Lexus: RX News
goldmemberererer
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: West Hills, CA
Originally Posted by biker
Why anyone would get an RX hybrid over an AWD GS300 for less money is beyond me.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,506
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From: Louisville
Originally Posted by goldmemberer
The RX is an SUV (and America today must have its unnecessarily large vehicles), will give you better mileage, be just as (if not more) roomy & comfortable, look better (I hate SUVs but the new GS is poorly designed), be more powerful (fuck, where is the GS350 when you need it?) and overcompensates for your insecurities better by making your wee wee bigger.
I NEED MONEY!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,587
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From: Atlanta
I dont know many people that will jump for a hybrid SUV priced at $48,535 most people by them cause they want to spend less on gas and those are usually the ones who arent very "wealthy" and $50K thats going to be a tough one to sell...but I'm sure there are environmental ppl w/ money who are willing to pay that much for one!
Thread Starter
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Washington DC (NOVA)
RX 400h luxury hybrid price at $49,185 - - By MARK RECHTIN AND DAVE GUILFORD, Automotive News - Source: Autoweek
The Lexus RX 400h, a hybrid mid-sized SUV that goes on sale April 15, will have a base price of $49,185, including destination.
With the RX 400h, Toyota's luxury division takes a new tack in hybrid marketing. Lexus will emphasize power and luxury, rather than sacrifice for the sake of the environment. Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Denny Clements says the hybrid version of the RX 330 represents "no compromises" for luxury buyers.
The base price includes standard equipment worth $6,000 in options on the RX 330. That includes Lexus' next-generation stability control system, which Lexus markets as Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management.
A Lexus spokesman says the RX 400h will get about 268 horsepower from the hybrid system, which combines the 3.3-liter V6 engine found in the Lexus RX 330 with a high-torque electric-drive motor-generator and a rear electric-drive motor-generator to provide all-wheel drive.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates combined fuel economy rating at 29 mpg. Highway fuel economy is EPA-estimated at 27 mpg, and city mileage at 31 mpg.
With the RX 400h, Toyota's luxury division takes a new tack in hybrid marketing. Lexus will emphasize power and luxury, rather than sacrifice for the sake of the environment. Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Denny Clements says the hybrid version of the RX 330 represents "no compromises" for luxury buyers.
The base price includes standard equipment worth $6,000 in options on the RX 330. That includes Lexus' next-generation stability control system, which Lexus markets as Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management.
A Lexus spokesman says the RX 400h will get about 268 horsepower from the hybrid system, which combines the 3.3-liter V6 engine found in the Lexus RX 330 with a high-torque electric-drive motor-generator and a rear electric-drive motor-generator to provide all-wheel drive.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates combined fuel economy rating at 29 mpg. Highway fuel economy is EPA-estimated at 27 mpg, and city mileage at 31 mpg.
misanthropist
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,666
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From: Tyson's Corner
ouch... no way that is worth it in gas over the average time an owner will have it...
about a $4K increase over the regular 330? that would mean they would have to save a grand a year or so...
so say a person drives it all four years of its warranty,
at a combined savings of 9mpg and driving 15k miles a year on say $2.00/ gallon premium
a normal 330 at a combined 19mpg would cost roughly $1580
the hybrid 330 at a combined 28 mpg would cost roughly $1070
not a real great savings, but at least you could ride on the hov to dc here... priceless
about a $4K increase over the regular 330? that would mean they would have to save a grand a year or so...
so say a person drives it all four years of its warranty,
at a combined savings of 9mpg and driving 15k miles a year on say $2.00/ gallon premium
a normal 330 at a combined 19mpg would cost roughly $1580
the hybrid 330 at a combined 28 mpg would cost roughly $1070
not a real great savings, but at least you could ride on the hov to dc here... priceless
Fahrvergnügen'd
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,494
Likes: 1,569
From: Maryland
100k mile warranty on the hybrid system? That's BS.
It should be a time warranty and not a mileage one. Someone drives 100k in 3 years and their warranty is toast. Who knows if 4 years out they fail?
It should be a time warranty and not a mileage one. Someone drives 100k in 3 years and their warranty is toast. Who knows if 4 years out they fail?
