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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
New and used Hybrid Cars for sale.


Hybrid Car quick notes and facts.

Though current hybrid car tax incentives/rebates are being phased out, consumers can look forward to rebates of up to $5000 in 2005.

Current hybrid cars can get up to 60 miles to the gallon on the highway. In addition to fuel economy, they boast lower emissions and depreciation than gasoline powered cars.

 

In the near future, hybrid cars are expected to get fuel mileage as high as 190 miles per gallon!

 

Environmentalists embrace hybrid cars as a solution to today's pollution problems.

 

Heavy HEV development began in the early 1990's with major manufacturers donating billions of dollars to the research of new hybrid technologies.
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