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