Lexus: RX News
01-12-2004, 08:00 PM
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Lexus: RX News
By Bengt Halvorson
Lexus also introduced the production version of its gasoline-electric hybrid SUV, to be called the RX400H. Appearance changes are minor on the outside, barely hinting at the hybrid powertrain within. Tail lamps are an LED design, while the front air intake is larger.
The hybrid RX has an all-new battery with double the power of that in the Prius, while its electric motor can operate at 12,000 rpm - double the speed of the motor in the Prius. For short bursts, the 3.3-liter V-6 combined with the permanent-magnet motor can provide 270 hp, delivered through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT). The RX hybrid will be the first vehicle offering the division's VDM (vehicle dynamic management) system, combined with electronic braking.
The RX400H promises a 0-60 acceleration time of under eight seconds, with substantial gains in 30-50 mph passing performance - where the hybrid system posts the strongest advantage. The SULEV-rated hybrid will offer a driving range of more than 600 miles, and fuel economy is expected to be better than the current EPA average for four-cylinder compact sedans. Production and sales volumes have not yet been announced.
Source: The Car Connection
01-13-2004, 09:23 AM
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A little disappointed in the performance and final numbers here. There were strong rumors suggesting a hybrid RX doing the 0-60 in 5.5 seconds. This is just marginal here.
01-13-2004, 03:55 PM
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A little disappointed in the performance and final numbers here. There were strong rumors suggesting a hybrid RX doing the 0-60 in 5.5 seconds. This is just marginal here.
01-14-2004, 03:45 PM
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Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
My sources told me that the car was so smooth and fast, they were scared people would be going faster than they want to.
My sources told me that the car was so smooth and fast, they were scared people would be going faster than they want to.
Haha, so thats Toyotas problem. We can't build sporty cars because people will go faster than they wanted to.
Think under 8's is plenty for an SUV, its decent acceleration for a family sedan. I doubt most RX buyers are interested in the performance anyways. Personally I would rather have an suv or truck that had high mpg ratings/combined with respectable power than all out power.
01-14-2004, 08:57 PM
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Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
My sources told me that the car was so smooth and fast, they were scared people would be going faster than they want to. They tried something with the tranny but it ended up shifting rough. So they just slowed the RX down.
My sources told me that the car was so smooth and fast, they were scared people would be going faster than they want to. They tried something with the tranny but it ended up shifting rough. So they just slowed the RX down.
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01-14-2004, 08:58 PM
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Originally posted by ItalianStallion
that thing will sell like hot cakes.
35+ MPG + SUV + Toyota Brand Quality = Sure fire winner
that thing will sell like hot cakes.
35+ MPG + SUV + Toyota Brand Quality = Sure fire winner
01-15-2004, 05:05 PM
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i couldnt imagine them having it be too much. either way the gas mileage this get will have the car's added price pretty much pay for itself over time.
people love lexus, toyota and the RX.
people hate spending an arm and leg on gas guzzzling suvs, in this case they wont have to pay a tax, theyll actually get money.
people love lexus, toyota and the RX.
people hate spending an arm and leg on gas guzzzling suvs, in this case they wont have to pay a tax, theyll actually get money.
01-16-2004, 11:38 PM
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Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
Gav, that is what I was told. Maybe they will up the speed during a model refreshning. I dunno.
BTW, listed MPG is 36 city, 31 Highway! Can u believe that?
Gav, that is what I was told. Maybe they will up the speed during a model refreshning. I dunno.
BTW, listed MPG is 36 city, 31 Highway! Can u believe that?
08-12-2004, 10:23 AM
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Lexus Customers Wait on 400h - - By Paul A. Eisenstein - - Source: The Car Connection
The launch of the Lexus RX400h hybrid-electric vehicle has been pushed back to sometime in early 2005, a company spokesman confirmed to TheCarConnection.com, leaving the automaker scrambling to deal with thousands of potential customers, many of whom have left cash deposits for the HEV ute. The original "launch target" for the RX400h was autumn 2004, most likely around November, TCC had previously reported. Exactly how much the introduction of the high-performance hybrid now will be delayed is unclear, and likely won't be finalized until the last series of pre-production prototypes rolls off the assembly line in September. Unlike parent company Toyota's Prius, the 400h will use a hybrid powertrain tuned to boost both mileage and performance. While engineers are using every opportunity to tweak the final design, the delay reflects several factors. One is limited hardware availability, according to various company sources, which make it difficult to ramp up the production of new hybrids without cutting back on others. As it is, the automaker has had to repeatedly boost production capacity for the Prius, the latest expansion announced just last Friday.
