gtfrench

"Official EPA ratings...." We'll probably see the first official EPA mileage listed on the sticker in the next couple weeks, but it's clear from the RX 400h Product Information sheet (updated in late February) that the numbers will be 31/27/29. http://pressroom.toyota.com/presstxt/2006l...lex400h-2_s.pdf EPA doesn't yet list the 2006 models, but this is the website where it will eventually show up. It's a pretty interesting list to sort and scan. http://www.epa.gov/autoemissions/suv-05.htm

Here is the data I got from my dealer on the first run of the 400h. Out of 434 units, 43 will have the rear DVD. That's only 10%. He also told me that 78 of those were my first color choice (Flint Mica). The dealer will be receiving two Flint Micas in their first shipment. Neither one has the rear DVD player. One has light gray interior and the other has black. Does anyone have a preference of gray or black? I was wondering about the lighter color showing dirt more. Any experience with the light gray?

Dealer informed me that the first 400h's will arrive at the west coast port (Portland, OR) on April 10th. They expect to see them in Michigan no later than April 20th. Luckily, my color choice is in the first group and it does not have the rear DVD so I am all set.

Car & Driver lists 0-60 @ 6.9 and 1/4 mile of 15.2 @ 93 mph. Most other articles have been a little higher, like 7.0 to 7.3.

I have seen information from a CA dealer that allocation will lock on Friday, April 1st for the first group of RX 400h's. She suggested if you are on a waiting list it would be a good idea to contact your dealer to confirm your order. Color selection has been going on for the past week. Not sure if this is true for all regions ...

The way I look at it is that I can buy two laptops with headphones and extra batteries for the same cost as the DVD entertainment package. The big advantage of having the laptops for long trips is that you can take them anywhere else as well - hence, my choice of NO entertainment system. ← I agree with your position on the rear DVD player. My luck, the one out of eight that comes with it will be the only one with my favorite color choice! We'll see ...

Very consistent with the information from my dealer in Michigan. In case you missed my post, here is the link. http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...ndpost&p=117197

There is a nice overview article on upcoming Lexus sedans in today's WSJ ... you may need subcription to view or find a paper copy today (B1). http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB1111112...%5Fhs%5Fcoll%5-

The RX330 doesn't really have a tire pressure sensor. It uses the anti lock braking software to determine if a tire is spinning at a different speed than in the past which indicates a low tire pressure. I cannot see why they would not include this in the 400h, it is just software. ← I agree it doesn't make sense to exclude this capability. I just find it odd that the 400h Product Information (pdf) sheet does not include the "Tire Pressure Monitoring System" as a Safety feature (As it does on the RX 330 sheet). I've asked my dealer for clarification, but they have not confirmed it yet. I hope it was just an oversight.

Good info, let me threw this back to my dealer and say "What's Up!" I am told Ray Catena is one if not top selling Lexus dealer in the country. ← If you haven't already seen this pdf document, this is a good summary of what will be offered on the 400h. It seems clear that Laser Cruise and Air Suspension will not be options. The other features that appear to be missing are Push Button Start and Tire Pressure Sensor. http://pressroom.toyota.com/presstxt/2006l...lex400h-2_s.pdf Good luck with your dealer.

I got somewhat different information from my Lexus dealer in Michigan. They claim the first production run will have two versions: Option 1 has a Sticker Price of $52,545.00 including freight. It's fully loaded and the included options are: EY (Rear seat entertainment) HS ( Heated front seats) ML (Mark Levinson) Option 2 has a sticker price of $50,705.00 also including the freight but no EY option. For the first run, they are building a total of 434 units. Out of those, 391 are option 2, and 43 are option 1. This is the total shipments for the Chicago region in the first month. Perhaps there are regional differences.

I believe the only options are the: Mark Levinson Audio System ($1,480) DVD Rear Seat Entertainment System ($1,840) Adjustable Front Seat Heaters ($540) Based on the price for these options on the RX 330, I calculated the "best guess price" in parentheses above. This would give a grand total of $52,395, before taxes.