New Multi Stage Hybrid System for the LC500h with Innovative Drivability of the THSII

Authors

K. Oshima, S. Kato, Toyota Motor Corporation, Aichi, Japan

Year

2018

Print Info

Fortschritt-Berichte VDI, Series 12, No 807

Summary

The first Toyota Hybrid System (THS) was installed in the Prius introduced in 1997 as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid passenger vehicle. The THS and its technologies have been improved and implemented in a number of vehicle types, and have been one of the best powertrain systems for fuel economy and emission performance. This paper describes the new THS which has been further improved its competitiveness to satisfy more stringent requirements.
Toyota launched the new hybrid luxury coupe LC500h in 2017 to help enhance the brand image and competitiveness for the new generation of Lexus. During the development of the LC500h, major improvements were made to the hybrid system by adopting the newly-developed Multi Stage Hybrid System, which combines a multi stage shift device with the transmission from the previous hybrid system to maximize the potential of the hybrid system. The new hybrid system was designed with a V-6 3.5-liter petrol naturally aspirated engine and optimally designed electrical components. With the specifications and its characteristics, the new system achieved the starting acceleration performance exceeding the previous hybrid system with a 5.0-liter petrol naturally aspirated engine and direct acceleration feeling while meeting the most stringent emission standard of Euro 6 in Europe, SULEV30 in US and J-SULEV in Japan as a full-size vehicle.