All told, if hardware availability improves, Toyota Motor Co. Chairman Fujio Cho believes his company can sell 300,000 hybrids next year, including Prius, the RX400h, and an HEV version of the Toyota Highlander set to debut several months after the Lexus hybrid. Company officials in the U.S. are pressing to get a larger share of RX400h production capacity, "but so is every other market," said spokesman Bill Ussery. Lexus dealers in the U.S. have already taken 8000 cash deposits on the RX400h, and the company has counted 27,000 "handraisers," considered likely to buy. For those currently leasing either and RX300 or RX330, who'd hoped to trade in on the 400h, Lexus will extend their contracts up to six months without penalty due to the launch delay.
The launch of the Lexus RX400h hybrid-electric vehicle has been pushed back to sometime in early 2005, a company spokesman confirmed to TheCarConnection.com, leaving the automaker scrambling to deal with thousands of potential customers, many of whom have left cash deposits for the HEV ute. The original "launch target" for the RX400h was autumn 2004, most likely around November, TCC had previously reported. Exactly how much the introduction of the high-performance hybrid now will be delayed is unclear, and likely won't be finalized until the last series of pre-production prototypes rolls off the assembly line in September. Unlike parent company Toyota's Prius, the 400h will use a hybrid powertrain tuned to boost both mileage and performance. While engineers are using every opportunity to tweak the final design, the delay reflects several factors. One is limited hardware availability, according to various company sources, which make it difficult to ramp up the production of new hybrids without cutting back on others. As it is, the automaker has had to repeatedly boost production capacity for the Prius, the latest expansion announced just last Friday.
All told, if hardware availability improves, Toyota Motor Co. Chairman Fujio Cho believes his company can sell 300,000 hybrids next year, including Prius, the RX400h, and an HEV version of the Toyota Highlander set to debut several months after the Lexus hybrid. Company officials in the U.S. are pressing to get a larger share of RX400h production capacity, "but so is every other market," said spokesman Bill Ussery. Lexus dealers in the U.S. have already taken 8000 cash deposits on the RX400h, and the company has counted 27,000 "handraisers," considered likely to buy. For those currently leasing either and RX300 or RX330, who'd hoped to trade in on the 400h, Lexus will extend their contracts up to six months without penalty due to the launch delay.
08-12-2004, 11:26 AM
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exus dealers in the U.S. have already taken 8000 cash deposits on the RX400h, and the company has counted 27,000 "handraisers," considered likely to buy. For those currently leasing either and RX300 or RX330, who'd hoped to trade in on the 400h, Lexus will extend their contracts up to six months without penalty due to the launch delay.
And yes, its dues to the increase in Prius production. I think that production just doubled. The hybrids are coming!
09-08-2004, 02:14 PM
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9,000 RX 400h pre-orders already
September 7, 2004
Lexus Exceeds 9,000 Pre-Sold Customer Orders for 2006 RX 400h Hybrid
September 7, 2004 - Torrance, CA - Lexus announced today that its dealers have received more than 9,000 pre-sold orders for the 2006 RX 400h luxury gas-electric hybrid SUV through August month-end. The RX 400h provides a powerful new performance dimension to the traditional hybrid advantages of high mileage and low emissions.
"We've received significantly more pre-launch orders for the 400h than we've had for any vehicle in our entire 15-year history," said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager, Denny Clements. "Although we're pleased with the early public response to the 400h, we are mindful of our need to respond to these customers in a timely manner," he added.
Lexus recently announced to dealers that the 400h will arrive in showrooms early next year as a 2006 model. The company said after pre-production prototypes are evaluated later this month, it will announce specific on-sale launch timing for the U.S. and other global markets.
"It's imperative we provide accurate information to our dealers and their customers regarding the anticipated arrival of these vehicles," said Clements. "We're already planning ahead with the development of a new retail ordering program, and we've started a dedicated customer communication system," he added.
