RX400h

I hope your wife is a model and otherwise treats you like a king because I would not accept that type of attitude. If my wife all of a sudden wanted my Corvette after I just bought her the RX400h, I'd say "No way, Jose!" I prefer a sporty vehicle, but will honor the second half's wishes if she likes more luxury. However, I'd draw the line if she wants my car just because she can't make up her mind. If I were you, I'd be tempted to give her your TL-S only if you could buy a new one for yourself. IMO, that's perfectly fair.

Consider it this way: Let's say that you are choosing between two vehicles, one is rated at 230 HP and the other is 270 HP. The 270 HP vehicle costs $4000 more, but has more standard features, so the difference is really only $2000 between the two. However, the 270HP version also gets 50%+ better gas milage than the cheaper version AND acceleration is vastly improved in everyday driving. If you see plenty of stop and go driving, your cost savings using the more efficient vehicle adds up quickly and within 4 years, the difference in cost evens out. During those four years, however, you not only skip going to the gas station every week, but you also are giddy with the monster-torque that is there when you need it. The longer you keep the efficient one, the more you save AND the more you enjoy. B)

March, 2005 (the latest issue) on page 53.

I am looking forward to my own test drive, after which I will report right here in this forum. April 15th cannot come soon enough for me!

....always the bridesmaid, never the bride! Around here, the Honda hybrids are sitting on the lots, gathering dust. Apparently, their decision to go with the smaller electric motors with no ability to self-power at low speeds has cost them dearly. Oh, and regarding actual numbers: I guess you didn't read about that road test in Hawaii, where the RX400h averaged 34 MPG, city, highway, and everything in between. When it comes to hybrids, Toyota rules the world, plain and simple.

Finally, the latest issue of Road&Track included a "First Drive" of the RX400h. Here are some of their comments: "And now comes the Lexus RX400h, a luxury sport-ute hybrid that should run rings around the RX330 at the drag strip yet still return an estimated 28 MPG overall - 30 city, 26 highway. The age of the performance hybrid is here, now with the expected Lexus polish. The front transaxle uses an ingenious stepless planetary gearbox very similar in concept to the Prius' transmission (albeit greatly strengthened), and houses two of the motors. At the rear, the third motor with its own compact aluminum gearbox supplies electric-only power to the rear wheels. Look, Ma, all-wheel drive without a prop shaft! Of course, we'll need batteries for this, and the 288-volt DC pack of nickle/metal hydride cells resides beneath the rear seat, which is raised about an inch to make clearance (great for sight-seeing with the kids). Before it reaches the motor, voltage is boosted to 650 volts DC and then changed to alternating current through an inverter. How powerful is it? ...the total system power is 268 bhp (3 more than is the Acura MDX), with 208 of that produced by the V6. But torque is another thing altogether, as the electric motors generate their peak twisting force at revs far lower than the gas engine's 4400 rpm....try 247 lb-ft. at 0-1500 rpm for the front and 96 lb-ft. at 0-610 rpm for the rear. ......total axle torque at launch (that is, after torque multiplication through gearing) is 3500 lb-ft. Yeouch! In sheer, away from the stoplight punch, this translates to a 0-60 time of 7.3 seconds, which is a half-second quicker than the RX 330. And you can still tow the race car, perhaps on a lightweight aluminum trailer, with its 3500-lb towing capacity. The RX400h is a true parallel hybrid, meaning it can operate solely on electric power (up to 41 mph), internal combustion, or a combination of both. Given that, the driving experience is quite normal, with transitions between the systems much smoother, and regenerative braking less grabby-feeling than the Prius. (The "B" position on the shift lever increases the regen further, slowing the 400h on grades in a way that feels like compression braking from a slower gear. A nice bonus is that the instantaneous torque of the motors gives this Lexus a surprisingly powerful stride in the 30-60-mph range, ideal for passing on a two-lane. Whatever the mode, the driver is kept aware of its very hybrid-ness through no fewer than three displays: a Prius-like powertrain diagram on the center-stack screen with pulsing, color-changing arrows indicating power routing; a simplified LCD display inset within the speedometer; and a tach-like gauge to its left showing kilowatts instead of engine revs. ....at this writing, Lexus was near 11,000 pre-sold orders for the 400h, a vehicle that should be about $4000-$5000 dearer than the old dino-juice RX 330. With its increased power, significantly better fuel milage and technological bragging rights, the 400h seems to be a hit even befiore its on-sale date, which happens to be April 15."

I had a windshield replaced in my daily driver and since my deductible is only $100, I had the insurance company pay for it. Now keep in mind that this windshield is made specifically for cars with HUD (Heads Up Display), so I was not surprised to see the bill to the insurance company - $1500. However, a friend with an identical car didn't want to go through his insurance, so he found a guy who did the job with the same manufacturer's windshield for $300. So yes, it does pay to shop around!

