New Lexus Hybrid SUV to Go on Sale April 15

"The real story about our hybrid drive is the acceleration; the 0-30 and 30-50 (mph) is extremely quick," Clements added.

"We don't have final numbers, but I can tell you that our 0-60 (mph) acceleration is under eight seconds," said Denny Clements. (Photo: Lexus)

"We don't have final numbers, but I can tell you that our 0-60 (mph) acceleration is under eight seconds."

Clements continued, "Luxury buyers aren't really concerned about fuel economy--it's not in the top 10 things that they worry about--but they want to do the right thing for the ecology, but they don't want to make the sacrifice."

To add to the new model's appeal, Lexus will add distinctive features such as all LED tail lamps and a larger front end air intake vs. the RX330, while the interior will have brushed aluminum accents to give it a high-tech look.

The RX 400h will also incorporate VDM, or Vehicle Dynamic Management,

The 400h will raise awareness of hybrid vehicles among luxury buyers. (Photo: Lexus)

which is a system that uses a variety of sensors to anticipate the onset of a vehicle skid or slide and then helps the driver to correct the situation with a combination of braking and throttle control.

The Lexus hybrid uses a regenerative braking system, just like the Prius, to further boost system efficiency. When the vehicle is coasting or the brakes are applied, the electric motor functions as a generator, capturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat through the brakes and converting it into useable electricity to recharge the batteries.