Thread Starter
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 8
From: Washington DC (NOVA)
Source of below: magneto112's post here
('07 ES350 will have a 3.5 liter engine...)
In April 2006:
'07 RX350 will have the same updated engine as the ES
In April 2006:
'07 RX350 will have the same updated engine as the ES
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,426
Likes: 0
From: philly
May 18, 2005
Originally Posted by http://www.canadiandriver.com
Lexus Hybrid SUV Technology
By Jim Kerr
Photos by Grant Yoxon
With fuel costs still increasing, more people are looking for alternatives that will allow them all the flexibility they require of a personal vehicle, but without increasing the cost to operate one. Hydrogen-powered vehicles are on the horizon but the demand for alternatives is now. The only technology that currently meets the need is the hybrid vehicle.
Full hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius and the Ford Escape, can operate on electric motors alone at low speeds, combinations of gasoline and electric motors under many conditions, or gasoline engine alone if the electric power is depleted. Partial hybrids, such as the Honda Civic and Accord, operate on gasoline power with electric assist. Full hybrids use more complex technology but offer lower emissions in city driving and optimize fuel economy. Now, Lexus is bringing the latest hybrid to the marketplace. The RX 400h Sport Utility is a full hybrid all-wheel-drive that takes the technology used in the Toyota Prius and advances it to a new level.
David Hermance, Executive Engineer, Environmental Engineering, Toyota Technical Center (USA) explains the Hybrid Synergy Drive System to Canadian journalists, Hawaii, September 2004. Click image to enlarge
Like the Prius, the Lexus hybrid system is called a Hybrid Synergy Drive system. It uses a 3.3-litre V6 with variable valve timing for a gasoline motor and three electric motor/generators. Under the hood, two of the motor/generators are connected by a planetary gearset inside the continuously variable transmission. The gasoline engine is also connected through the transmission. When the vehicle is turned on, MG1 (Motor Generator One) will start the gasoline engine when required, acts as a generator to charge the battery pack, and operates at variable speeds through the planetary gearset to produce a continuously variable gear ratio inside the transaxle.
MG2, the other electric motor under the hood, is referred to as the "drive motor" but can also act as a generator. It will propel the vehicle at low speeds without the need for the gasoline engine's power. As vehicle speeds increase (about 40 kph under light throttle) the gasoline engine will be started to assist MG2 to accelerate the vehicle.
Click image to enlarge
A third electric motor, MGR, is located at the rear of the vehicle and provides the all-wheel-drive capability. When pulling away from a stop, the rear electric motor provides 50 kw of power and up to 650 ft-lbs torque to help accelerate the vehicle. Once the vehicle reaches cruising speed, the rear motor is turned off but will assist again if the vehicle is accelerated or driven in reverse. During deceleration, the rear motor will provide regenerative braking similar to the front electric motors to recharge the battery pack.
A hybrid system computer controls all three electric motors and the gasoline engine. Together, these power units will provide a peak power of 268 horsepower, and because of the strong low speed torque characteristics of the electric motors, there is 3500 ft-lbs of torque at launch. Acceleration is spirited. Lexus states the RX 400h will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and 50 to 80 km/h in 3.4 seconds, which is faster than many V8-powered SUVs. It has a top speed limit of 180 km/h.
One of the key components of the hybrid system is the sealed Nickel Metal Hydride battery module. This 68 kg battery pack consists of 240 individual cells packaged in three modules under the vehicle's rear seat. Each of the modules has its own monitoring and cooling control system. This battery pack provides 40 per cent more power than the Prius battery, yet it's 18 per cent smaller.
Click image to enlarge
Operating at a nominal 288 volts, the batter pack supplies power to a power control unit (inverter assembly) under the hood. The inverter converts the direct current into three-phase alternating current. It also boosts the voltage from 288 volts to a maximum of 650 volts AC for driving all three electric motors. When the vehicle decelerates, the inverter converts the voltage regenerated by the motors back into 288 volts DC to recharge the battery pack. Another job of the inverter is to convert the voltage into a 12-volt DC power supply to operate the vehicle's electrical equipment.
To minimize the use of the gasoline engine, the RX 400h also uses an electric air conditioning compressor and electric power steering that operate only when there is demand.
