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2005 Lexus RX 400h Hybrid Preview

An HEV on an Entirely Different Mission

Lexus is about to change consumer perceptions about hybrid gasoline-electric vehicles with the introduction of its RX 400h, the HEV version of the popular RX 330.

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) typically feature a gasoline or diesel internal combustion (IC) engine that is paired with at least one electric motor and a battery pack. In the RX 400hs case the IC engine and/or electric motor can then be used to power the wheels. The battery can power the electric motor alone, allowing the IC engine to shutdown when its not needed, saving on fuel and reducing emissions.

Unlike

Get ready to rethink the way you look at gas-electric hybrid vehicles, the Lexus RX 400h is on the way. (Photo: Lexus)

battery-powered EVs, vehicles like the RX 400h (and the current Prius) are "non-plug-in electrics," meaning that they use their internal combustion engines to recharge the battery pack. The undisputed global leader in this technology is Toyota, having raked in many accolades for its previous and current Prius HEV. Among them,

No need to plug the RX 400h in, the internal combustion engine is used to recharge the battery pack. (Photo: Lexus)

the recently revamped 2004 model was named the 2004 "North American Car of the Year" at the Detroit auto show.

While Honda fielded the first HEV to be available to consumers in North America, it was and still is a "mild hybrid" (vehicles that are only powered by their IC engines but use their battery packs to provide an additional boost at critical times), the Insight, followed up

Although Honda was first to market in North America with a consumer hybrid vehicle, Toyota currently dominates the small but growing market. (Photo: Lexus)

by the much more functional Civic Hybrid.

Mitsubishi and Nissan will begin marketing HEVs in North America over the next few years as well, while domestics General Motors, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler have invested hundreds of millions into HEV programs, battery powered EVs (electric vehicles), hydrogen fuel cell technologies, and alternative fuel vehicles (diesel, natural gas, biotechnology). GM has been the most bullish

The 400h will feature a new battery that will deliver twice the power of a Prius, with an overall output of about 270-hp. (Photo: Lexus)

with regards to HEVs, having announced that at least twelve of its models will receive HEV powertrains by 2007.

Meanwhile, the European automakers have generally touted advanced clean diesel engines as a less expensive solution that provides nearly the same benefits as hybrids, but without the higher price tag. BMW has focused much of its attention on the unique liquid hydrogen powered IC 745h concept, a technology that hasnt been forgotten by Ford as shown by last years Model U concept.

But

Just imagine, the functionality of a midsize luxury SUV with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder compact sedan. (Photo: Lexus)

Toyota isnt talking about concepts or small-run prototypes, as its Prius is the future available now. Yet more practical, the Lexus RX 400h will be the first luxury SUV to go into mass production complete with a new version of Toyotas Hybrid Synergy Drive, according to Denny Clements, Lexus group vice president and general manager. The sport-ute was first unveiled at the 2003 NAIAS as a concept vehicle.

The 400h will feature a new battery that will deliver twice the power of a Prius. And the SUVs all-new electric motor--actually, the 2x4 model will have two electric motors while the all-wheel

Just because its a hybrid doesnt mean the RX 400h is slouch, Lexus is saying the SUV will have a 0 to 60 mph time of somewhere under 8 seconds. (Photo: Lexus)

drive version will have a third electric motor in the back--that can operate at 12,000 rpms, about twice the speed of the Prius motor, delivering a peak output of about 270 hp.

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