Anyone here anything else about the 2009 model I heard the following from a highly reputable source:
1) Engine upgrade to 3.5 Liter
2) EV switch 10 miles @ 20 MPH on a fully charged battery
(IMO great when highway stops dead and crawls)
3) ECON (Economy) Switch to reduce power gives 10% better MPG
(I try to be a gentle driver)
4) 300 Horsepower (Gave no other details) IE: gas or total???
5) 3rd row seating (More room than Highlander's 3rd row)
(This makes me think a longer vehicle)
Will it still be a 400h ??? or 4?0h
This was told to me quietly and fast.


Dr. VDH 2006 RX400h average 26.4MPG

 

Yeah I think the DI 3.5L is definite. They can boast more power (i'd say RX430h) without sacraficing fuel economy. And the 3.5L engine is more fuel efficient than the 3.3L.

 

1) sounds reasonable

2) sounds reasonable too cause the HiHy has the switch. Just note that the EV switch just lets you accelerate harder in EV without the engine coming on (and of course shut off the engine if it doesn't want to shut off when you're crawling)

3) Sounds reasonable too since the HiHy has it

4) Possible esp. since the GS450h has 339hp with the 3.5 litre

5) possibly but I'm leaning towards no since I've heard that it'll stay a 5 seater (and let the GX or something take over the 7-pass duty). That or there'll be a LWB version of the RX.

 

the 400h will be a carry over from 2008. production should be beginning shortly on 09 models. Only major changes will be to the 350 and thats if you consider new wheels and colors major (pebble beach edition).