Lexus RX400h Hybrid Review - Revision history

PNiddy at 22:42, 13 November 2006

2006-11-13T22:42:58Z

← Older revision	Revision as of 22:42, 13 November 2006
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		#REDIRECT[[Lexus RX 400h Hybrid Review]]

Mckinneym at 17:48, 6 July 2006

2006-07-06T17:48:51Z

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Mckinneym at 17:44, 6 July 2006

2006-07-06T17:44:59Z

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	[[Image:harrierhybridII.jpg\|right\|300px]]		[[Image:harrierhybridII.jpg\|right\|300px]]
	Currently, [[Lexus]] is using the fourth generation of [[Hybrid Synergy Drive]] from [[Toyota]]. The [[Lexus]] RX, [[Lexus ES 350]], [[Toyota Camry]], and [[Toyota Highlander]] are all built on the same platform with slight modifications between the sedans and the ~~SUVs~~.		Currently, [[Lexus]] is using the fourth generation of [[Hybrid Synergy Drive]] from [[Toyota]]. The [[Lexus RX 400h]], [[Lexus ES 350]], [[Toyota Camry]], and [[Toyota Highlander]] are all built on the same platform with slight modifications between the [[sedans]] and the [[SUV]]s.

	The gasoline-powered part of the engine system is a 3.3L 3MZ-FE [[V6]], very similar to the one found in the [[Lexus RX\|RX 330]]. It produces 268 [[HP]] when aided by the two additional electric motors. Under normal driving conditions, only the front motor and gasoline engine will be used. The rear motor will only be used under full-throttle acceleration or when the front wheels lose traction (if so equipped). The gasoline engine will switch off automatically when the vehicle is either stationary, decelerating, or being driven at a slow speed and the electric motor will take over. A Ni-MH battery is responsible for powering the motors, and it is charged during deceleration and from the heat energy caused from braking.		The gasoline-powered part of the engine system is a 3.3L 3MZ-FE [[V6]], very similar to the one found in the [[Lexus RX\|RX 330]]. It produces 268 [[HP]] when aided by the two additional electric motors. Under normal driving conditions, only the front motor and gasoline engine will be used. The rear motor will only be used under full-throttle acceleration or when the front wheels lose traction (if so equipped). The gasoline engine will switch off automatically when the vehicle is either stationary, decelerating, or being driven at a slow speed and the electric motor will take over. A Ni-MH battery is responsible for powering the motors, and it is charged during deceleration and from the heat energy caused from braking.

Mckinneym: /* Exterior */

2006-07-06T17:43:02Z

Exterior

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:43, 6 July 2006
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	==Exterior==		==Exterior==
	Subtle styling differences which separate the RX 400h from its siblings include; a new front bumper for increased cooling, a new grille, new fog lamps and new tail lamps with LEDs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs. In addition, Lexus has supplemented the RX 400h with ~~secific~~ 18-inch wheels. The wheels are 7 inches wide and the tires are designed to provide grip in corners rather than offer low levels of rolling resistance. This says a lot about the intent of the RX 400h. [[Lexus]] could have gone the other way and improved fuel efficiency further with hard [[low rolling resistance tires]], but chose to enhance handling instead.		Subtle styling differences which separate the RX 400h from its siblings include; a new front bumper for increased cooling, a new grille, new fog lamps and new tail lamps with LEDs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs. In addition, Lexus has supplemented the RX 400h with specific 18-inch wheels. The wheels are 7 inches wide and the tires are designed to provide grip in corners rather than offer low levels of rolling resistance. This says a lot about the intent of the RX 400h. [[Lexus]] could have gone the other way and improved fuel efficiency further with hard [[low rolling resistance tires]], but chose to enhance handling instead.

	The body design resembles something unoffensive more so than something attractive. It fails to meet the efforts of its non-hybrid rivals [[Volvo XC90]] and [[Land Rover LR3]].		The body design resembles something unoffensive more so than something attractive. It fails to meet the efforts of its non-hybrid rivals [[Volvo XC90]] and [[Land Rover LR3]].

Mckinneym: /* Interior and Comforts */

2006-07-06T17:42:22Z

Interior and Comforts

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	Rearward visibility is rather poor. The RX 400h benefits from having the optional navigation system and rear-view camera. The camera is automatically activated when the transmission is shifted into reverse. You can't drive backward by simply watching the screen, however. The system includes Bluetooth and voice activation. Downsides to this amount of integration is pressing two buttons to change the fan speed rather than one and a difficult to read trip odometer. Audio controls are at the bottom of the center console. The radio has big knobs for volume and tuning, that are easy to use. The Lexus premium audio is a 132-watt, eight-speaker system with AM/FM/cassette with six-disc in-dash CD changer. The optional Mark Levinson audio system features 11 speakers and 210 watts.		Rearward visibility is rather poor. The RX 400h benefits from having the optional navigation system and rear-view camera. The camera is automatically activated when the transmission is shifted into reverse. You can't drive backward by simply watching the screen, however. The system includes Bluetooth and voice activation. Downsides to this amount of integration is pressing two buttons to change the fan speed rather than one and a difficult to read trip odometer. Audio controls are at the bottom of the center console. The radio has big knobs for volume and tuning, that are easy to use. The Lexus premium audio is a 132-watt, eight-speaker system with AM/FM/cassette with six-disc in-dash CD changer. The optional Mark Levinson audio system features 11 speakers and 210 watts.

