You are here: Forums Hybrid Vehicles Lexus RX 400h Lexus RX 400h

Lexus RX 400h

2334 messages,  Last post on Oct 11, 2009 at 10:42 AM

You are in the Lexus RX 400h Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer

What is this discussion about? Lexus RX 400h, Hybrid Cars

Messages Page 6 of 234 1 ... 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ... 234 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

#51 of 2334 Re: Other than MPG and power by usbseawolf2000 Feb 16, 2004 (6:27 pm)
> I am wondering can we expect 400h to be quieter and smoother.   It should be quieter and smoother. Quieter due to the high RPM (Over 6,000 RPM) elimination. Smoother due to ECVT which will also gives instant power response. Read message #21 and #27 of my posts for more information.   Dennis
#52 of 2334 And I expect the tranny by igiban Feb 16, 2004 (7:04 pm)
won't have to be 'upgraded' like the current 330 anymore. One more thing to make it smoother. Gas along may not justify some $4K more on sticker, it has to be better in other regards. If Dennis is right, this'd be it.
#53 of 2334 Re: And I expect the tranny by john1701a Feb 16, 2004 (7:54 pm)
Actually, the hybrid won't even have a tranny.   All the HSD design has inside is a power-split device. No gears. No torque-converter. Always engaged.   JOHN
#54 of 2334 Darn.... by igiban Feb 16, 2004 (8:02 pm)
In its own league I guess. Now we just have to see if the HSD presents its own set of problems on an SUV...
#55 of 2334 I certainly hope usbseawolf2000 is right by ceric Feb 16, 2004 (11:21 pm)
If an Akinson cycle engine is used instead, then I can understand why 400h could get 31mpg. By the way, I just heard from Nissan board that the CVT on Murano is a pain in the ?ss according to a service manager of Nissan. Let us hope the one used by Toyota is better.
#56 of 2334 Great read about HSD by ceric Feb 17, 2004 (1:18 am)
I hope everyone read the following article from MSNBC. Things you should be aware of before making purchase decision. I am not trying to bad mouth 400h. As I have said, I am very interested in ordering it. Just that people need to have a reality check. Don't be fooled by the 60/51mpg of Prius or the 36/31mpg of 400h. You are not likely to get it. I know I won't. But, it is the future. And, I praise Toyota for taking the lead.   http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3540844/ by a MSNBC reporter on 04 Prius.   P.S. If this post get deleted by the HOST, I will post a summary later.
#57 of 2334 ECVT by usbseawolf2000 Feb 17, 2004 (8:47 am)
HSD design in Prius and RX 400h has a very different CVT transmission than Nissan and Honda. Nissan and Honda CVT uses belt, pulley, and cones to shift continuously mechanically.   HSD ECVT works fundamentally different. In fact, there is no transmission in HSD. CVT function is achieved by cleverly engaging ICE, Electric Motor, and Wheel in a planetary gear set (about the size of a coke can). Planetary gear set can combine power from any two sources and output to the third source. At a given ICE RPM, increasing Electric Motor RPM would increase the Wheel speed. At a given speed (Constant wheel rotation), ICE RPM can be adjusted by changing the Electric Motor RPM, thus, achieving CVT functionality electronically.   Planetary gear can also split power from one source onto the other two sources. ICE power can be split into the Wheels and Electric Motor (aka electric generator). Therefore, you are driving the car and charging the battery at the same time. This enables Prius/400h to take advantage of ICE "sweet spot" when you accelerate the engine RPM close to the "sweet spot". In that situation, the computer might put the ICE to the most efficient RPM and charge the battery. Mild hybrid such as Honda Civic can only route the power from the ICE to the Wheel and back to the battery through regenerative braking.   ECVT is also responsible for improving fuel economy and performance. You can take a look at the acceleration sensation curve from Toyota compared with Camry 2.4L Auto tranny (Third graph from top). http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/tech/environment/ths2/output.html   *note - From the graph, Current Prius is the classic Prius and THS II is the 2004 Prius.
#58 of 2334 Reality check on RX400h or any hybird cars by lok888 Feb 17, 2004 (9:09 am)
ceric - Good point! I love to see more discussion on the RX400h. But I am not interested to order on, maybe my friend want to trade his '00 RX300. We need to figure it out the true cost to own and how long will this pay for itself. Like I mentioned before, dealers here in MA are taking order for December 2004 or January 2005 delivery. There are already 30+ people on the list at one local Lexus dealer even there is little information on this car. Actually, Toyota already has several hybird vehicles (in addition to Prius) in JDM. The RX, Highlander, Camry and Sienna will be their next project.   mytythor - Hang on to your RX300 for another year or more if you (or your wife) really want the RX400h. I personally love the RX330 much. The fully loaded one probably cost you around $43K. For a new one (RX400h), I am sure the $4K premium will be true for RX400h. For an old one (RX400h), it will take a year or two to see them in the market, maybe dealer's demos. I have a feeling Toyota will not make as many as of this (RX400h) to meet the demand. Just look at Toyota Prius with 7+ month wait and the '04 Toyota Sienna.
#59 of 2334 Maintenance cost by igiban Feb 17, 2004 (11:44 am)
Any expert can share what you think maintenance cost for 400h would be vs. the 330? Well for one thing there's no tranny fluid to change but I am sure there're things needed just for 400h as well. Maybe Prius or CivicH can be good examples?
#60 of 2334 policy clarification by kirstie_h HOST Feb 17, 2004 (2:50 pm)
ceric et al - you're not going to get a post deleted for linking to a news story on another site! What we don't allow is 1) linking to a site that provides automotive message boards, or 2) posting large portions of copyrighted material from another site in Town Hall. Linking to stories is fine. Thanks!

Messages Page 6 of 234 1 ... 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ... 234 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

You are here: Forums Hybrid Vehicles Lexus RX 400h Lexus RX 400h