The gas part of the equation is a V8 that, at 5.0 litres, is actually larger than the regular LS's. This works in conjunction with powerful electric motors and a large battery pack to deliver more than 430 horses, according to preliminary info from Lexus.

That's not all. While the LS 460 is a conventional rear-wheel drive sedan, the LS 600h will have standard all-wheel drive. It is also based on the long-wheelbase body that contains an extra 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rear-seat legroom.

As on the 460, the chassis employs every form of control-and-assist electronic nanny yet devised by mankind. Likewise, standard or optional features are like having a household of servants catering to your every whim. Accessory motors and pumps can recline the rear seats, pull up an ottoman, close the doors, open and close the trunk, adjust the temperature, give you a Shiatsu massage and even park the car for you.

A hedonistic environmentalist techno-geek's wet-dream

Who can afford the repairs when it's 12-years-old?