2010 Lexus RX 450h
Lexus will be showing its next generation hybrid SUV at the Geneva Auto Show later this week. The vehicle replaces the current 400h and was first unveiled at last years LA Auto Show. At that time Lexus did not release any fuel efficiency figures.
The new vehicle has an extensively redesigned hybrid drivetrain which is 28% more fuel efficient than the previous version. It is powered by a 3.5 L V6 engine and a pair of powerful electric motors that work together producing an "intelligent" 4 wheel-drive capability. It is able to generate 295 hp and accelerate from 0 to 60 in under 7.8 seconds .
Perhaps the most remarkable thing is that the car has a fuel efficiency of 44.8 MPG on the European combined test cycle, or 37 MPG on the combined US cycle.
Press Release:
EPSOM, UNITED KINGDOM – February 27, 2009:
Lexus has released headline environmental performance figures for its new RX 450h crossover, ahead of the model’s official world premiere at the Geneva motor show next week.
Extensive revisions to the Lexus Hybrid Drive system have helped bring down CO2 emissions to 148g/km, a figure that is significantly lower than any other competitor model in the premium crossover class, including the best-performing diesels. More than that, it also outperforms the great majority of all conventional models throughout the SUV/crossover segment.
As well as being cleaner, the new RX 450h is also more fuel-efficient than the RX 400h, the model which introduced hybrid power to the premium market. Combined cycle consumption is improved by 28 per cent to 44.8mpg.
The RX 450h is powered by a series/parallel hybrid system employing a highly efficient 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and two powerful electric motors working in tandem to provide an ‘intelligent’ four-wheel drive capability. Total power output is 295bhp (299 DIN hp), enabling a top speed of 124mph and nought to 62mph acceleration in 7.8 seconds.
Full details of the new Lexus RX 450h will be released at the Geneva motor show next week
