Although the 2010 RX hybrid is slated to be available in the US next month, I have not been able to find any information about changes to the hybrid drive system for the vehicle. Can anybody share any accurate updates? Did the battery technology change?

 

The batteries are still Nickle Metal Hydride but are packaged a bit differently. The big change is in the ICE - it is now larger at 3.5 liters and runs on an Atkinson cycle instead of the Otto cycle. Results are more power and better fuel mileage that the RX400. There are also a couple of switches on the console that modify the logic of the computer a bit to allow more operation on the batteries. There is also a change to the logic for the regenerative braking which makes it smoother. Not major changes, but small improvements.
Steve

 

*Basic engine improvements (increased power and fuel economy)
*Adoption of the Atkinson combustion cycle (improved fuel economy)
*Addition of a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system (improved fuel economy)
*A new exhaust heat recovery system (improved fuel economy)
*Reduced friction losses in the hybrid transaxle (improved fuel economy)
*Artificial Intelligence (AI) Shift control (improved performance/drivability)
*A new power control unit [inverter and DC/DC converter] (improved performance and fuel economy)
*Increased motor torque on front (MG2) and rear (MGR) motor/generators (increased performance)
*New ECO driving mode (improved fuel economy)
* regen braking now available on all four wheels and not just the front two (not sure if this is for awd models)

 

Interesting and impressive. Thanks.

 

Very detailed and enlightened information. Thank you all.