| Hybrid Synergy Drive reveals another | | | | engine often shuts down-a fuel-saving |
| virtue: Performance. Public viewing of | | | | benefit of the hybrid system-especially |
| the 2006 Lexus RX400 in early 2005 | | | | when the vehicle is stopped or driven |
| reveals combined fuel efficiency in the | | | | slowly through traffic. Except for the |
| range of the current EPA average rating | | | | alternator, which is replaced by |
| for a four- cylinder compact sedan. The | | | | motor-generators, all components are now |
| RX400h will be a SULEV rated vehicle | | | | electrically powered which means notably |
| which means driving from Los Angeles to | | | | lower parasitic losses to the engine and |
| New York and back nine times (54,000 | | | | improved fuel consumption. |
| miles) yet produce less- smog forming | | | | The Lexus hybrid technology also allows |
| emissions. | | | | extended electric-mode operation during |
| The 2006 Lexus RX400h combines 3.3 liter | | | | low speed or stop-and-go driving |
| V6 gasoline engine with two electric | | | | conditions. The permanent-magnet front |
| drive motors: a strong 120 kW (161 | | | | electric drive motor (MG2) produces peak |
| horsepower) motor positioned near the | | | | torque from zero-to-1,500 RPM, giving |
| rear wheels. The new Hybrid System will | | | | the RX 400h powerful and instantaneous |
| deliver a peak output of 270 horsepower | | | | response that will be especially felt |
| with a 20% increase compared to the | | | | and appreciated in low- and mid-speed |
| non-hybrid RX330 power train. Much more | | | | performance and in merging and passing |
| impressive is the 30-50 mph passing | | | | maneuvers. |
| acceleration of the high output electric | | | | A regenerative braking system further |
| motor that delivers a high burst of | | | | boosts system efficiency. When the RX |
| torque. | | | | 400h is coasting or the brakes are |
| Future Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drives hold | | | | applied, the electric motors function as |
| the potential to operate even more | | | | generators, capturing kinetic energy |
| efficiently using new types of batteries | | | | that would normally be lost as heat |
| and fuels. According to Fujio Cho, | | | | through the brakes and transforming it |
| President of Toyota Motor Corporation " | | | | into useable electricity to recharge the |
| Toyota's Hybrid System will make up the | | | | batteries. |
| heart of our hydrogen fuel cell program | | | | With the RX 400h, Lexus also introduces |
| of tomorrow". | | | | a new generation of vehicle stability |
| The advantage of a hybrid driveline is | | | | control systems known as Vehicle |
| that it eliminates hardships associated | | | | Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM). A |
| with electric cars to provide | | | | vital component of VDIM is a new |
| breakthrough performance, exemplary fuel | | | | Electronically Controlled Braking system |
| efficiency, very low exhaust emissions, | | | | (ECB). The ECB system translates brake |
| and a high level of convenience. | | | | pedal stroke speed and pressure and |
| 2006 Lexus RX400h introduces a new era | | | | generates the precise amount of combined |
| of enhanced performance dimension to the | | | | electric regeneration and hydraulic |
| widely known hybrid advantages of | | | | pressure needed for virtually any |
| excellent fuel mileage and low | | | | driving condition. |
| emissions. The RX 400h will be rated as | | | | VDIM allows more optimized operation of |
| a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle | | | | the vehicle's dynamic handling systems |
| (SULEV) in California (Tier 2 - Bin 3 in | | | | that employ the brakes: ABS, Brake |
| other states), one of the most stringent | | | | Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) |
| emissions ratings in the industry. | | | | and traction control (TRAC). VDIM also |
| The Lexus RX 400h is defined as a "full | | | | interfaces with the Electronic Throttle |
| hybrid," which means that it is capable | | | | Control system, allowing it to modify |
| of operating in electric-only or gas | | | | vehicle power when needed, and a new |
| engine-only mode as well as a mode that | | | | Electronic Power Steering system (EPS) |
| combines the power of the gas engine and | | | | to optimize steering assist for each |
| electric motor. In contrast, other | | | | situation. |
| hybrid technologies are not capable of | | | | When the RX 400h is coasting or the |
| running only on electrical power, but | | | | brakes are applied, the electric motors |
| instead require constant gas engine | | | | function as generators, capturing |
| operation. | | | | kinetic energy that would normally be |
| In making the transition to a hybrid | | | | lost as heat through the brakes and |
| power train, the alternator, power | | | | transforming it into useable electricity |
| steering pump, water pump and AC | | | | to recharge the batteries. This |
| compressor are no longer engine | | | | regenerative braking system further |
| belt-driven. This is because the gas | | | | boosts system efficiency. |