Lexus Hybrid
Toyota's
luxury division announced early this year that they would be making
a hybrid version of their popular RX model, called the Lexus RX
400h and dubbed the "world's first luxury SUV." The Lexus
hybrid will arrive in early 2005 and will offer smoother, quieter
operation, increased performance, and a host of high technology
accessories, while delivering class topping fuel economy and emissions
ratings.
"The RX 400h will introduce another industry
first called VDM, or Vehicle Dynamic Management. Monitoring a variety
of sensors, the system is designed to anticipate the onset of a
vehicle skid or slide and then helps correct the situation with
a combination of braking and throttle control. The new VDM system
is less obtrusive than conventional VSC but ultimately more effective."
"The 400h hybrid powertrain combines a powerful
electric motor with the highly efficient 3.3-liter V6 engine found
in the RX 330 to significantly improve low to mid-speed acceleration
and overall fuel efficiency. The system is a 'full hybrid,' meaning
that the RX 400h is capable of operating in separate gas or electric
modes, as well as a mode that combines power from both. "
"The RX 400h will develop a peak system output
of approximately 270 horsepower and deliver combined fuel economy
significantly better than the current average compact sedan rating
of 27.6 miles-per-gallon. Zero-to-sixty acceleration will also improve
over the current RX 330's sub-8 second time. The RX 400h with optional
all-wheel-drive, which features a rear-drive electric motor, will
accelerate quicker yet."
"The RX 400h uses a regenerative braking system
to further boost system efficiency. When the vehicle is coasting
or the brakes are applied, the electric motor functions as a generator,
capturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat through
the brakes and converting it into useable electricity to recharge
the batteries."
The RX 400h will most likely be driven by a 3.3
V6 that produces 270 hp, earn a SULEV EPA emissions rating, and
feature an ECVT automatic transmission.
Recent Lexus hybrid entries:
Lexus HS 250h