Lexus RX400h Hybrid SUV
July 31, 2006 by Alborz Fallah
Toyota’s luxury arm Lexus is set to continue to expand its hybrid vehicle family with the introduction of the Lexus RX400h SUV in September 2006.
Lexus has been on the full offensive with Luxury hybrids have only introduced the Performance Hybrid Sedan the Lexus GS450h only four months ago. The Lexus RX400h will be Australia’s first luxury performance hybrid SUV.
“The introduction of RX400h later this year demonstrates Lexus’ commitment to hybrid technology, these vehicles are the way of the future, and RX400h boasts all of the hybrid technology, but it is also loaded with power-hungry features.” said Lexus Australia divisional manager Scott Grant.
RX400h combines a regular 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine with one high-torque electric drive motor-generator driving the front wheels and another one driving the rear wheels. It uses a planetary gearset and generator to help route power to the motors and recharge the batteries.
RX400h, like GS450h, features seamless acceleration. The engine and electric motors operate in optimum collaboration, with extra power supplied from the battery to boost motor response.
“The launch of GS450h has been a tremendous achievement for Lexus, to introduce a second hybrid vehicle in 2006 is an exciting result for us. The Lexus RX400h gives drivers the opportunity to experience all the luxury benefits of a Lexus 4WD without placing undue strain on the environment.” said Scott Grant.
RX400h has been rated as an SULEV (Super Low Emissions Vehicle) in the United States.
It will be released in Australia in September 2006.
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Check out what others are saying about this post...[...] LEXUS RX400 hybrid 4WD in September; LS460 sedan featuring world’s first eight-speed transmission and a 4.6-litre, V8 engine in November. [...]
[...] Lexus has demonstrated its commitment to the concept of hybrid technology with the introduction of the GS450h and the RX400h in 2006. 2007 will see the introduction of the LS600hL, the world’s first upper-luxury petrol-electric hybrid and the world’s first V8 hybrid. [...]
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