Lexus Press Release
Lexus has launched in Australia the world's first hybrid petrol-electric luxury SUV - RX400h.
It offers a major alternative to conventional petrol vehicles and the growing number of diesels in the luxury SUV segment.
RX400h is the second hybrid Lexus to be released this year, with at least one more to come in 2007.
The new vehicle employs three electric motors and a 3.3-litre VVT-i Quad Cam V6 to develop 200kW of power and return fuel economy of 8.1 litres/100km.
It produces 192 grams/km of CO2 emissions, just 58 per cent of those of the nearest equivalent-capacity petrol engine in a competitor vehicle.
A compound planetary gear set in the hybrid transaxle acts both as a power-split device and electronically controlled continuously variable transmission - to drive the front wheels.
The hybrid transaxle also has a generator, allowing RX400h to store energy in high-voltage batteries if it is not immediately required.
The rear wheels are electrically driven for vehicle take-off and acceleration to ensure optimum traction.
In addition, RX400h's new Vehicle Dynamics integrated Management (VDiM) system can direct the rear electric motor to provide torque to the rear wheels to maintain vehicle stability.
VDiM has the added feature - over the VSC system in RX350 Sports and RX350 Sports Luxury - of steering torque assist.
RX400h will supplement the recently released RX350 which has taken the Lexus RX Line to leadership in the fast-growing luxury SUV segment.
Lexus expects the new hybrid to give the company additional impetus in the highly competitive market.
Demand is expected to be incremental just as it has been for the recently launched Lexus GS450h hybrid sedan.
Lexus RX400h has already been a runaway success in the United States since its launch in mid-April 2005.
Lexus has delivered more than 33,000 RX400hs in America - 22 per cent of total RX deliveries.
RX400h provides a clean and user-friendly answer to alternative power sources that are claiming a significant share of the luxury SUV market.
It is rated as a SULEV (Super Low Emissions Vehicle) in the United States.
Diesel-powered vehicles from luxury makers now comprise almost one-third of all luxury SUV deliveries.
Lexus' hybrid is presented as a more palatable solution at the service station pumps - both in terms of cost and convenience of refuelling.
"It is the perfect vehicle for family use," Lexus Australia divisional manager Scott Grant said.
"It carries five people, substantial luggage, has a multiplicity of uses, and delivers fuel economy much better than an average medium family car," Mr Grant said.
Lexus RX Line has won a good reputation for safety.
New RX400h, like its RX350 stablemate, comes equipped as standard with all-wheel drive, Vehicle Stability Control and seven airbags.
"In every respect RX400h meets the emerging requirements of the market," Mr Grant said.
"It is even stylish without being overly imposing in its road presence - a major criticism of many SUVs."
Lexus RX Line has become one of Australia's most popular luxury SUVs since its launch as the RX330 in April 2003.
New RX400h is expected to provide customers with a unique alternative in a market which is fast filling with conventional solutions.
"Hybrid is Lexus' unique point of difference," Mr Grant said.