Already, Lexus has increased production of the RX 400h to supply a large demand. Over 60 per cent of these luxury sport utilities are already pre-sold, and there is high interest in the remaining ones. The hybrid technology helps our environment, provides fuel economy comparable to a compact car and offers all the performance and versatility we expect in a modern vehicle. No wonder they are selling so fast!
By Jim Kerr
Photos by Grant Yoxon
With fuel costs still increasing, more people are looking for alternatives that will allow them all the flexibility they require of a personal vehicle, but without increasing the cost to operate one. Hydrogen-powered vehicles are on the horizon but the demand for alternatives is now. The only technology that currently meets the need is the hybrid vehicle.
Full hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius and the Ford Escape, can operate on electric motors alone at low speeds, combinations of gasoline and electric motors under many conditions, or gasoline engine alone if the electric power is depleted. Partial hybrids, such as the Honda Civic and Accord, operate on gasoline power with electric assist. Full hybrids use more complex technology but offer lower emissions in city driving and optimize fuel economy. Now, Lexus is bringing the latest hybrid to the marketplace. The RX 400h Sport Utility is a full hybrid all-wheel-drive that takes the technology used in the Toyota Prius and advances it to a new level.
David Hermance, Executive Engineer, Environmental Engineering, Toyota Technical Center (USA) explains the Hybrid Synergy Drive System to Canadian journalists, Hawaii, September 2004. Click image to enlarge
Like the Prius, the Lexus hybrid system is called a Hybrid Synergy Drive system. It uses a 3.3-litre V6 with variable valve timing for a gasoline motor and three electric motor/generators. Under the hood, two of the motor/generators are connected by a planetary gearset inside the continuously variable transmission. The gasoline engine is also connected through the transmission. When the vehicle is turned on, MG1 (Motor Generator One) will start the gasoline engine when required, acts as a generator to charge the battery pack, and operates at variable speeds through the planetary gearset to produce a continuously variable gear ratio inside the transaxle.
MG2, the other electric motor under the hood, is referred to as the "drive motor" but can also act as a generator. It will propel the vehicle at low speeds without the need for the gasoline engine's power. As vehicle speeds increase (about 40 kph under light throttle) the gasoline engine will be started to assist MG2 to accelerate the vehicle.
Click image to enlarge
A third electric motor, MGR, is located at the rear of the vehicle and provides the all-wheel-drive capability. When pulling away from a stop, the rear electric motor provides 50 kw of power and up to 650 ft-lbs torque to help accelerate the vehicle. Once the vehicle reaches cruising speed, the rear motor is turned off but will assist again if the vehicle is accelerated or driven in reverse. During deceleration, the rear motor will provide regenerative braking similar to the front electric motors to recharge the battery pack.
A hybrid system computer controls all three electric motors and the gasoline engine. Together, these power units will provide a peak power of 268 horsepower, and because of the strong low speed torque characteristics of the electric motors, there is 3500 ft-lbs of torque at launch. Acceleration is spirited. Lexus states the RX 400h will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and 50 to 80 km/h in 3.4 seconds, which is faster than many V8-powered SUVs. It has a top speed limit of 180 km/h.
One of the key components of the hybrid system is the sealed Nickel Metal Hydride battery module. This 68 kg battery pack consists of 240 individual cells packaged in three modules under the vehicle's rear seat. Each of the modules has its own monitoring and cooling control system. This battery pack provides 40 per cent more power than the Prius battery, yet it's 18 per cent smaller.
Click image to enlarge
Operating at a nominal 288 volts, the batter pack supplies power to a power control unit (inverter assembly) under the hood. The inverter converts the direct current into three-phase alternating current. It also boosts the voltage from 288 volts to a maximum of 650 volts AC for driving all three electric motors. When the vehicle decelerates, the inverter converts the voltage regenerated by the motors back into 288 volts DC to recharge the battery pack. Another job of the inverter is to convert the voltage into a 12-volt DC power supply to operate the vehicle's electrical equipment.
To minimize the use of the gasoline engine, the RX 400h also uses an electric air conditioning compressor and electric power steering that operate only when there is demand.
