AutoGuide.com

Lexus has filed a trademark in Europe, hinting at a new LS model.

The Japanese automaker has trademarked the LS500h nameplate in Europe and this isn’t the first time Lexus has used the 500h designation for trademark filings. Late last year, the company trademarked LC500 and LC500h for use in Canada, U.S. and Australia, although those nameplates haven’t been used for anything yet. Going off the company’s naming convention for its hybrid models, there’s a possibility that Lexus has developed a new hybrid powertrain that pairs a 4.0-liter V6 or V8 engine with a hybrid system, earning it a 500h moniker.

SEE ALSO: Hydrogen Powered Lexus LS Rumored for 2017

Currently the GS450h is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid engine while the LS600h features a 5.0-liter V8 hybrid. It appears that Lexus adds one liter to the badge designation for the hybrid system, so the 500h would equate to a 4.0-liter powerplant. There’s also the possibility that the company retains the 3.5-liter V6 engine and pairs it to a more powerful hybrid powertrain. There’s also the unlikely possibility that Lexus is revamping its naming convention for its hybrid models to represent just the powerplant under the hood, meaning the LS600h would just become the LS500h.

The LS600h has a total system output of 438 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque while the LS460 with just a standard gasoline engine provides 389 hp and 367 lb-ft of torque, so if Lexus does move forward with an LS500h production model, expect it to land somewhere in between.

Discuss this story at our Lexus forum