The new customer communication system will correspond directly with wait-list customers on at-least a quarterly basis with updated information about their RX 400h order. The retail ordering system will provide Lexus dealers with the ability to assign a customer name to a specific vehicle prior to its production and then track that vehicle throughout the distribution process. This is a first for Lexus and will provide timely updates on the progress of a customer's order and their expected vehicle delivery date.
Additionally, Lexus Financial Services will extend lease agreements by as much as 12 months, if necessary, to current Lexus owners who have placed orders for a RX 400h. The plan is designed to accommodate customers who have voiced concern that their Lexus lease might run-out before their RX 400h arrives
09-08-2004, 11:04 PM
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Originally Posted by majesty
it seems like toyota can do no wrong...i wonder what the real world gas mileage will be...even 20+mpg in an SUV should be impressive.
09-09-2004, 07:57 AM
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Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX
About 35mpg combined. I'll let the first year pass, and replace my mothers RX with this puppy.
ive never ever received the same mileage numbers that the EPA has stated on any of the automobiles ive ever owned. with so many people and so many varying driving styles i wonder what numbers people will attain....to clarify.
09-09-2004, 03:48 PM
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I know most would never but can this thing tow a trailer? Does it even come with a hitch (as an option)? I've wondered if a hybrid can even do this.
09-09-2004, 06:37 PM
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Originally Posted by heyitsme
Where are these 36/31 numbers coming from? The hybrid accord is rated at 30/38 for comparison.
11-08-2004, 09:12 PM
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Lexus hybrid sale date set for April 15 - - By Dale Jewett - - Source: Automotive News / November 08, 2004
Toyota Motor Corp. has set April15, 2005 -- tax day -- as the on-sale date for the next addition to its hybrid-powered vehicle portfolio.
Toyota said it already has more than 9,500 confirmed pre-sold orders for the RX 400h, which will be designated a 2006 model. The automaker has not announced a price.
The automaker said its captive finance company, Lexus Financial Services, would extend leases for current Lexus owners who have ordered a RX 400h as much as 12 months to cover any potential gap between lease contracts.
The Lexus RX 400h powertrain combines a 3.3-liter V-6 engine with an electric motor for a combined 270 horsepower. The vehicle will be sold in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants.
The electric motor in the Lexus hybrid will turn at 12,000 rpm, twice the speed of the electric motor in the Toyota Prius.
A hybrid powertrain gets propulsion from two sources, an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The addition of the electric motor, which can be the sole source of propulsion at low speeds and give a short-term boost for acceleration, enables an automaker to use a smaller internal combustion engine to reduce fuel consumption.
Toyota said it already has more than 9,500 confirmed pre-sold orders for the RX 400h, which will be designated a 2006 model. The automaker has not announced a price.
The automaker said its captive finance company, Lexus Financial Services, would extend leases for current Lexus owners who have ordered a RX 400h as much as 12 months to cover any potential gap between lease contracts.
The Lexus RX 400h powertrain combines a 3.3-liter V-6 engine with an electric motor for a combined 270 horsepower. The vehicle will be sold in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants.
The electric motor in the Lexus hybrid will turn at 12,000 rpm, twice the speed of the electric motor in the Toyota Prius.
A hybrid powertrain gets propulsion from two sources, an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The addition of the electric motor, which can be the sole source of propulsion at low speeds and give a short-term boost for acceleration, enables an automaker to use a smaller internal combustion engine to reduce fuel consumption.
02-05-2005, 06:47 PM
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Lexus Introduces RX 400h
Text & Photos courtesy Toyota Motor Corporation
edited 02-03-2005
The World's First Luxury Hybrid SUV
Lexus announced the launch of the all-new 2006 RX 400h, the world's first gas/electric hybrid-powered luxury vehicle, which will go on sale in April 2005. Based on the RX 330, the best-selling SUV in the luxury category, the RX 400h delivers greater performance, improved fuel efficiency and significantly reduces emissions while sacrificing none of its luxury or utility.
The first luxury vehicle to feature hybrid technology, the RX 400h incorporates a new, advanced Hybrid Synergy Drive system that combines the 3.3-liter V6 engine with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator, plus a rear electric drive motor-generator to provide on-road all-wheel drive capability.
