Got this today from Lexus:
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We'd like to thank all of our Lexus Hybrid Newsletter readers for the insightful
questions that have been submitted about the Lexus RX 400h and the
technology behind it. We're in the process of answering these questions and
we'll be sharing that information with you in upcoming editions of the Lexus
Hybrid Newsletter. However, we'd like to take this opportunity to answer the
most frequently asked question of all: "When will the RX 400h be available?"
We think the best way to answer that is to share the very latest information
regarding the timing of the Lexus RX 400h launch, as well as some
enlightening new product information:
This is an exciting time for hybrid vehicles, with demand and acceptance
continuing to grow as new products enter the market. We couldn't be more
thrilled with the reception that the RX 400h has received from the media
and from informed consumers like you.
For the last two years, our target launch date for the all-new Lexus RX 400h
luxury utility vehicle has been late 2004. With the final development stage
completed and the pre-production phase now beginning, our launch date
has been more finely focused. We are now looking at early 2005 for the
official launch.
The RX 400h's eye-catching exterior is similar to the acclaimed RX 330's,
while adding style elements such as unique 18-inch wheels, dark chrome
grille, sporty air intake, round foglamps and jeweled taillamps. The computer-
controlled powertrain seamlessly blends power from the V6 gasoline engine,
the electric-drive motors and the generator. In place of the traditional
tachometer, the RX 400h has an illuminated power meter that displays the
level of power generated by the gas-electric hybrid powertrain. The driver
will also be able to monitor the gas-electric power distribution on the
standard seven-inch touch-panel display screen that comes with the
navigation system.
The RX 400h all-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain combines two powerful
electric-drive motors with the highly efficient 3.3-liter V6 engine found in
the RX 330 to significantly improve low- to mid-speed acceleration and
overall fuel efficiency. The system is a full hybrid, meaning that the RX 400h
is capable of operating in separate gas or electric modes, as well as a mode
that combines power from both.
The RX 400h will develop a combined system output of approximately
270 horsepower (versus 230 horsepower in the RX 330) and deliver
combined fuel economy equivalent to the current average of a compact
sedan. Zero-to-sixty acceleration will also improve over the current
RX 330's sub-eight-second time. The RX 400h will also be rated as a
Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV), one of the most stringent
emissions ratings in the industry.
The RX 400h uses a regenerative braking system to further boost system
efficiency. When the vehicle is coasting or the brakes are applied, the electric
motor functions as a generator, capturing kinetic energy in the form of heat
collected through the braking system. It then converts that energy into usable
electricity to recharge the hybrid battery.
In short, the new RX 400h will become the premium model in the RX series,
offering increased performance, smooth operation, better fuel efficiency and
a host of high-technology, safety, luxury amenities and comfort features.
