Article Comments - 2010 Lexus RX 450h Full Test

6 messages, Last post on Oct 17, 2009 at 11:01 AM

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2010 Lexus RX 450h Full Test - Bottom Line: Proves that you can't be all things to all people. (more)

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#1 of 6 Article Comments - 2010 2010 Lexus RX 450h Full Test by KarenS HOST Mar 13, 2009 (12:27 pm)
Mind control is said to be beyond the reach of modern science, but there are occasions when you question the popular wisdom. Take the Lexus RX in all its forms since its introduction in 1999. There's no logical explanation why an SUV would be the best-selling model for a nameplate established to sell luxury sedans. Must be mind control, then. 2010 Lexus RX 450h Full Test Replies to this message: wwest (Mar 14, 2009 10:00 am) wwest (Jun 09, 2009 10:15 am) car2009 (Oct 16, 2009 10:37 am) wwest (Oct 17, 2009 10:53 am) wwest (Oct 17, 2009 11:01 am)
#2 of 6 Re: Article Comments - 2010 2010 Lexus RX 450h Full Test [KarenS] by wwest Mar 14, 2009 (10:00 am)
Replying to: KarenS (Mar 13, 2009 12:27 pm) Yes, there can be no doubt that a form of mind control is at work here. As in the "minds" of the buying public, UPSCALE buying public, controlling the minds of the automotive design engineers via demograhic surveys.
#3 of 6 Re: Article Comments - 2010 2010 Lexus RX 450h Full Test [KarenS] by wwest Jun 09, 2009 (10:15 am)
Replying to: KarenS (Mar 13, 2009 12:27 pm) I am quite pleased to see that Lexus has solved the problem(*) of using the Atkinson cycle on a 6 cylinder without resorting to a positive displacement SC as in the Mazda Millennia S, or some other more complex reverse intake airflow prevention device. But I remain disappointed that DFI wasn't adopted for an even greater improvement in FE. With DFI The Otto mode CR could have been more in the range of 15-16:1 and the 3.0L could have been used to produce the same HP/torque as the new 3.5L. It also seems a shame that the new Venza I4 engine wasn't adopted for the new RX or even a new RX250h model. Perhaps it's been left to Toyota to produce a Venza hybrid with the new I4 (w/DFI..??) and the new F/awd system. If Ford or Mazda doesn't get "there" first via Hybridizing the CX-7. * The V6 uses extended VVT-i to vary the intake valve closing delay from 0 to 30% in order to run in standard "Otto" engine mode, 13:1 compression ratio, for light engine loads/loading (low throttle openings). A higher volume intake manifold/plenum/"surge tank" was adopted to "absorb" the reverse airflow pulses during the atkinson cycle mode. Clever. Replies to this message: car2009 (Oct 16, 2009 10:37 am) wwest (Oct 17, 2009 10:53 am) wwest (Oct 17, 2009 11:01 am)
#4 of 6 Re: Article Comments - 2010 2010 Lexus RX 450h Full Test [wwest] by car2009 Oct 16, 2009 (10:37 am)
Replying to: wwest (Jun 09, 2009 10:15 am) Very nice and instructional comments Karen and WWest about the Lexus RX 450h. I would appreciate your kind insights about the following issue: Is the 2010 Lexus RX Hybrid's AWD System similar to the one from 2009 Highlander Hybrid? I have learned that the Highlander has not center differential, and the V6 engine never provides power to the rear wheels, so the Highlander is not good enough for Off-Road and serious winter like the ones in Montana. Would have the 2010 Lexus RXh similar problem? Grateful for your insights. Replies to this message: wwest (Oct 17, 2009 10:53 am) wwest (Oct 17, 2009 11:01 am)
#5 of 6 Re: Article Comments - 2010 2010 Lexus RX 450h Full Test [car2009] by wwest Oct 17, 2009 (10:53 am)
Replying to: car2009 (Oct 16, 2009 10:37 am) First, there's off-road, and then there is off-ROADING, the later being a SPORT, off roading by CHOICE. My '01 F/awd RX300 has often travelled to/from Seattle to MT, Lewistown. Sometimes via BIllings, sometimes via Harlowtown, but mostly via Great Falls, either via Helena or Rodgers pass. I haven't had to endure, consistently endure, MT winters since the 60's and back then I got by with RWD and being quick to add a set of rear tire chains. Second, what makes, has made, you think the HH is inadequate for MT winters..? The RXh uses the SAME drive technique, separate electric motor for rear drive. Since there is no F/R mechanical coupling there is, can be, no serious level of driveline windup to compromise the drive train. Some minor level of tire scrubbing, maybe, depends on the aggressive nature of the firmware. Probably the only true, truly, FULL-TIME AWD system on the road today. I am a great fan, relatively, of the Acura SH-AWD system insofar as F/awd systems are concerned. The HH and RXh could well be the equal, or beyond, of the SH-AWD system provided the firmware permits. Our '92 Jeep is now retired to the MT ranch, Everson MT, and if "forced", I would not hesitate taking it anywhere in the "back country" thereabouts even in wintertime. Not foolishly so, mind you. I would not even think of doing so in our F/awd '01 RX300, even with all four chained up. The HH or RXh on the other hand... I'll be looking forward for your reasons for thinking the HH will not do.
#6 of 6 Re: Article Comments - 2010 2010 Lexus RX 450h Full Test [car2009] by wwest Oct 17, 2009 (11:01 am)
Replying to: car2009 (Oct 16, 2009 10:37 am) Oh, IMMHO put the primary HH/RXh drive to the rear, ICE and electrics via PSD (e/CVT), and the 75HP electric motor to drive the front, and the HH/RXh would be IDEAL for wintertime in MT. The current HH/RXh firmware might already come close to that ideal, but absent detailed disclosure....