http://www.autoweb.com/content/share...cle_id_int/129

EOM

ummm...okay...I fully didnt understand the driving on sand thing. I know sand can get really hot in the summer, but does it reflect that much heat to mess up the electronics? I think tarmac would get as equally hot.

And why does it say 208 hp, 167hp, 68hp?

208 I guess is the gas engine, and the others are the electric engine?

AWD Model (208 HP front electric engine and 68HP for the rear motor)
FWD Model (167 HP)

Driving on sand requires a considerable amount of power (torque). If you ever ride a bicycle on the beach you'll understand. The (rear) electric motor is not designed for high output over a period of more than a few seconds - a heat-dissipation issue, as the reviewer said. Solution of this problem would considerably increase the size and weight of the motors (and battery). As the RX 400h is primarily an urban vehicle rather than an off-roader, it was a good compromise, IMHO.

Like any current hybrid, the initial cost does not justify the gain in fuel economy. It's a toy, but a useful one for Beta testing a system that will eventually be offered at a slightly more reasonable cost as volume production comes on stream. It's also a marketing strategy, to place Lexus in a postion of technology leadership, while testing the real demand for hybrid vehicles. They'll probably sell all they can paint.

Affirmative. The Prius is backordered at a number of dealerships (indicating a significant amount of interest in a reasonably stylish and eminently functional hybrid) and the intro of the 400h was delayed, according to Autoweek, to insure an adequate supply to meet initial demand.

I give ya 3 to 1 that at least one model from the coming Lexus sport division will incorporate hybrid power........

412 mile loop?? How many times around the island is that??

the rx400h has 4 electric motors. No drive shaft. When the gas motor kicks in it only powers the front wheels.

oh man! site's down! oh well, imma try it later...

Actually there are two. One for the front, one for the rear.