1SICKBLOG: The RX 450h and 30MPG, unappreciated and what ever vehicle should offer
executive matchup
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,771
Likes: 13
From: BC
I think the new RXh is possibly Lexus first real efficient hybrid in the first place, something the GS450h, LS600h and the older R400h never lived up too. And guess what? I've seen some people here on this board draw the same conclusions. Are these guys anti-hybrid? You tell me.
executive matchup
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,771
Likes: 13
From: BC
just close this its pretty much evolved into a match between dustin and och.
now my opinion... the lexus is a nice car and i loved the RX400h a lot lots of wood trim good leather, good looks... and then the 450h came. i was surprised at how much the interior degraded. it looks like my 2002 rx has more wood trim then the new 450h which is appaling. im a big touraeg TDI fan because its luxorious and has some off road capabiltes. The 450h doesn't have any off road you try taking it off road and one wrong move you'll break some important part. the new rx450h is
for me
now my opinion... the lexus is a nice car and i loved the RX400h a lot lots of wood trim good leather, good looks... and then the 450h came. i was surprised at how much the interior degraded. it looks like my 2002 rx has more wood trim then the new 450h which is appaling. im a big touraeg TDI fan because its luxorious and has some off road capabiltes. The 450h doesn't have any off road you try taking it off road and one wrong move you'll break some important part. the new rx450h is
for me
Lexus Champion
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,025
Likes: 0
From: MIchigan
Lexus Champion
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,025
Likes: 0
From: MIchigan
I live close to the 401, perhaps the busiest highway in North America...I see Mercedes Blu Tech all the time. I also see a lot of Hybrid TOYOTA's like the Prius, Camry and Highlander. Rarely do I ever see the RX400, GS450 or the LS600
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,350
Likes: 6
From: California
Lexus Champion
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,025
Likes: 0
From: MIchigan
So what? The LS600 uses a Torsen diff....so does the Lx570.
The new RX450h uses an a electric transfer case or something along those lines if I am correct. They have gotten rid of the mechanical centre diff I believe
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Posts: n/a
IS is based off GS so maybe they share the hybrid tech
Lexus Champion
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,025
Likes: 0
From: MIchigan
The IS Diesel in the UK gets close to 40mpg combined. A hybrid IS would get close to that or at least more.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,350
Likes: 6
From: California
The RXh and HiHy never had a direct mechanical link to the rear axle, a dedicated oil-cooled rear electric motor took care of that task. It was called MG3 or MGR. The 2 motors in the transaxle/inverter assembly were called MG1 and MG2.
executive matchup
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,771
Likes: 13
From: BC
it's no wonder you rarely see a GS450h. i believe annual production is around 5,000 globally. the GS450h is not a high volume production car and is a rare bird.
Guest
Posts: n/a
One of the reasons I love it.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,534
Likes: 0
From: MD
I've seen very few GS hybrids, at the same time the GS just isn't a big seller. the GS450 will be more popular I believe once it recieves the updates that made the RX450 what it is. ...obviously not the 3.5L engine, since it already has that.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,534
Likes: 0
From: MD
So I haven't been silent around here about how I think that a fast SUV is an oxymoron. IMO it's a waste of gas. Nevertheless, I do laud the quick RXh for its ability to hit 60 MPH in 6.2 seconds without depleting its gas tank. Anyway, I thought to myself, what is a luxury SUV that would compare to the RX450h in being quick and doing it in style? Heres what I came up with.
The Porsche Cayenne S, starting at $60,000. 0-60 in 6.4 seconds, so pretty close. 4.8L, V8. I believe the Cayenne is a bit bigger. It's fuel consumption is 13 MPG city, 19 Hwy. Not great, but there are definately worse. I bring up the Cayenne given that there is hybrid on the way. We shall see how it compares when it comes out.
The Porsche Cayenne S, starting at $60,000. 0-60 in 6.4 seconds, so pretty close. 4.8L, V8. I believe the Cayenne is a bit bigger. It's fuel consumption is 13 MPG city, 19 Hwy. Not great, but there are definately worse. I bring up the Cayenne given that there is hybrid on the way. We shall see how it compares when it comes out.