2006 Lexus RX 400h: Arrival of Toyota's High Performance Hybrid

Hybrid Synergy Drive reveals another virtue:fuel-saving benefit of the hybrid system-especially
Performance. Public viewing of the 2006 Lexuswhen the vehicle is stopped or driven slowly through
RX400 in early 2005 reveals combined fuel efficiencytraffic. Except for the alternator, which is replaced by
in the range of the current EPA average rating for amotor-generators, all components are now electrically
four- cylinder compact sedan. The RX400h will be apowered which means notably lower parasitic losses
SULEV rated vehicle which means driving from Losto the engine and improved fuel consumption.
Angeles to New York and back nine times (54,000The Lexus hybrid technology also allows extended
miles) yet produce less- smog forming emissions.electric-mode operation during low speed or
The 2006 Lexus RX400h combines 3.3 liter V6stop-and-go driving conditions. The
gasoline engine with two electric drive motors: apermanent-magnet front electric drive motor (MG2)
strong 120 kW (161 horsepower) motor positionedproduces peak torque from zero-to-1,500 RPM, giving
near the rear wheels. The new Hybrid System willthe RX 400h powerful and instantaneous response
deliver a peak output of 270 horsepower with athat will be especially felt and appreciated in low- and
20% increase compared to the non-hybrid RX330mid-speed performance and in merging and passing
power train. Much more impressive is the 30-50 mphmaneuvers.
passing acceleration of the high output electric motorA regenerative braking system further boosts
that delivers a high burst of torque.system efficiency. When the RX 400h is coasting or
Future Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drives hold thethe brakes are applied, the electric motors function
potential to operate even more efficiently using newas generators, capturing kinetic energy that would
types of batteries and fuels. According to Fujio Cho,normally be lost as heat through the brakes and
President of Toyota Motor Corporation " Toyota'stransforming it into useable electricity to recharge the
Hybrid System will make up the heart of ourbatteries.
hydrogen fuel cell program of tomorrow".With the RX 400h, Lexus also introduces a new
The advantage of a hybrid driveline is that itgeneration of vehicle stability control systems known
eliminates hardships associated with electric cars toas Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM).
provide breakthrough performance, exemplary fuelA vital component of VDIM is a new Electronically
efficiency, very low exhaust emissions, and a highControlled Braking system (ECB). The ECB system
level of convenience.translates brake pedal stroke speed and pressure and
2006 Lexus RX400h introduces a new era ofgenerates the precise amount of combined electric
enhanced performance dimension to the widelyregeneration and hydraulic pressure needed for
known hybrid advantages of excellent fuel mileagevirtually any driving condition.
and low emissions. The RX 400h will be rated as aVDIM allows more optimized operation of the
Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) in Californiavehicle's dynamic handling systems that employ the
(Tier 2 - Bin 3 in other states), one of the mostbrakes: ABS, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control
stringent emissions ratings in the industry.(VSC) and traction control (TRAC). VDIM also
The Lexus RX 400h is defined as a "full hybrid,"interfaces with the Electronic Throttle Control
which means that it is capable of operating insystem, allowing it to modify vehicle power when
electric-only or gas engine-only mode as well as aneeded, and a new Electronic Power Steering system
mode that combines the power of the gas engine(EPS) to optimize steering assist for each situation.
and electric motor. In contrast, other hybridWhen the RX 400h is coasting or the brakes are
technologies are not capable of running only onapplied, the electric motors function as generators,
electrical power, but instead require constant gascapturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost
engine operation.as heat through the brakes and transforming it into
In making the transition to a hybrid power train, theuseable electricity to recharge the batteries. This
alternator, power steering pump, water pump andregenerative braking system further boosts system
AC compressor are no longer engine belt-driven. Thisefficiency.
is because the gas engine often shuts down-a