"Ultimately, you can't sustain the business unless it's cost effective to do it," Cole said.
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| If the Prius is an indication of consumer's willingness to adopt hybrid technology, the RX 400h should do well. (Photo: Lexus) |
Only time will tell if the Japanese automaker's bold venture into HEVs will pay off over the long term, but if Prius sales are any indication success should be in hand for the Lexus RX 400h.
The new model will be manufactured at Toyota's Kyushu plant in Japan, and is scheduled to go on sale later this summer.
Specifications:
- Price Range (estimated base MSRP): $54,000
- Body Type: 5-door SUV, unibody
- Layout: front engine, AWD
- Gasoline Engine: 230 hp, 242 lb-ft of torque, 3.3-L, 24-valve, DOHC V6
- Electric Motor (AWD): two electric motors
- Combined Gasoline-Electric Hybrid Horsepower (estimated): 270
- Acceleration (estimated): under 8 seconds
- Transmission: Electronically-Controlled Continuously Variable (ECVT)
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
- Curb Weight: N/A
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Cargo Cap (estimated with seats folded flat): 2,305 L (81.4 cu ft)
- Ground Clearance (estimated): 173 - 183 mm (6.8 - 7.2 in)
- Towing Capacity (estimated): 680 - 1,588 kg (1,500 - 3,500 lb)
- Fuel Economy (combined city/hwy): 8.6 L/100 km (27.4 mpg)
- Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 comprehensive - 72/110,000 powertrain
- Direct Competitors: Ford Escape Hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid (U.S. only)
- Web Site: www.lexus.ca
Note: Additional larger photos available in photo album.
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