Performance hidden discreetly beneath an SUV shell
3.5-Litre V6 Petrol Engine on the Atkinson Cycle
The 3.5-litre, V6 petrol engine and the multiple high-output electric motors integrate to perform with the power of a V8. With a total output of 220 kW and 317 Nm of torque, the RX450h is performance like no other SUV.
The advanced cooling system and the heat recovery create greater performance and fuel-efficiency, reducing fuel consumption by 23%.
With the help of the state-of-the-art Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system, the engine runs on the Atkinson cycle. By enabling the expansion stroke to be longer than the compression stroke, the combustion energy produces more power while limiting pumping loss.
Hybrid Drive System
Composed of two electric motors and a metal hydride battery, the Lexus Hybrid Drive system produces lower fuel consumption and fewer carbon emissions. The two electric motors power the front and rear wheels respectively taking energy from the generator as allocated by the power control unit (PCU) taking the load off the petrol engine. The result is an estimated fuel consumption of 6.3 l/100 km and CO2 emissions as low as 148 g/km. A claim unique to the Lexus SUV.
Exhaust Heat Recovery System
Conserving more than just carbon emissions, the new heat recovery system conserves energy. By reducing engine warm-up time the system enables the engine to stop sooner, more often and for longer periods. With the petrol engine running less, fuel economy is increased and emissions reduced.
Regenerative Breaking
Like the heat recovery, the regenerative breaking frugally conserves energy. Heat that is produced while braking is harnessed by the intelligent braking system to be converted into electric energy. This is then stored in the in the Nickel-Metal Hydride battery or used to charge the electric motor.
Exhaust-Gas Recirculation (EGR) System
The EGR System economises the use of fuel by bringing the pressure in the intake manifold down to atmospheric pressure. This reduces piston pumping loss.