	The rear seats fold down, however they don’t fold down perfectly ~~falt since~~ the battery packs ~~are stored there~~. Once the rear seats are folded, there is 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space~~, compared to the RX 350’s 84.7 cubic feet~~. This slightly surpasses most competitors, the [[BMW X5]], the [[Mercedes-Benz ML350]]~~, or~~ the [[Infiniti FX]]~~, in terms of cargo space~~. ~~However the~~ RX ~~still~~ does not offer a third-row seating area.		The rear seats fold down, however they don’t fold down perfectly flat due to the battery packs. Once the rear seats are folded, there is 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space. This slightly surpasses most competitors, the [[BMW X5]], the [[Mercedes-Benz ML350]] and the [[Infiniti FX]]. The RX 400h does not offer a third-row seating area.

	==Exterior==		==Exterior==

Mckinneym: /* Performance and Handling */

2006-07-06T17:38:40Z

Performance and Handling

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	The assistance of the electric motor increases the vehicle's performance, the RX 400h [[Hybrid Cars\|Hybrid]] can reach 60 mph (97km/h) in less than 8 seconds which is quicker than the normally aspirated RX 330. Despite the increased performance, the RX 400h consumes roughly the same amount of fuel as a compact four-cylinder [[sedan]] and it qualifies as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle ([[Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle\|SULEV]]) in America.		The assistance of the electric motor increases the vehicle's performance, the RX 400h [[Hybrid Cars\|Hybrid]] can reach 60 mph (97km/h) in less than 8 seconds which is quicker than the normally aspirated RX 330. Despite the increased performance, the RX 400h consumes roughly the same amount of fuel as a compact four-cylinder [[sedan]] and it qualifies as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle ([[Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle\|SULEV]]) in America.

	The great downfall of all the power offered up in the RX 400h, is that the suspension stuggles to find the balance of "supple yet sporting" this Hybrid strives to acheive. Reducing radius turns and undulations on roads with higher speed limits bring this [[SUV]] to its knees.		The great downfall of all the power offered up in the RX 400h, is that the suspension stuggles to find the balance of "supple yet sporting" this [[Hybrid]] strives to acheive. Reducing radius turns and undulations on roads with higher speed limits bring this [[SUV]] to its knees.

	==Gas Mileage==		==Gas Mileage==

Mckinneym: /* Interior and Comforts */

2006-07-06T17:36:21Z

Interior and Comforts

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:36, 6 July 2006
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	==Interior and Comforts==		==Interior and Comforts==
	* Brushed-aluminum accents		Brushed-aluminum accents lend to an upscale and modern look. [[Hybrid]] specific instruments consist of an illuminated meter on the left that displays the level of power generated by the hybrid powertrain, instead of a tachometer. Gas-electric power distribution can also be monitored through the multi-information display or on the optional navigation system.
	* An illuminated meter~~, displaying~~ the level of power generated by the ~~[[Hybrid Cars\|~~hybrid]] powertrain ~~replaces the~~ tachometer
	* The gas-electric power distribution can also be ~~pulled up on~~ the multi-information display or the optional ~~[[Navigation System\|~~ navigation system~~]]’s 7 inch touch panel display~~.

	The ~~rear seats fold down just like in the RX 350, however they don’t fold down perfectly falt since~~ the ~~battery packs are stored there~~. ~~Once the rear seats are folded~~, there is ~~83.9 cubic feet of cargo space, compared~~ to ~~the RX 350’s 84.7 cubic feet. Both RX models still surpass their main competitors, the [[BMW X5]], the [[Mercedes-Benz ML350]],~~ or ~~the [[Infiniti FX]], in terms of cargo space~~. ~~However~~ the ~~RX still does not offer~~ a ~~third-row seating area~~.		The cabin as a whole is simply luxurious. Leather seating is soft although the slightly bunched up ruffles may turn off some buyers. Entry and exit is easy, there is no need to climb up or duck down. The front seats are positioned off the floor at a comfortable height. Lateral support is good, foldable armrests on both front seats provide additional comfort on longer trips.

			Rearward visibility is rather poor. The RX 400h benefits from having the optional navigation system and rear-view camera. The camera is automatically activated when the transmission is shifted into reverse. You can't drive backward by simply watching the screen, however. The system includes Bluetooth and voice activation. Downsides to this amount of integration is pressing two buttons to change the fan speed rather than one and a difficult to read trip odometer. Audio controls are at the bottom of the center console. The radio has big knobs for volume and tuning, that are easy to use. The Lexus premium audio is a 132-watt, eight-speaker system with AM/FM/cassette with six-disc in-dash CD changer. The optional Mark Levinson audio system features 11 speakers and 210 watts.