With a combined system output of approximately 268 horsepower, and more significantly, 3,500 lb.-ft. of axle torque at launch, the RX 400h delivers rapid acceleration with unexpected fuel efficiency. At 7.3 seconds, acceleration from zero to 60 mph is about 0.5 seconds quicker than the RX 330 and better than many V8-powered competitors. The RX 400h's estimated EPA combined fuel economy rating of 28 mpg matches the average for new compact sedans and marks a 33 percent improvement over RX 330 AWD. It also gains a 67 percent edge over RX 330 in city fuel economy. And its estimated EPA city fuel economy rating of 30 mpg exceeds most V8 and many V6-equipped luxury SUVs by over 100 percent.
rest of article http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm/newsid/2050203.005
Text & Photos courtesy Toyota Motor Corporation
edited 02-03-2005
The World's First Luxury Hybrid SUV
Lexus announced the launch of the all-new 2006 RX 400h, the world's first gas/electric hybrid-powered luxury vehicle, which will go on sale in April 2005. Based on the RX 330, the best-selling SUV in the luxury category, the RX 400h delivers greater performance, improved fuel efficiency and significantly reduces emissions while sacrificing none of its luxury or utility.
The first luxury vehicle to feature hybrid technology, the RX 400h incorporates a new, advanced Hybrid Synergy Drive system that combines the 3.3-liter V6 engine with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator, plus a rear electric drive motor-generator to provide on-road all-wheel drive capability.
With a combined system output of approximately 268 horsepower, and more significantly, 3,500 lb.-ft. of axle torque at launch, the RX 400h delivers rapid acceleration with unexpected fuel efficiency. At 7.3 seconds, acceleration from zero to 60 mph is about 0.5 seconds quicker than the RX 330 and better than many V8-powered competitors. The RX 400h's estimated EPA combined fuel economy rating of 28 mpg matches the average for new compact sedans and marks a 33 percent improvement over RX 330 AWD. It also gains a 67 percent edge over RX 330 in city fuel economy. And its estimated EPA city fuel economy rating of 30 mpg exceeds most V8 and many V6-equipped luxury SUVs by over 100 percent.
rest of article http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm/newsid/2050203.005
Last edited by heyitsme; 02-05-2005 at 06:49 PM.
02-05-2005, 09:36 PM
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Originally Posted by jts1207
Can someone explain the hype here? The Accord Hybrid v6 is out and just as impressive. Same goes for the Prius/Civic Hybrid
02-06-2005, 09:23 AM
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Originally Posted by heyitsme
Well you can start with weights of cars versus suvs and then you'll begin to understand. 2nd of all this thing moves like a v8 without the gas.
02-06-2005, 10:22 AM
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Originally Posted by Stevens24
Cost is reported to be 45k starting price, about 5k more than a regular RX. thats a lot of gas. 
02-07-2005, 11:18 AM
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Apparently I understand the 3.3 liter engine was detuned to a little over 200 HP for this iteration (like 202 HP or so). There are two electric engines. The one for the rear wheels only is rated at 50Kw which is pretty good power for this first iteration. The rear electric engine is solely responsible for the rear wheels. So AWD is achieved electronically, with no center drive shaft transfering power from the front (engine/s). There is another small electric engine helping the IC engine and both are soleley responsible for the front wheels and other operations (operation of accessory systems, etc.).
So there is more to this than what we see in the Prius, the Accord, etc. This is a lot more of a sophisticated application, which should not be a surprise since Lexus always has "more" than the non-luxury equivelands.
So there is more to this than what we see in the Prius, the Accord, etc. This is a lot more of a sophisticated application, which should not be a surprise since Lexus always has "more" than the non-luxury equivelands.
02-19-2005, 10:55 AM
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Safety Inquiry on Lexus RX330
U.S. Opens Safety Inquiry on Lexus S.U.V.
By DANNY HAKIM
Published: February 16, 2005
DETROIT, Feb. 15 - Federal regulators have opened a safety investigation into 2004 models of the best-selling vehicle from Toyota Motor's Lexus division, the RX330 sport utility vehicle, after receiving complaints about failures in its power brakes.