I submitted my deposit last April 04 and I expect to get my RX400h by June 05 at the latest, so no one can say that I'm not a patient man! I just hope I can get one of those bamboo pearl colors...... ← I put a deposit down last April, too. My dealer said that they have no clue how many they are going to get, or when I would receive mine. They assume that some people on the list would not take theirs since it is such a long wait. What number are you on the waiting list? I'm #30. I understand there are over 120 on this dealer's list. I don't think they are accepting any more. Ironically, some dealers are advertising that they are taking orders. ← I am number 15 on the list and this dealership stopped taking reservations at number 79. It appears that Lexus does not want year-long waiting lists, so they will make every attempt to stockpile as many RX400hs as possible before the April 15 release date. How many each dealership receives may depend upon its history of RX sales. I estimate that my dealership will receive 5-10 per month, meaning that I am looking at an end of May - late June delivery if every RX goes to a person on the list. If, let's say, the customer before me does not want a particular option package, then I may get mine slightly ahead of time. I do have a suspision that if someone drops off the list, instead of bumping everyone else up, the dealership may sell that spot - not sure about this, though. ← I was told by the dealership that people would be bumped up. Color and options will bump some people down and others up. On another note, I spoke with someone who drove one recently. He was extremely impressed. It had a great deal of power, too. ← I hope this is the case with my dealership as well. Gas prices are expected to climb once again as we head towards Summer and I look forward to NOT having to stop for gas every week! As far as options, I and my wife can be flexible, although I really need to hear that Mark Levinson setup. A guy at work told me that it is the best sounding stereo system he's ever heard - and he's driven many different types of cars, including many BMWs (He has a 530) and Mercedes.

I submitted my deposit last April 04 and I expect to get my RX400h by June 05 at the latest, so no one can say that I'm not a patient man! I just hope I can get one of those bamboo pearl colors...... ← I put a deposit down last April, too. My dealer said that they have no clue how many they are going to get, or when I would receive mine. They assume that some people on the list would not take theirs since it is such a long wait. What number are you on the waiting list? I'm #30. I understand there are over 120 on this dealer's list. I don't think they are accepting any more. Ironically, some dealers are advertising that they are taking orders. ← I am number 15 on the list and this dealership stopped taking reservations at number 79. It appears that Lexus does not want year-long waiting lists, so they will make every attempt to stockpile as many RX400hs as possible before the April 15 release date. How many each dealership receives may depend upon its history of RX sales. I estimate that my dealership will receive 5-10 per month, meaning that I am looking at an end of May - late June delivery if every RX goes to a person on the list. If, let's say, the customer before me does not want a particular option package, then I may get mine slightly ahead of time. I do have a suspision that if someone drops off the list, instead of bumping everyone else up, the dealership may sell that spot - not sure about this, though.

I submitted my deposit last April 04 and I expect to get my RX400h by June 05 at the latest, so no one can say that I'm not a patient man! I just hope I can get one of those bamboo pearl colors......

If Mercury Insurance is in your area, I highly recommend that you give them a chance to quote. I switched from State Farm many years back and never regretted it. Not only is Mercury rated A+ and are known for their super-low rates, but they also have top-notch customer service reps. I saved hundreds of dollars per year by switching.

I test-drove one last year and it is definitely peppier than our Nissan Quest with 152HP V6. ........can't wait for that 270HP RX400.......! My Corvette has a radar detector; perhaps one for the RX400 is a good idea!

The Toyota Highlander is very similar in ride and quietness. It is available with a 4 or 6 cylinder engine, with the 6 being the same engine as in the RX330. With that engine, the Highlander is approx. $11,000 less expensive than the RX330. Each vehicle is rated tops in its class by Consumer Reports and the Highlander has a 3rd row (kid-size) seat option.

I totally agree! This is why some people are willing to spend thousands of dollars just to get on the waiting list for the 400h - it's THAT good!

Mmmmmm I'm #15 on one of the many lists. Speaking of power, the maximum torque generated by the electric motors is available at 0 rpm. That's right - off the line, the RX400h should smoke any other Lexus. The nice thing is that if you don't need to embarass that BMW X5, you can get 30 MPG in the city! Unlisted, thanks for the update.

The salesguy to whom I spoke told me that when they get the first RX400h, each of the top 20 (or so) people on the list will be called to schedule a test drive. At that time, options and preferences will be discussed. I was under the impression that the first RX would appear mid-April, but I'd be happy to test-drive one earlier if the chance arrives.

