DETROIT, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Lexus introduced what will be the world's
first luxury gas-electric hybrid SUV today at a press conference at the North
American International Auto Show.  The 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 to the current average for a four-cylinder
compact sedan.  The RX 400h will also be rated Super Ultra Low Emission
Vehicle (SULEV), one of the most stringent emissions rating in the industry.
    "The new RX 400h re-defines 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 will become the premium model in the RX series, offering
smoother and quieter operation, increased performance, significantly better
fuel economy and a host of high technology, safety and comfort features.

    Vehicle Dynamic Management
    The RX 400h will introduce another industry first called VDM, or Vehicle
Dynamic Management.  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 VDM
system is less obtrusive than conventional VSC but ultimately more effective.

    More Powerful, Advanced Drivetrain
    The 400h hybrid powertrain combines a powerful electric motor 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 significantly better than the
current average compact sedan rating of 27.6 miles-per-gallon.  Zero-to-sixty
acceleration will also improve over the current RX 330's sub-8 second time.
The RX 400h with optional all-wheel-drive, which features a rear-drive
electric motor, will accelerate quicker yet.
    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-a-way 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 will
also be able to monitor the gas-electric power distribution on the available
seven-inch touch panel display screen that comes with the navigation system.

    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 an exclusive RX 400h use of brushed
aluminum accents inside 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 motor(s) - 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:       186.6 in.
     Width:        72.6 in.
     Height:       66.1 in.

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