Hey Everybody,

Here's the latest info. I'm going to a RX400H 8 hour training class right before the car comes out (or as I like to call it "Hybrid for Dummies").

Gas Engine: 208 hp @5,600 rpm, torque 212 lbs @4,400 rpm
Electric Motor:
Type: Permanent magnet AC synchronous
Front Electric Motor, the power output is 123 kw @4,500 rpm
Rear electric Motor, the power output is 50 kw @4,610-5,120 rpm
Transmission: Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)
Battery Type: Sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH)
Hybrid System Power: 268 hp (200kw)
0-60 in 7.3 sec (est.), top track speed is 112 mph, drag is 0.35, gas mileage 30 city and 26 highway (est.)

Lexus limited Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Powertrain gas engine warranty 6 years/70,000 miles....
Hybrid-Related Component warranty 8 years/100,000 miles.....(includes battery)

The electric engine works up to 35mph, then the gas engine kicks in. Obviously if you do more city driving or commuting (stop and go), then your gas mileage will be better than someone who travels on wide open freeway at 60 mph. The battery recharges itself while you are braking so there is never a need to "plug in" this car. However, if you run out of gas, the car will not run on it's own.

Lexus is focusing on 3 primary benefits of owning a hybrid:
1. Performance
2. Fuel Economy
3. Emissions


April 15th is just around the corner. If you have not yet contacted your Lexus dealer, please do so ASAP! And as always,please pm me with questions you don't want the whole world to read.

 

Here's some things that have changed....

Overall Length: 187.2 in.
Height w/ roof rack (unloaded): 68.5 in.
Ground Clearance: 7.1
Rear Headroom w/out moonroof: 37.5 in.
Rear Legroom: 36.8 in.
Fuel Capacity: 17.2 gallons
Curb Weight 4,365 lbs.

Here's the current RX330:
overall lenght: 186.2 in.
height w/ roof rack (unloaded): 66.1
ground clearance: 7.48 in.
rear headroom w/out moonroof: 38.6 in.
rear legroom: 36.4 in.
fuel capacity: 19.2 gallons
curb weight: 4,065 lbs.

 

Very good!

Not to hijack this thread but is there any chance for the 3.5L V6 from the Avalon to appear on the RX during the next refresh?

If not, I'm springing for this one.

 

I think it's scheduled to get that engine in April of '06 or so??? They already registered the TM for the RX 350.

 

Thanks to the Lexus RX400H Training Manual:


The Acceleration of a V8:
The "400" stands for the power output of the engine and the elctric motors which, when combined, approximate that of a 4.0 liter V8 engine.
268 hp@5,600 rpm with strong torque delivery (212 lbs-ft @ 4,400 rpm from the engine alone!)

The Economy of a 4-Cylinder:
Fuel economy estimates for the Lexus RX400h are comparible to many compact vehicles.
Estimated city/hwy mpg 30/26

Cleaner Air and More:
In addition to a significant reduction in smog forming emissions (i.e. close to 90% fewer than a conventional gas-powered SUV), the RX400H also reduces greenhouse gased including barbon dioxide, which is considered a significant contributor to global warming.
Classified as a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV)

Every inch a Lexus:
Same styling, comfort, and amentities associated with Lexus' most popular model.
Built on the premise "enloy everything, sacrifice nothing". the RX400H delivers unprecedented benefits together with all the traditional qualities that define a Lexus.

 

But they sacrificed two things that first drew me to the RX330 - WOOD & Air-suspension / self-leveling!

 

You can probably buy the wood pieces and put them on yourself. I'm thinking about doing the same. I like the Lexus walnut. It really glows in daylight.

Air suspension is tough. They had to do without it to make room for the battery pack and rear motor. I don't think it matters because nobody is going to tow heavy loads with the RX400h. And the RX400h has presumably a lower center of gravity, making lowering the body on highway unnecessary.

Just my 2 cents.

 

...Makes sense, ... and if we wish to lower it, we can always go with an Eibach Pro kit, huh?

 

HarrierAWD is absolutely correct on both. Lexus cannot release a "green car" and put wood all over the inside. That would be very bad! I've sat in one of the prototypes and they have that "brushed" metal accent, it looks pretty cool!
Also, yes the battery takes up quite a bit of space in the rear. If you look at the rear interior space dimensions, you will see that you lose a little room in the back seat area.

 

I have to agree that I was disappointed seeing the RX400h's interior at first during my visit toe New York Auto Show. It had that quality look but I much prefer endangered exotic wood in my Lexus.

It's one of things that makes it a Lexus. I then sat in the RX330 and my love grew for the car.

If the RX350 makes a debut, I'll be sure to be one of first here to get one. I still like the 3.3L but more is better.

 

Slightly deviate from the topic, but I wonder if Toyota makes the Harrier Hybrid LHD (left-hand-drive) in Japan. I checked the pricing on Toyota Japan's website and it's about $7,000 cheaper in Japan. It'd be about $2,000 to ship a personal vehicle across Pacific, plus a trip to Long Beach to drive it home. I still save a cool 5 grand. I bet Liz isn't smiling now.

Hope I can just pop in a U.S. version Navigation DVD to convert it. How cool would it be to drive a real Toyota Harrier Hybrid in the States?

 

No worries. It's all good!

 

What if? Now THAT would be Kewl! ... might have to give up my FX 4-sure

 

Nope, it is RHD only... And US gets by far the cheapest prices on Lexus vehicles, including RX.

If I would buy RX400h from US, and import it into Europe, I would save some $15k at least!!!
(hi liz!!!)

 

Don't really want to put you on the spot(sorry), but why did the GS450h concept have wood trim?? I understand the whole green car thing, but they didnt follow through with it on the GS. Maybe the interior wouldnt look right with all metal or something.

They also have the Highlander Hybrid thats coming out too. They released pricing for that also not to long ago.