This summer, Lexus rolls out the RX 450h hybrid SUV, the second revamp of the RX 400h that's been employed in fleets of green-conscious limousine operators offering luxury and eco-friendly rides. Toyota's luxury brand announced the vehicle will be offered at a base price of $42,535 for the front-wheel drive (FWD) and $44,125 for the all-wheel drive (AWD). The vehicle is rated at 32/28 highway/city mpg for the FWD version and 30/28 on the AWD.
Here's an early look at a vehicle that was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2008.
Lexus again offers its RX 450h crossover models with a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. As with the prior RX 400h, which ceased production in 2008, the RX 450h uses a separate rear electric motor-generator to provide power to the rear wheels when road conditions or throttle response dictates. Torque distribution varies depending on driving conditions, and the AWD system is 35 pounds lighter.
The RX 450h features an Eco Driving indicator light and new Eco driving indicator zone that displays current fuel economy using a bar graph and alerts the driver when they are achieving low fuel efficiency. The RX 450h will achieve Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) certification in California, producing nearly 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than conventionally powered vehicles. The power-steering pump, water pump and air-conditioning compressor are driven electrically rather than by the engine, reducing the engine's workload.
The 2010 RX 450h introduces an updated version of the Lexus Hybrid Drive, featuring a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson-cycle engine, lighter electric motors, a smaller and lighter power-control unit and other fuel-saving features. The engine offers at least 16 percent improvement on fuel economy than its predecessor and 295 total horsepower, 27 more than the RX 400h.
The optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control uses millimeter-wave radar to measure and maintain a pre-set following distance from a vehicle traveling ahead. The radar sensor can detect certain obstacles in front of the car, and a PCS computer with vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw-rate inputs helps to determine whether a collision is highly possible. In such a situation, PCS preemptively retracts front seat belts and pre-initializes Brake Assist for increased braking.
We will just sit back and enjoy Lexus description of the interior styling, The design imbues a feeling of a continuous line encircling the occupants and defining the controls and displays. Neatly sculpted metallic surfaces, especially on the asymmetrical center stack, showcase a bold contrast of shadow and light.
The rear spoiler's primary function is to help lower the vehicle's drag, but it also conceals the rear wiper and houses the AM/FM radio antenna and high-mount stop lamp. Nine exterior colors are offered, including the newly developed Cerulean Blue Metallic; Aurora White Pearl is exclusive to the RX 450h.
We will just sit back and enjoy Lexus description of the interior styling, The design imbues a feeling of a continuous line encircling the occupants and defining the controls and displays. Neatly sculpted metallic surfaces, especially on the asymmetrical center stack, showcase a bold contrast of shadow and light.
