[Quietcars] Lexus ups the bar on technology and safety.

[michael townsend]

I post this not to show the brags of Toyota/Lexus, but to state that newer
and more effective technology is here with Hybrids.  This car has enhanced
travel capability in hybrid trim, and we're going to have to accept the fact
that the hybrid is a vehicle with which we are going to have to deal daily
to a greater extent.  This is why Seeing eye and other guide dog schools
have purchased Toyotas and other hybrids for their training fleets, and why
state agencies and mobility specialists have to also get on board and
recognize that lobbying for legislation is not going to ensure that their
clients are safe around the hybrid until adopting standards is something the
country and the world has accomplished.

Mike T

Road Test Vehicle
ENGINE: V6 Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter
HORSEPOWER: 245
TORQUE: 234 lb feet
EPA: 32 mpg city/ 28 mpg highway
Energy Smart
2010 Lexus RX 450h
Program #2829
E
everyone is promoting hybrids these days. But only one company, Toyota, can
take the credit for their rising popularity. Not only do they produce the
best known hybrid family car, the Prius, but their Lexus brand has the
largest lineup of hybrid luxury models, and that stable began with the 2006
RX400h Hybrid Crossover Utility. Now for 2010, the RX raises the hybrid bar
even further.
The bar was indeed set high with the original RX 400h hybrid's potent mix of
luxury, utility, and energy-conscious motoring. So much so, that it made up
a full 20 percent of all RX sales. But, there's always room for improvement,
and that's the story with the new 2010 RX 450h.
As before, the RX 450h is a full hybrid crossover utility, so it can run on
either electric or gas-only, as well as any combination. Now, new software
smoothes out the transitions between gas and electric, while a new EV mode
allows extended electric-only driving.
The updated Lexus Hybrid Drive system now centers on a larger V6, an
Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter. It rates 245 horsepower and 234 pound-feet of
torque. Two, lighter electric motors, one a generator and the other for
power, bring total front drive output to
295 horses, or 27 more than last year. As before, optional all-wheel drive
adds a third motor to power the rear wheels.
The under rear seat 288 volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack is smaller
and lighter than before, as is the power control unit that's also 10 percent
more efficient.
To further promote efficiency, the powertrain uses a cooled Exhaust Gas
Recirculation system that lowers exhaust temperature and eliminates the need
for fuel enrichment during high loads.
With all of these advanced energy-saving technologies working in tandem, the
RX 450h achieves Government Fuel Economy Ratings of 32 city/28 highway on
premium gas, that's a big 20 percent improvement over the previous RX
hybrid.
For improved handling, the reformulated RX chassis boasts a wider track and
a new space-saving double wishbone rear suspension, all augmented by
integrated electronic stability control, and a new speed-sensitive electric
power steering system that has more feel than expected.
Brakes are enhanced with two-piston front calipers and larger discs all
around. Fully integrated electronic controls include ABS, brake assist, and
Hill-start assist.
Pedal feel is the only victim to all this wizardry.
Larger in all directions, the new RX's "arrowhead" shape takes on a slightly
more aggressive stance, but even with a more pronounced shoulder line and
sharper creases it is still totally evolutionary.
Inside is a refined and instantly recognizable Lexus interior, but it has
been extensively reformed for a more intuitive and ergonomic feel. The
gauges feature a new ECO light and revised power meter to tell you when you
are driving most efficiently, and the new optional head-up display projects
all the vitals plus an available Pre-Collision Warning alert.
The newly shaped 10-way power front seats compliment the leather-wrapped
three-spoke steering wheel with power tilt and telescope adjustments.
The optional 8-inch Navigation screen is now higher for improved visibility.
Both backup and passenger side blind spot cameras are available. There is a
new computer mouse-like central controller. It has a more tactile feel than
the round controllers on BMW's iDrive and others. But, we still think it's
fussy.
More to our liking is the nine-speaker stereo that can be upgraded to a
15-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system.
The RX leads its segment with 10 airbags, including two knee airbags up
front and two side airbags for rear outboard passengers.
Once again the 3-person, 40/20/40 rear seat slides and reclines for
excellent flexibility.
Leg room is up, and maximum cargo space is down, though 80.3 cubic feet is
still voluminous.
Though pricing for the RX 450h is not yet set, we expect a base of about
$42,000 for the front drive model, and $44,000 for all-wheel drive. That's
about a $4,000 premium over the RX 350 before options.
With the entire 2010 RX crossover lineup, Lexus chose to once again not mess
with success. And, as still the only full-hybrid luxury crossover available,
the 2010 RX 450h is sure to make those with a sense of social responsibility
and a penchant for luxury, more pleased than ever.
http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/reviews/rt2829a.shtml


Mike Townsend and Seeing Eye dog Brent
Dunellen, New Jersey  08812
emails:  mrtownsend at optonline.net; 
michael.townsend54 at gmail.com
Home Phone:  732  200-5643
Cellular:  732  718-9480