We're used to automakers referring to their most premium vehicles as "flagships", but rarely is that description as apt as with Lexus's latest production model, the LY 650 yacht.
The LY 650 was previewed last year in the Lexus Sport Yacht concept, a 42-foot vessel put together by Lexus, Toyota's marine division and Marquis-Larson Yachts of Wisconsin, the company Lexus contracted to build the real deal. But the production boat is a different beast at nearly 20 metres in length (more than 65 feet) and powered by a Volvo Penta engine in place of the concept's twin V8s, which were borrowed from the LC 500 coupe.
A boat seems like a bit of a departure for, you know, a car company, but was conceived to appeal to loyal Lexus drivers who want to expand their luxury lifestyle while sticking with their favourite upscale vehicle brand.
Among the LY 650's styling cues, Lexus calls out the boat's use of the brand's L-finesse design language and a "distinctly Lexus roofline." We don't pick up on the similarities they're talking about, but it is a very nice-looking boat.
Lexus says the LY 650 boasts three staterooms, three heads (bathrooms) and sleeps six. There's an 852L fresh water tank, a 643L holding tank and a fuel capacity of 3,785L(!). Standard power comes courtesy of Volvo's IPS1200 engine, a 12.8L straight-six turbodiesel good for 900 hp and a rated speed of 2,300 rpm. Optional is the IPS1350 (also a 12.8L turbodiesel six), which spins up to 2,400 rpm to produce 1,000 hp.
Marquis-Larson Yachts is expected to deliver the first example of the LY 650 to its owner in the second half of 2019.
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