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2006 Lexus RX 400h: Arrival
of Toyota's High Performance Hybrid
by Jenny McLane
Hybrid Synergy Drive reveals another virtue: Performance. Public viewing of the
2006 Lexus RX400 in early 2005 reveals combined fuel efficiency in the range of
the current EPA average rating for a four- cylinder compact sedan. The RX400h
will be a SULEV rated vehicle which means driving from Los Angeles to New York
and back nine times (54,000 miles) yet produce less- smog forming emissions.
The 2006 Lexus RX400h combines 3.3 litre V6 gasoline engine with two electric
drive motors: a strong 120 kW (161 horsepower) motor positioned near the rear
wheels. The new Hybrid System will deliver a peak output of 270 horsepower with
a 20% increase compared to the non-hybrid
RX330 power train. Much more
impressive is the 30-50 mph passing acceleration of the high output electric
motor that delivers a high burst of torque.
Future Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drives hold the potential to operate even more
efficiently using new types of batteries and fuels. According to Fujio Cho,
President of Toyota Motor Corporation " Toyota's Hybrid System will make up the
heart of our hydrogen fuel cell program of tomorrow".
The advantage of a hybrid driveline is that it eliminates hardships associated
with electric cars to provide breakthrough performance, exemplary fuel
efficiency, very low exhaust emissions, and a high level of convenience.
2006 Lexus RX400h introduces a new era of enhanced performance dimension to the
widely known hybrid advantages of excellent fuel mileage and low emissions. The
RX 400h will be rated as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) in
California (Tier 2 – Bin 3 in other states), one of the most stringent emissions
ratings in the industry.
The Lexus RX 400h is defined as a "full hybrid," which means that it is capable
of operating in electric-only or gas engine-only mode as well as a mode that
combines the power of the gas engine and electric motor. In contrast, other
hybrid technologies are not capable of running only on electrical power, but
instead require constant gas engine operation.
In making the transition to a hybrid power train, the alternator, power steering
pump, water pump and AC compressor are no longer engine belt-driven. This is
because the gas engine often shuts down—a fuel-saving benefit of the hybrid
system—especially when the vehicle is stopped or driven slowly through traffic.
Except for the alternator, which is replaced by motor-generators, all components
are now electrically powered which means notably lower parasitic losses to the
engine and improved fuel consumption.
The Lexus hybrid technology also allows extended electric-mode operation during
low speed or stop-and-go driving conditions. The permanent-magnet front electric
drive motor (MG2) produces peak torque from zero-to-1,500 RPM, giving the RX
400h powerful and instantaneous response that will be especially felt and
appreciated in low- and mid-speed performance and in merging and passing
manoeuvres.
A regenerative braking system further boosts system efficiency. When the RX 400h
is coasting or the brakes are applied, the electric motors function as
generators, capturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat through
the brakes and transforming it into useable electricity to recharge the
batteries.
With the RX 400h, Lexus also introduces a new generation of vehicle stability
control systems known as Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM). A vital
component of VDIM is a new Electronically Controlled Braking system (ECB). The
ECB system translates brake pedal stroke speed and pressure and generates the
precise amount of combined electric regeneration and hydraulic pressure needed
for virtually any driving condition.
VDIM allows more optimized operation of the vehicle's dynamic handling systems
that employ the brakes: ABS, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and
traction control (TRAC). VDIM also interfaces with the Electronic Throttle
Control system, allowing it to modify vehicle power when needed, and a new
Electronic Power Steering system (EPS) to optimize steering assist for each
situation.
When the RX 400h is coasting or the brakes are applied, the electric motors
function as generators, capturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost as
heat through the brakes and transforming it into useable electricity to recharge
the batteries. This regenerative braking system further boosts system
efficiency.
About the Author:
To preserve the 2006
Lexus RX400 amazing performance, a one of a kind online store is here to provide
you with super durable parts with equally impressive performance. Simply go to
http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/TOYOTA and you're on your way to
hassle-free online shopping for parts that will make this super car live up to
its name.
Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on
cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market
Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today. |
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