For those of you who follow my blog rants regularly (all three of you) you'll remember my last post lambasting the Lexus LS600h for its relatively poor performance relative to the non-hybrid model. I still can't wrap my mind around how Lexus justifies that car's existence, other than the fuzzy-headed logic that having a hybrid flagship would be "cool."
Well, I have some suggestions for some ecologically-inspired luxo-barges that would actually provide some real tangible benefits in performance, economy, or both.
Audi A8 6.0 V-12 TDI: Audi should build this car if for no other reason than to put the proverbial smack-down on Lexus and its self-righteously useless LS600h. So Lexus brags about "V-12 like" power and acceleration? This diesel-powered bad boy would have real V-12 power. And you wanna talk torque? How about 738 staggering lb./ft. of it. And even it got only slightly better than the LS600h's 20/22 mileage, it would still have a substantial margin in overall horsepower and torque.
Cadillac STS-D: I've suggested this in a previous post, but I'll say it again, because I still think it's a darn fine idea. Cadillac should offer the new 4.5L mini-Duramax V-8 in the STS. With around 310 horsepower and a stout 520 lb./ft. of torque, this engine would be a mighty good motivator for this sedan, and likely deliver more than 30 highway MPG.
Mercedes S 420 Bluetec: This car actually exists in Europe. Powered by a 320-horsepower turbodiesel V-8 with a beefy 538 lb./ft. of torque, this would be a glorious comeback for a diesel-powered S-class, the last of which disappeared from U.S. shores in the mid-to-late 90s. Based on conversion figures, it delivers around 26 highway miles per gallon. Not too shabby for a luxo-yacht of this size with this much power.
BMW 745d: Also a real car on the other side of the Atlantic. This Bavarian bad-boy boasts 325 horsepower and 516 lb./ft. of torque. BMW has vowed to bring over several diesel models in the next few years. Let's hope this is one of them.