Toyota delays arrival of LS hybrid

LEXUS Australia has pushed back the introduction of its fourth-generation LS460 from November to around March next year.

The move will see the rear-drive LS460, which will feature a new 280kW 4.6-litre V8 paired with a "world first" eight-speed automatic transmission, launched alongside the long-wheelbase AWD LS600hL, which boasts another world first: a petrol-electric V8 hybrid engine.

In the meantime, Lexus has added twin front knee airbags to its SC430 coupe-convertible, bringing its total airbags count to six.

The SC also now features front-seat airbag indicators in the instrument cluster and a front passenger seatbelt warning buzzer.

The SC430’s 210kW 4.3-litre V8 and six-speed auto continue unchanged.