Lexus
Spotlight
A hybrid system for a premium car
Lexus values both the pleasure of driving and exceptional environmental performance. The RX450h’s Lexus Hybrid Drive embodies the true meaning of high performance under this approach. The hybrid system provides a high level of performance that is “Fuel-efficient: low fuel consumption”, “Clean: low emissions”, “Fun-to-drive: excellent driving performance”, and “Quietness: exceptional quietness”. It achieves this with a front wheel drive hybrid system consisting of a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a front motor, and E-Four (Electric four-wheel drive) which drives the rear wheels as needed with a rear motor that operates independently of the front motor. The RX450h relies on front wheel drive during normal driving but smoothly switches to 4WD to help assure stability and control in driving conditions such as hard acceleration and slippery roads. In addition, a regenerative function converts kinetic energy into electrical energy during decelerating and braking, and uses it to charge the battery.
Towards a high-performance SUV hybrid system
Combining with the 3.5-liter V6 engine as the RX450h’s principal power source is a high output front motor with high voltage and high revolutions. The front unit consisting of this front motor, together with a generator, power split device, reduction gear and other components, works as a transmission. The compact, high-output front motor is realized by a reduction gear that amplifies the motor’s torque, helping to attain powerful driving and high fuel economy. In addition, Lexus further boosted system output by increasing the cooling performance of inverter elements in the power control unit, which optimizes the battery’s DC current as well as the AC current used by the front and rear motors and generator. Furthermore, the system uses a high output Ni-MH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) battery to provide an optimal supply of power to the motors.
HYBRID INTELLIGENCE
The RX450h’s instrumentation gives you advanced information and control of driving characteristics. The easy-to-read Hybrid System Indicator clearly shows the status of the hybrid system in a glance. The multi-information switch allows you to choose between Eco Mode, Normal Mode and Sport Mode, reflecting the style of driving you want to enjoy. The RX450h features EV (Electric Vehicle)-Drive Mode* which is designed to enhance quietness while driving in residential areas late at night, and to reduce emissions in indoor car parks and garages. This mode limits starting of the engine to enable the car to be driven using only motor power.
