RAID10 Posted March 21, 2005 Share Posted March 21, 2005 More Lexus Hybrid SUV News As previously noted in TheCarConnection.com daily, the new Lexus RX400h, in which the "h" is for hybrid, will go on sale April 15 for a MSRP of $48,535. This is nearly $5000 higher than TCC had predicted a few weeks ago, but includes a wide array of premium standard features, including a new Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) stability control and a navigation system. Lexus says the package of features on the non-hybrid RX330 would come to more than $6000. Still, the pricing sets the Lexus apart from Ford's Escape Hybrid, a slightly smaller SUV, which nevertheless carries a sticker bottom-lined at $32,450, including navigation system and other options - and a $590 delivery charge. In addition to the implied prestige of the upscale brand name Lexus, the RX400h justifies its $16,000 premium price over the Escape Hybrid by its trailer-towing capacity, 3500 pounds versus the Escape Hybrid's 1000. Warranty coverage on the RX400h hybrid-related components, including the battery, will be for eight years/100,000 miles. The RX400h also will carry the conventional luxury-vehicle 48-month/50,000 miles basic, plus roadside assistance for 48 months with unlimited mileage, powertrain and restraint systems coverage for 72 months/70,000 miles, and corrosion perforation protection for 72 months with unlimited mileage. The RX400h also has now received its official EPA mileage ratings at 27 highway, 31 city and 29 combined. The Escape's numbers are two miles per gallon higher. The Lexus presents Toyota's fourth generation hybrid system, while Escape's is a first-generation effort. The same hybrid powerplant offered in the RX400h will appear in a Toyota Highlander SUV version early this summer. A fifth-generation Toyota hybrid system will be introduced in a hybrid Lexus GS model early in 2006. It will be the first hybrid designed around a rear-wheel-drive configuration. Lexus officials said production capacity in Japan for the RX400h powerplant will be 60,000. Of this, about 25,000 is expected to be allocated to Lexus customers in North America with 20-25,000 going into Highlander hybrids. The balance? Ah, Lexus is now finally going to become available in its home market. Japanese dealers are being lined up, and right-hand-drive Lexus production will commence this summer, for both the home market and other RHD markets, including UK and other Sterling countries. RHD Lexus production will include the RX400h hybrid. LHD RX400h models also will be exported to Europe and other markets.-Mike Davis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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