			The rear seats fold down, however they don’t fold down perfectly falt since the battery packs are stored there. Once the rear seats are folded, there is 83.9 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to the RX 350’s 84.7 cubic feet. This slightly surpasses most competitors, the [[BMW X5]], the [[Mercedes-Benz ML350]], or the [[Infiniti FX]], in terms of cargo space. However the RX still does not offer a third-row seating area.

	==Exterior==		==Exterior==

Mckinneym: /* Exterior */

2006-07-06T17:23:29Z

Exterior

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:23, 6 July 2006
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	Subtle styling differences which separate the RX 400h from its siblings include; a new front bumper for increased cooling, a new grille, new fog lamps and new tail lamps with LEDs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs. In addition, Lexus has supplemented the RX 400h with secific 18-inch wheels. The wheels are 7 inches wide and the tires are designed to provide grip in corners rather than offer low levels of rolling resistance. This says a lot about the intent of the RX 400h. [[Lexus]] could have gone the other way and improved fuel efficiency further with hard [[low rolling resistance tires]], but chose to enhance handling instead.		Subtle styling differences which separate the RX 400h from its siblings include; a new front bumper for increased cooling, a new grille, new fog lamps and new tail lamps with LEDs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs. In addition, Lexus has supplemented the RX 400h with secific 18-inch wheels. The wheels are 7 inches wide and the tires are designed to provide grip in corners rather than offer low levels of rolling resistance. This says a lot about the intent of the RX 400h. [[Lexus]] could have gone the other way and improved fuel efficiency further with hard [[low rolling resistance tires]], but chose to enhance handling instead.

	The body design resembles something unoffensive more so than something attractive. It fails to meet the efforts of its rivals.		The body design resembles something unoffensive more so than something attractive. It fails to meet the efforts of its non-hybrid rivals [[Volvo XC90]] and [[Land Rover LR3]].

	==Styles and Major Options==		==Styles and Major Options==

Mckinneym: /* Exterior */

2006-07-06T17:06:14Z

Exterior

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:06, 6 July 2006
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	==Exterior==		==Exterior==
	Subtle styling differences which separate the RX 400h from its siblings include; a new front bumper for increased cooling, a new grille, new fog lamps and new tail lamps with LEDs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs. In addition, Lexus has supplemented the RX 400h with secific 18-inch wheels. The wheels are 7 inches wide and the tires are designed to provide grip in corners rather than offer low levels of rolling resistance. This says a lot about the intent of the RX 400h. [[Lexus]] could have gone the other way and improved fuel efficiency further with hard [[low rolling resistance tires]], but chose to enhance handling instead.		Subtle styling differences which separate the RX 400h from its siblings include; a new front bumper for increased cooling, a new grille, new fog lamps and new tail lamps with LEDs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs. In addition, Lexus has supplemented the RX 400h with secific 18-inch wheels. The wheels are 7 inches wide and the tires are designed to provide grip in corners rather than offer low levels of rolling resistance. This says a lot about the intent of the RX 400h. [[Lexus]] could have gone the other way and improved fuel efficiency further with hard [[low rolling resistance tires]], but chose to enhance handling instead.

			The body design resembles something unoffensive more so than something attractive. It fails to meet the efforts of its rivals.

	==Styles and Major Options==		==Styles and Major Options==

Mckinneym: /* Exterior */

2006-07-06T17:01:06Z

Exterior

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:01, 6 July 2006
Line 131:		Line 131:

	==Exterior==		==Exterior==
	Subtle styling differences which separate the RX 400h from its siblings include; a new front bumper for increased cooling, a new grille, new fog lamps and new tail lamps with LEDs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs. In addition, Lexus has supplemented the RX 400h with secific 18-inch wheels. The wheels are 7 inches wide and the tires are designed to provide grip in corners rather than offer low levels of rolling resistance. This says a lot about the intent of the RX 400h. [[Lexus]] could have gone the other way and improved fuel efficiency further with hard [[low rolling resistance]] ~~tires~~, but chose to enhance handling instead.		Subtle styling differences which separate the RX 400h from its siblings include; a new front bumper for increased cooling, a new grille, new fog lamps and new tail lamps with LEDs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs. In addition, Lexus has supplemented the RX 400h with secific 18-inch wheels. The wheels are 7 inches wide and the tires are designed to provide grip in corners rather than offer low levels of rolling resistance. This says a lot about the intent of the RX 400h. [[Lexus]] could have gone the other way and improved fuel efficiency further with hard [[low rolling resistance tires]], but chose to enhance handling instead.

	==Styles and Major Options==		==Styles and Major Options==