New Pricing on RX 400h
Luxury Gas/Electric Hybrid SUVs
Photo: Automotive Intelligence
Torrance CA - Lexus announced
today the addition of a front-wheel drive (FWD) RX 400h in addition to the
all-wheel drive (AWD) model which has been on sale since April of this
year, making the hybrid gas/electric version of America's most popular
luxury SUV, the RX 330, now available in both drivetrain configurations.
With a combined system output
of 268 horsepower, the RX 400h FWD delivers zero-to-60 mph acceleration in
7.5 seconds, better than many V8-powered mid-size luxury SUV competitors,
but with fuel efficiency more typical of a 4-cylinder compact sedan.
"Consumers in certain parts
of the country, mostly in southern markets, told us they don't need the
added handling benefits of all-wheel drive and would be more inclined to
consider a front-drive hybrid-powered version of the RX," said Bob Carter,
Lexus group vice president and general manager. "The new RX hybrids offer
an even better value and we believe both models will be very well received
by our customers."
Both the AWD and new FWD
versions incorporate a new, advanced Lexus Hybrid System that combines the
3.3-liter V6 engine found in the Lexus RX 330 with a high-torque
electric-drive motor-generator. Both models also come equipped with the
industry's most advanced stability control system called Vehicle Dynamics
Integrated Management (VDIM).
Photo: Lexus
The EPA-estimated combined
fuel economy rating for the front-drive RX 400h is 30 mpg. EPA-estimated
highway fuel economy is 28 mpg, and at 33 mpg the city rating for the RX
400h exceeds most V8-equipped luxury SUVs by more than 100 percent. As
with the AWD version, the RX 400h FWD carries the EPA's Super Ultra Low
Emission Vehicle (SULEV) certification.
The new RX 400h FWD will
carry a base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $44,660.
Production began November 1 with vehicles scheduled to arrive at
dealership in late December.
Photo: Lexus
In response to consumer
feedback on standard equipment levels of the RX 400h AWD, the Lexus DVD
navigation system with rear back-up camera will now be offered as optional
equipment. As a result, the base MSRP for the 2007 RX 400h AWD is now
$46,060, a decrease of $2,350 or 4.9 percent beginning with November
production.
Both AWD and FWD models
include a standard list of luxury and performance features, including
leather interior trim, power-tilt/telescoping steering wheel, roof rack
with rails, illuminated entry system, a one-touch open/close moonroof,
six-disc CD changer, HID headlamps with the Adaptive Front lighting System
(AFS), electrically powered air conditioning, 18-inch wheels and an
eight-year/100,000-mile battery and hybrid system warranty.
