Yes, I was tempted to compare the RX 400h's adept handling to the maneuverability of the previous evening's dancers,
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| A new bumper, grille and foglamps set the 400h apart from its conventionally powered sibling. (Photo: Lexus) |
Leaving north from Kona, toward Kiholo Bay and beyond, the highway is rather uneventful, remaining relatively straight when compared to the opposite, or north side. The roadway is quite high, providing a spectacular view of the ocean far below, replete with oases of palm trees clumped haphazardly amid the volcanic rock surface that stretched on and on for miles and miles.
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| The Hilo Drag Strip couldn't have been more ideal for testing out the 400h from zero to 100 km/h. (Photo: Lexus) |
The straighter roadways of the south side of the island gave ample opportunity for the 400h to stretch its legs, something it does easily and quickly. Light traffic made the need to pass a rarity, but there were a few islanders who were in no hurry to reach their destinations, perfect for testing out the 400h's passing capabilities.
From about 50 km/h to 80 takes little time at all, 3.4 seconds according to Lexus, allowing a completed pass within seconds of initiation. At no time did I feel concerned about safety, as plenty of power was always available.
While the highway was good to get a feel for the new SUV's passing capabilities, the Hilo Drag Strip, on the other side of the highland, couldn't have been more ideal for testing out the 400h from zero to 100 km/h, and then on to what would have otherwise been very illegal speeds.