Bill Ussery, a Lexus spokesman, said the company was aware of the brake problem and issued a technical service bulletin to its dealers in September. But the company has not notified customers or recalled the vehicle because it says it does not think the problem is widespread and no injuries have been linked to it.
The government's inquiry was prompted by complaints from 10 Lexus owners who told the agency of brake problems, with one saying, "My brakes went completely out while traveling down a highway at 70 miles per hour."
Complaints have also appeared recently on Internet message boards. Several customers said they had been told by Lexus mechanics that the problem was well known but could take weeks to fix because not enough parts were available.
"We saw enough of a pattern in the complaints coming in that we felt it justified a little closer look," said Rae Tyson, a spokesman for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is conducting the inquiry. The investigation is in a preliminary phase. It will become more serious if enough evidence of a potential defect is discovered.
The problem involves the S.U.V.'s brake booster, a critical part that makes power brakes work. Without a brake booster, brakes are still operable but require a driver to push down with considerable force.
"The brakes still stop the vehicle, but it's very unusual and surprising," Mr. Ussery said. He said Lexus needed to review the government's consumer complaints "to determine if further action is warranted."
Last year, the RX330 became Lexus's first vehicle to sell more than 100,000 units in the United States. Mr. Ussery said the company thought the problem was restricted to vehicles that were among the 48,000 of the 2004 model RX330's produced at a plant in Cambridge, Ont., as opposed to models made in Japan. He also said the problem was thought to occur in cold weather.
He said the technical service bulletin sent to dealers recommended replacing the vehicle's brake booster if the problem occurred.
"If you're missing a booster system, it means that for smaller people, for women, it's really hard to stop the vehicle," said Joan Claybrook, the president of Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group. "Companies are much smarter if they notify people quickly, not only for safety but for public relations."
Nancy Rosin, 63, of Franklin Lakes, N.J., said her RX330 was her fourth Lexus but would probably be her last. The power brakes on her S.U.V. failed when her son was backing out of a driveway in Vermont in December, she said, and he had to jam down on the brakes to stop.
Ms. Rosin was not among the customers who complained to regulators. She said a Lexus dealer had led her to believe that the problem stemmed from using the parking brake, and only later learned about brake problems in other RX330's.
"This is life and death," she said. "I had my grandchildren, who are 5 and 7, in this car. We felt so safe in it, and then I find out I had them in a really dangerous situation. I thought I was paying a premium for safety."
Lexus replaced her brake booster, but she remains worried that there may be a wider brake problem and wants to be released from her lease.
"They should have sent a letter to every owner to let them know this could be a problem instead of saying they had never heard of this before," Ms. Rosin said.
02-22-2005, 10:42 PM
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...the RX 400h will be priced at $48,535
Comfort and Luxury
- Brushed-aluminum accents
- Voice-activated DVD navigation system [5]
- Automatic dual-zone climate control with smog-sensing air filtration
- 10-way adjustable driver's power seat with memory function
- Power rear door with remote keyless entry
- Available Mark Levinson [6] audio system with 11 speakers and in-dash,
six-disc CD auto-changer
- Available DVD Rear-Seat Entertainment System (RSES) with remote
control, wireless headphones and seven-inch LCD
- 38 cu ft [7] of rear cargo capacity; 84 cu ft [7] with rear seats
folded down
- Illuminated entry system
Safety
- Front dual-stage airbags Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) [8],
driver's-knee airbag, front seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain
airbags
- Welded-steel unibody frame, side-impact door beams and impact-
dissipating front and rear crumple zones
- Rollover sensor
- Backup camera [9]
- Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
- High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps
- Rain-sensing wipers
Warranty
- 48-month/50,000-mile basic limited warranty with Roadside Assistance for
48 months/unlimited miles
- Powertrain and restraint system coverage is provided for 72 months/70,000
miles
- Corrosion perforation protection is covered for 72 months, regardless of
mileage
- The hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control
module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for
96 months/100,000 miles
02-22-2005, 10:43 PM
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Options are
Mark Levinson Audio System ($1,480)
DVD Rear Seat Entertainment System ($1,840)
Adjustable Front Seat Heaters ($540)
