Describe
the Lexus RX400h in one word, and it would have
to be "smooth." Sound odd for a power
delivery system that combines not one, not two,
but three separate drive mechanisms? Not when
it's the system Lexus calls "seamless"
based on a robust 3.3-liter V-6 gasoline engine
and two specialty electric motor-generators. That's
the foundation of the Lexus hybrid gasoline/electric
system in what it calls the first-ever earth-friendly
luxury vehicle. The premiere green crossover that
debuted about a year ago enters 2006 as a blending
of the best of both worlds, delivering planet-pampering
fuel economy and extremely low emissions at the
same time it is full of luxurious touches in a
high performance package. You could call it having
your cake and eating it too.
RX400h
is definitely cutting edge. Instead of offering
4X2 and 4X4 configurations, it is permanently
all-wheel-drive. Electric power is stored in a
battery pack under the vehicle's rear seat. A
"boost converter" increases electric
voltage from 288 to a hefty 650 volts of direct
current. Transformed to alternating current, it
gives a high-performance, high-torque kick to
the standard internal combustion engine then mutes
to near silence in electric mode. For the curious
of the world, RX400h doesn't disappoint. Dash-mounted
gauges spell out the result of the vehicle's mysterious
workings, giving us a consistent and respectible
23-plus MPG fuel economy throughout our test drive.
A state-of-the-art nav system, kept us from going
astray.
A
luxury Lexus hybrid might not have seen daylight
if a handful of "A List" celebs hadn't
staked some of their presence on the technology
during highly visible red carpet functions like
recent Academy Award ceremonies. Or maybe it would
have. Lexus's parent, Toyota, has an uncanny ability
to know what will sell and what will quickly land
at a used car lot. RX400h loses a tad in mileage
compared with its more working class Toyota Prius
cousin, that helped start the whole phenomenon.
Maybe that's expected. To really have an impact,
earth-friendly vehicles can't live solely in environmental
trenches (with apologies to long-suffering earth
advocates who for years drummed for their cause
on deaf ears). They really do need to become mainstream,
and sell at mainstream prices. With vehicles such
as the
$44,600 base RX400h, the upcoming GS450h luxury
sedan due out as a 2007 model, and lots of other
hybrids ready to charge out of other auto makers'
gates, there's a possibility environmental care
can make a difference. We doubtLexus would have
launched the hybrid RX400h if it didn't agree.
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