2010 Lexus RX 450h and RX 350

At the Lexus stand during the LA Auto Show today two new RX cars were unveiled. The first is an all-new RX 350, the second a new RX 450h, the latter being a hybrid as denoted by the “h”. RX 350 comes with a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine producing 275hp, up from 270hp in the current car. It’s mated to a sequential 6-speed ‘box in both FWD and AWD, with the latter featuring Active Torque Control AWD system which optimizes torque for all driving conditions.
For the RX 450h powertrain is very different. Being a hybrid it also uses the 3.5-liter V6 gas engine which runs on the Atkinson cycle with a new inverter for a system power output of 295hp. Twenty seven more horsepower than the previous/current model, plus more efficient. These efficient gains are as a result of, among other innovations, exhaust-heat recovery system that reduces engine warm-up time and an exhaust-gas recirculation setup that lessens engine pumping losses.

The RX 450h’s hybrid system allows for regenerative braking to charge the battery better, for longer running times. 4WD is not permanent; it only kicks in when needed. The rest of the time, which is normal driving conditions, the car is in FWD mode. First-for-Lexus technologies for a greater experience in the RX cars includes a Hard Disk Drive navigation system with a “Remote Touch” controller, voice recognition, XM satellite radio and other cool gadgetry stuff. A class-leading 10 airbags form part of the safety package, so does wide-angle side view monitor and rear-view camera for a bump-free reverse session.
2010 Lexus RX 450h: