For those of you who have saved a LOT of money, say by hedging fuel for some airlines, and want to blow it on a really high level hybrid, there is the Lexus LS 600h L. This is the flagship of the House of Toyota. Built like a tank, finished like a jewel, powered by a strong V-8 and a hybrid drive system, this is the kind of vehicle that travels slightly detached from the road, the local environment, and anyone else that doesn't have a near 7-digit income.
The "600" weighs in at about 5,000 lbs; features a very comfortable, isolated interior; and 438 HP (V-8 plus electric). It will do 0 – 60 MPH in 5.5 secs and, thanks to being a hybrid, it is rated at 20 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. All this, starting at only $104,000. That price by the way, is enough to buy four Toyota Priuses.
While this car may appeal to many, it doesn't appeal to me. It isn't that is not a very good car, it is just not appropriate for pulling up at my local sushi bar, or my used book store, or the ice cream shop I frequent. It just wouldn't be appreciated and I would fear I would be asked the question, "Whaddaya drivin' these days? A Buick?"
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[Source: Fortune magazine]
