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Lexus
Announces On Sale Date for 2006 RX 400h
11/08/2004 Torrance, CA
November 8, 2004 - Torrance, CA - Lexus announced to its dealers on Friday
that the RX 400h luxury hybrid SUV will go on sale April 15, 2005. Lexus
has more than 9,500 confirmed pre-sold orders for the 2006 RX 400h with
more than 46,000 consumers registering online for more information about
the world's first luxury hybrid vehicle through the company's website,
www.Lexus.com
The RX 400h is the first vehicle to provide a powerful new performance
dimension to the traditional hybrid advantages of high mileage and low
emissions.
"We've received significantly more pre-launch consumer interest for the
400h than any vehicle in our entire 15-year history," said Lexus Group
Vice President and General Manager, Denny Clements. "Although the on sale
date is confirmed, we are attempting to move the start of production up
even earlier in 2005 to build up sufficient inventories to help meet the
demand we expect in mid-April," he added.
In addition, Lexus Financial Services announced it will extend lease
agreements to current Lexus owners who have placed orders for a RX 400h by
as much as 12 months, if necessary, to accommodate those customers who
have voiced concern that their Lexus lease might run-out before their RX
400h arrives.
09/07/2004
Additional information on the RX 400h will be available on February 1,
2005.
Lexus debuted what will be the world's first luxury gas-electric hybrid
vehicle at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. The 2006 RX
400h will be powered by a V6 Hybrid Synergy Drive system that combines
sub-eight second zero-to-sixty acceleration with fuel-efficiency
equivalent or better than the current average for a four-cylinder compact
sedan. The RX 400h also will be rated Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV),
one of the most stringent emissions ratings in the industry.
"The new RX 400h redefines the midsize luxury SUV market while raising
awareness and acceptance of hybrid gas-electric vehicles among luxury car
and SUV buyers," said Denny Clements, Lexus group vice president and
general manager. "This is truly a breakthrough in terms of hybrid
gas-electric powertrains because, for the first time, it adds a new
performance dimension to the traditional hybrid advantages of high mileage
and low emissions."
Lexus created the car-based, luxury SUV segment with the launch of the
innovative RX 300 more than five years ago. For 2004, Lexus made
significant enhancements to the luxury content, performance and safety
features with the introduction of the RX 330, making this vehicle the
perfect match for the new V6 hybrid system.
The new RX 400h, available in early 2005, will become the premium model in
the RX series, offering increased performance, smoother operation, fuel
efficiency and a host of high technology, safety and comfort features.
New Vehicle Stability Control
The RX 400h will introduce the next generation in Lexus vehicle stability
control systems. Monitoring a variety of sensors, the system is designed
to anticipate the onset of a vehicle skid or slide and then helps correct
the situation with a combination of braking and throttle control. The new
system is less obtrusive than conventional VSC but ultimately more
effective.
More Powerful, Advanced Drivetrain
The 400h all-wheel drive hybrid powertrain combines two powerful electric
motors with the highly efficient 3.3-liter V6 engine found in the RX 330
to significantly improve low to mid-speed acceleration and overall fuel
efficiency. The system is a "full hybrid," meaning that the RX 400h is
capable of operating in separate gas or electric modes, as well as a mode
that combines power from both.
The RX 400h will develop a peak system output of approximately 270
horsepower and deliver combined fuel economy equivalent or better than the
current EPA average of a compact sedan. Zero-to-sixty acceleration also
will improve over the current RX 330's sub-eight second time.
The RX 400h uses a regenerative braking system 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.
One of the most remarkable features of the RX 400h is how similar this SUV
is to its cousin, the RX 330. The computer-controlled powertrain
seamlessly blends power from the V6 gasoline engine, the electric drive
motor and the generator. The driver does not feel the vehicle changing
operational modes. In fact, the only give away is the absence of the
traditional tachometer. In its place, the RX 400h has an illuminated power
meter that displays the level of power generated by the gas-electric
hybrid powertrain. The driver also will be able to monitor the
gas-electric power distribution on the available navigation system's
seven-inch touch panel display screen.
Luxury and Convenience Features
Lexus craftsmanship and attention to even the smallest details continue
with the RX 400h. Nearly every feature available in the RX 330 is found in
the RX 400h, with the exception of the exclusive use of brushed aluminum
accents inside the RX 400h that convey a high-tech look and feel to match
its capabilities. The three-spoke steering wheel features easy-to-use
controls for the audio system as well as the hybrid system's on-board
computer monitor located in the center instrument panel.
"We believe the RX 400h will exceed the expectations of luxury vehicle
buyers and establish a premium market for performance-oriented,
fuel-efficient gas-electric hybrids," said Clements.
Preliminary Specifications
Powertrain: Engine - 3.3 liter V6
Electric motors - Permanent magnet
Estimated total horsepower - 270
Expected EPA emissions rating - Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV)
Transmission - Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable
Transmission (ECVT)
Wheelbase: 106.9 in.
Length: 187.2 in.
Width: 72.6 in.
Height: 66.4 in. |