I personally noticed MANY folks discussing and comparing fuel milage figures. Many laughed at super-low numbers such as those listed on the Mercedes SUV stickers. I used to see many new Suburbans and Excursions here in San Diego - no more. I'm still seeing many Explorers, but the big behemoth vehicles are becoming more and more scarce. Sales of smaller vehicles are booming; in fact, during a recent visit to a Mazda dealership, I was told that the Mazda 3s are sold faster than any other vehicle. What's nice about these cars is: a) Their auto tranny versions have the highest average gas milage of any non-CVT vehicle Consumer Reports has ever tested. B) You can order them with a surprising number of high-tech options, like a GPS map system.

I attended the show this past Saturday and was hoping to be able to sit in the 400h. Unfortunately, it was up on a platform and so the best I could do was get as close as possible. There was a crowd of mostly 40-60 year-old people gathering around and once they sensed that I knew a bit about the vehicle, listened intently as I told them of some of the features and astounding gas milage the 400 will be producing. It looks as if there is plenty of interest, based upon the number of people staring and pointing. The Lexus salesman from the dealership I have dealt with told me that they stopped collecting deposits at 79 people. He also estimated that we should have our 400 by the end of May, given our 15th place on the list. Check out my website for plenty of car show pics: http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/05_san_diego_car_show.htm Dave

My Chevy doesn't rattle at all, and it shouldn't, considering I paid $51,000 for it! I think the RX400h will be more of a cross between a womans smooth-ride vehicle and a man's "heavy right foot" vehicle (270 HP and tons of torque). Throw in 30+ MPG and you've got a guiltless, luxurious, fast, and fun vehicle all rolled into one!

The brochure said the fuel tank size is TBD. I heard the starting price was going to be around 40K. ← Remember that there will be only a very short list of available options. Everything else is standard equipment, so you'd have to factor that in when comparing prices of the 330 to the 400.

Seven colors are currently available: Black Onyx, Flint Mica, Neptune Blue Mica, Crystal White, Millennium Silver Metallic, Savannah Metallic and Bamboo Pearl. Other options include: Navigation system [1] with a seven-inch touch-panel display screen and backup camera [2] Mark Levinson® [3] Premium Audio System Rear DVD entertainment system The vehicle also comes standard with: Power front-seat adjustment Leather-trimmed interior High-Intensity Discharge headlamps (HID) with Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) Rain-sensing windshield wipers 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels Official release date is confirmed as April 15th, 2005. The first road test in Hawaii recorded an average of 34 MPG, although Lexus says that the RX400h will average a minimum of 27 MPG.

It is indeed biased to the front, however the rear motor is 50kW (67hp) not 30hp and has high torque. ← Correct! In fact, both front and rear motors develope maximum torque at 0 rpm, which is much, much more usable to most drivers in day-to-day driving.

I guess you didn't see that road test in Hawaii that reported an average fuel economy of 34 MPG for the RX400h. Lexus is claiming at least 28 MPG, which is significantly higher than equally-powered X5s, ML350s, and Cayennes. If a 3000 lb Prius can average 45 MPG, then yes, it is feasible that the 4000 lb RX400h will achive 30+ MPG. There was an article in the San Diego paper not too long ago that listed the number of days various vehicles were sitting on dealer's lots - a good indication of how well (or poorly) each is currently selling. The H2, Suburban, Expedition, Excusion, etc all had very high numbers (60+ days), wheras the Mazda 3, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, etc were all at under 20 days or so. Locally, I have noticed that brand new SUVs with temp plates are becoming rare. Minivans and smaller SUVs are proliferating quickly.

I think our average gas milage is the same it was in the late 60s/early 70s and that's really sad. Porsche, Mercedes, and BMW have been having a horsepower war with no regard to gas milage. Unfortunately for them, sales have been way down for their SUVs, as is the case with the Big 3's large SUVs. A coworker just recently bought an ML350 (despite my recommendation to wait for the RX400h) and now spends $60 per week (two stops for gas). That much money adds up very quickly and the funny thing is that she wouldn't have spent any more money on an RX400h, yet would have more power and at least twice the gas milage. :chairshot:

The latest issue of Car & Driver has revealed that the mighty Porsche has begun talks with Toyota to acquire their hybrid technology to use in the Cayenne SUV. Apparently, the number of these gas hog SUVs on dealer's lots is rising rapidly due to the public's rising concern about fuel milage. Car & Driver goes on to say that if fuel prices remain relatively high, Toyota's hybrid technology will "rule the world"! In the meantime, Honda and Chrysler present variable cylinder shutdown as a way to save gas. The savings? A couple of MPG. Chrysler will also introduce a 425 HP version of the 300. Yep, just what the public needs - more power (in a sedan) at the expense of fuel economy. They just don't get it, do they?