Lexus RX 400h Hybrid 2008
This vehicle has arrived on the scene without all
the hybrid save the world hype. What we have here is a luxury SUV that delivers
economical petrol use and is very very quiet.
The nuts and bolts, this Lexus is just like driving a carX golf buggy. Engine is a 3.3 WTi quad cam V6 with 200kw of power. If
CO2 emissions are your thing this engine according to Toyota produces 192
grams/km that is about 50%-60% better than any other similar engines on the
market.
This Lexus RX-400h is gadget mans heaven, just the sound
system makes me want to get my 6 year old to explain how it works.(240W audio
amp, AM/FM radio-cassette yes I said
cassette + 6 disc CD multi changer system with ASL ( auto sound level)
The complicated stuff..
The Lexus RX 400h also has a terrific compound
planetary gear set in the hybrid transaxle which acts both as a power split
device and electronically control continuously variable transmission for the
front wheels. The hybrid transaxle also has a generator allowing this vehicle to
store energy in high voltage batteries. The rear wheels are electrically driven
for take off and acceleration. The vehicles dynamics integrated management
system can direct the rear electric motor to provide torque to the rear wheels
to maintain vehicle stability. To understand this in plain non Toyota speak the
car is designed to go really well.
This is not a new idea as the USA has had this vehicle
since 2005 and sales have been in the vicinity of 33,000 of the hybrid
Lexus.
SULEV
The pollution aspect is probably not the biggest positive
this vehicle has for its buyers but I like the category that it falls into and
that is SULEV. Toyota love this stuff and what this means is a Super Low
Emmissions Vehicle. You will in time hear more of that acronym.
I don't need to elaborate on the safety features or
gizmos this SUV has but rest assured its state of art tech and
design.
To summaries Lexus you have done well , this SUV is
up there with BMW X5 and Mercedes and you can have a nice social trendy
conscience knowing you are doing your bit to reduce CO2 and use less fuel.
Note fuel consumption 8.1 lt/100km
WEIGHTS & CAPACITIES RX400h - 4 Door Wagon- Electronic
Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)
|
Kerb Weight (kg) |
2040 |
|
Gross Vehicle Mass (kg) |
2505 |
|
Seating capacity
(includes driver) |
5 |
|
Luggage capacity (litres) |
900 |
|
Cargo volume |
N/A |
|
Vehicle Towing capacity
- with trailer brakes (kg) |
1500kg |
|
- Without trailer brakes
(kg) |
700 |
|
Fuel Tank Capacity (litres) |
65 litres |
| 
Alternative
Fuel 4x4