Instead of a traditional tachometer on the instrument panel, the RX 400h has an illuminated power meter that displays the level of power generated by the gas-electric hybrid powertrain. And, the driver will also be able to monitor the gas-electric power distribution on the available seven-inch touch panel display screen that comes as part of the navigation system.
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| Goodbye tachometer, hello illuminated power meter that displays the level of power generated by the gas-electric hybrid powertrain. (Photo: Lexus) |
Under the hood, the hybrid powertrain is combined with the 3.3-liter V6 engine found in the RX 330 to significantly improve low to mid-speed acceleration and overall fuel efficiency.
The RX 400h will also incorporate VDM, or Vehicle Dynamic Management, 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.
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| The hybrid powertrain of the RX 400h is combined with the 3.3-liter V6 engine found in the RX 330 . (Photo: Lexus) |
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.
Building the 400h will raise awareness of hybrid vehicles among luxury buyers, Clements noted.
"Our dealers have already taken a huge number of orders, just on the word-of-mouth off of Prius," Clements said. "I think what we have, when you talk to our customers, is that there are a lot of very affluent people who would like to make a statement about Middle East oil; would like to make a statement about who they are; but don't want to make the sacrifices in terms of performance or luxury amenities. We think it's going to really resonate in the marketplace, but we will see what the market tells us."