The current fully loaded RX 400h makes a total of 268-horsepower due to the combination of two electric motors, one independently
powering the rear wheels and the other turning the front wheels in unison with the SUV's 3.3-liter V6 gasoline engine. The gasoline-electric Lexus provides similar acceleration to many premium V8-powered sport utility vehicles, with fuel consumption closer to that of four-cylinder economy cars, if driven with care.
With Monday's announcement there was no information offered about just how much the deletion of the second rear-mounted electric motor will affect acceleration, or on the other hand, how much it will benefit or detract from the current 400h's stellar 33 mpg city and 28 mpg highway fuel consumption rating.
The
addition of a front-drive version of the RX 400h, of course, is nothing new in the SUV segment. Most automakers offer front- or rear-wheel drive versions of SUVs in the U.S., despite their go anywhere appearance.
Actually, Lexus doesn't even have to spend much time, energy and resources to develop the model, as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which is nearly identical to the RX 400h under the skin, is already offered in a front-drive configuration for $33,030.
Look for this new model to drive up the popularity of hybrids, and further secure Toyota/Lexus leadership in this ever-growing market segment.
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| The current RX 400h makes 268-hp due to the combination of two electricmotors, one powering the rear wheels and the other turning the frontwheels in unison with a 3.3-liter V6. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
With Monday's announcement there was no information offered about just how much the deletion of the second rear-mounted electric motor will affect acceleration, or on the other hand, how much it will benefit or detract from the current 400h's stellar 33 mpg city and 28 mpg highway fuel consumption rating.
The
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| Lexus will use the front-drive Toyota Highlander Hybrid as the FWD 400h donor car. (Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
Actually, Lexus doesn't even have to spend much time, energy and resources to develop the model, as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which is nearly identical to the RX 400h under the skin, is already offered in a front-drive configuration for $33,030.
Look for this new model to drive up the popularity of hybrids, and further secure Toyota/Lexus leadership in this ever-growing market segment.
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