Already, Lexus has increased production of the RX 400h to supply a large demand. Over 60 per cent of these luxury sport utilities are already pre-sold, and there is high interest in the remaining ones. The hybrid technology helps our environment, provides fuel economy comparable to a compact car and offers all the performance and versatility we expect in a modern vehicle. No wonder they are selling so fast!
Thread Starter
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 8
From: Washington DC (NOVA)
Lexus boosts prices - - By Greg Migliore - - Source: Automotive News
DETROIT -- Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. raised the prices on its luxury Lexus models for the 2006 model year...
The RX 330 SUV starts at $37,020 for a front-wheel-drive model, up $345.
The RX 330 SUV starts at $37,020 for a front-wheel-drive model, up $345.
Thread Starter
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Washington DC (NOVA)
Future Products: Japan -- Japanese automakers fill every segment - - Source: Autoweek
RX: The hybrid version of the RX sport wagon hit dealerships in the spring of 2005 as a 2006 model. During the 2006 model year, the RX will get a displacement boost to a 3.5-liter V-6, an engine shared with the Toyota Avalon and Lexus ES 350. The redesigned RX is slated to arrive in March 2008 as a 2009 model.
Thread Starter
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 16,399
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From: Washington DC (NOVA)
So then, the purpose of that 3.3L engine was really mainly targeted for the Camry. Because if not, I dont understand why this engine was even produced. Its lifetime would be 2-2.5 years if not for the Camry.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,411
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From: New Orleans
Originally Posted by gavriil
So then, the purpose of that 3.3L engine was really mainly targeted for the Camry. Because if not, I dont understand why this engine was even produced. Its lifetime would be 2-2.5 years if not for the Camry.
Senior Moderator
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,085
Likes: 740
From: Brooklyn, NY USA
Originally Posted by titan
Right. It makes perfect sense to put the 3.5L in the ES, but now I really can't get why the GS continues with the 3.0L. If the 3.3L doesn't go in the Camry it seems to have been a waste.
Thread Starter
Moderator Alumnus
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From: Washington DC (NOVA)
Lexus adds fwd version to hybrid lineup - - By Greg Migliore - - Source: Automotive News
Lexus is expanding the RX 400h family with a front-wheel-drive version. The front-drive RX 400h will have a base price of $45,355 when it reaches showrooms in late December, Lexus said Monday.
Since its launch in April, the hybrid powertrain RX 400h has been equipped only with all-wheel drive.
Lexus also said it is cutting the base price of the awd version by $2,350 to $46,755. The price cut is the result of making the now-standard navigation system with rear vision camera optional equipment. The change takes effect with vehicles produced this month.
The RX 400h mates an electric motor with a 3.3-liter V-6 engine rated at 268 hp. Lexus says the vehicle gets 28 mpg in highway driving conditions and 33 mpg in the city.
Prices include $695 shipping.
Since its launch in April, the hybrid powertrain RX 400h has been equipped only with all-wheel drive.
Lexus also said it is cutting the base price of the awd version by $2,350 to $46,755. The price cut is the result of making the now-standard navigation system with rear vision camera optional equipment. The change takes effect with vehicles produced this month.
The RX 400h mates an electric motor with a 3.3-liter V-6 engine rated at 268 hp. Lexus says the vehicle gets 28 mpg in highway driving conditions and 33 mpg in the city.
Prices include $695 shipping.
The Third Ball
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 50,481
Likes: 5,865
From: Los Angeles, Ca
If they kept the navi/camera and cut the price...then Id say they were REALLY moving in the right direction.
Making hybrid technogoly more easy to afford....rather then being greedy and doing it ass backwards like say....increasing the cost of a prius.
Making hybrid technogoly more easy to afford....rather then being greedy and doing it ass backwards like say....increasing the cost of a prius.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by biker
Nothing like stickin it to the early adopters. Other in the category include: GS300 and IS250.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 969
Likes: 13
From: CT
Senior Moderator
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 18,015
Likes: 1,736
Originally Posted by deandorsey
(Seems like Canadian Driver is always the first to do a review on new vehicles. 
)
I know, that shot of the interior is frightening. Looks like it belongs more on the Corolla than it does on any Lexus.
