New Lexus Hybrid Combines V8 Power with Four-Cylinder Fuel Economy

Thrifty Fuel Economy and Cleaner Emissions Make RX 400h Right for the Times

As of May 4th, the world's only luxury sport utility vehicle with a hybrid gasoline-electric drivetrain, based on the

The new Lexus RX 400h gasoline-electric hybrid crossover sport utility became available on May 4th. (Photo: Lexus)

popular RX 330 gasoline-only powered SUV, has been available in Lexus showrooms across the nation.

While it gets the best combined fuel consumption rating in its class, at ­­­­7.8 L/100 km, using about 7.5 L/100 km in city driving and 8.1 L/100 km on the highway, and emits the least toxic fumes, the world's first luxury hybrid sport utility isn't all about producing clean emissions and saving fuel. Rather, Lexus has used its Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) system to improve performance, endowing the midsize SUV with V8-like acceleration to go along with its 4-cylinder fuel consumption and Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) emissions rating.

"Fuel efficiency and low emissions are important elements of hybrid vehicle technology, but the new Lexus RX 400h

The world's first luxury hybrid sport utility isn't only about producing clean emissions and saving fuel. (Photo: Lexus)

demonstrates another feature - performance," commented Stuart Payne, Director responsible for Lexus in Canada.

The new 2006 RX 400h combines the RX 330's 3.3-litre V6 engine and a high-torque electric-drive motor-generator, as well as an electric-drive motor-generator in the rear for true all-wheel drive characteristics. An electronically controlled continuously variable transmission puts power down to the road, allowing the RX 400h to jump to 100 km/h in less than 8 seconds, matching and even surpassing most V8-powered luxury SUV rivals.