2007 Lexus RX 400h

Lexus Continues Personalized Settings for 2007 Model Line

All Lexus models for 2007 will continue to offer the complimentary Personalized Settings service that was launched across the model line for 2005. Depending on the Lexus model, the Lexus dealer can make up to 16 different adjustments to the electric and electronic systems on the vehicle. Settings that can be customized according to personal preference include interior lighting, window and moonroof operation, tilt steering wheel position and door lock control.

'Customer preference continues to be a top priority for Lexus,' said Bob Carter, Lexus group vice president and general manager. 'With Lexus Personalized Settings, we give our customer additional choices on how to set a vehicle's various convenience features according to personal preference.'

At the time of purchase or lease, the Lexus customer is presented with a pamphlet describing all the possible settings that the dealer can adjust on the selected model. Examples include choices for how the power windows, moonroof and door locks operate with the remote key, and how the tilt and telescoping steering wheel responds when the engine is turned on or off.

In most Lexus vehicles, the tilt and telescoping steering wheel is set to move up and away from the driver when the transmission shift lever is placed in park and the ignition is turned off. This popular feature is offered to help the driver to move in and out of the vehicle with ease, but it can also be turned off by changing the setting so the steering wheel remains stationary.

The Personalized Settings feature offers several options for operating the power door locks and windows with the remote key. The standard unlock mode for most 2006 models unlocks all doors by pressing the ÚNLOCK button once on the remote. The customer can choose to have this setting changed so only the driver side door unlocks after pressing the ÚNLOCK button once, and then unlocking the rest of the doors by pressing the button a second time.

In the standard mode, all the power windows will roll down and the moonroof (if equipped) will slide open when the customer presses the ÚNLOCK button for 2.5 seconds with all doors unlocked. The customer can also elect to turn off this feature. The moonroof operation from the remote key can also be set to open when the ÚNLOCK button is pressed for 2.5 seconds and to tilt or slide according to the customer's preference.

Lexus Personalized Settings also allow lighting systems to be adjusted for added convenience. Cabin illumination can be adjusted to stay on for 7.5, 15 or 30 seconds after a door is closed. The length of time the headlights stay on once the ignition is shut off (with all doors closed and headlights in the ON or AÚTO position) can be set at 30, 60 or 90 seconds. The customer may also choose to have the headlamps turn off as soon as the ignition is shut off and the driver's door is opened. In addition, the sensitivity of the automatic headlights can be adjusted to turn on under darker or lighter ambient light conditions.

On the RX 350 and RX 400h luxury utility vehicles, the customer can select different settings for how the power rear liftgate operates. For example, the standard setting for opening the rear power door is to unlock all doors first. If the customer prefers, this can be changed to allow the rear door to open without unlocking all the doors. In addition, settings can be adjusted for the back door buzzer's sound volume and number of beeps.

All programming of Lexus Personalized Settings must be completed by a Lexus Dealer and requires a special tool. The complimentary service is a one-time service available for up to 12 months from the date of purchase or lease of a new Lexus vehicle. Additional adjustments to Personalized Settings after the initial 12-month period can be made for an additional charge.

Source - Lexus

2007 Lexus RX 400h Introduces New Interior Features

Lexus inaugurated a new era in luxury vehicles with the introduction of the 2006 RX 400h, the world's first gas/electric hybrid-powered luxury utility vehicle. Lexus has broadened the RX 400h's appeal with the addition of a new front-wheel-drive model and revamped offerings in both standard and optional equipment.
The RX 400h sold nearly 30,000 units in its first full year on the market—more than some conventionally powered luxury SÚVs—accounting for nearly 25 percent of all RX model sales. Significant both for being the first Lexus hybrid vehicle as well as for launching a new era in luxury vehicles, the RX 400h, featuring Lexus Hybrid Drive technology, set a new benchmark for luxury SÚV performance and environmental compatibility.



A true leap forward in hybrid technology with its enhanced-performance dimension, the RX hybrid combines the power of a 3.3-liter V6 gasoline engine and an electric drive motor to deliver performance on par with V8-powered luxury SÚVs—but with far better fuel efficiency. The all-wheel-drive RX 400h's EPA-estimated city/highway rating is 31/27 mpg, with a city rating of more than double that of most V8 luxury SÚVs. The EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating of 29 mpg exceeds the average for new compact sedans. The RX 400h front-wheel-drive model has an EPA-estimated fuel-economy rating of 32 mpg city/27 mpg highway.

Additionally, the RX 400h achieves Super Últra Low Emission Vehicle (SÚLEV) certification in California (Tier 2-Bin 3 in other states), producing nearly 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than conventionally powered vehicles. The RX 400h is also certified as a zero evaporative emission vehicle in California and those states adopting California standards. ( posted on conceptcarz.com)



Wider Choices for 2007
Revised badging on the 2007 RX 400h includes a blue '400h' on the rear door. The blue badge color will be a consistent feature on all Lexus hybrid models. Standard wheels are now 17-inch aluminum alloy, with 18-inch wheels optionally available.

The RX 400h now closely follows the RX 350 in terms of standard and optional equipment by featuring a standard high-quality fabric interior, with leather trim available in several option packages. The RX 400h gains a standard 10-way power front-passenger seat in place of the previous eight-way seat, adding power lumbar adjustment. In addition to the standard brushed aluminum interior accents, customers can now also specify wood trim with any interior color for the 2007 model.

A number of other features previously standard on the 2006 RX 400h are now offered separately or in option packages in the 2007 model, including: power tilt/telescope steering wheel with memory; power tilt/slide moonroof with one-touch open/close feature and jam protection; memory for driver's seat and outside mirrors; towing-preparation package; roof rack and roof rails; and Dynamic Laser Cruise Control, which measures and maintains a set distance from the vehicle traveling ahead.

The fifth-generation touch-screen Lexus DVD Navigation System with rear back-up camera integrates Bluetooth® wireless capability and voice activation and is now offered in an option package with the Mark Levinson® audio system. Customers can order High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), which helps to illuminate a turn or curve as the driver steers into it, as a stand-alone option for 2007. The available DVD rear-seat entertainment system features a new, larger nine-inch LCD screen.

Lexus Hybrid Drive Technology
The Lexus Hybrid Drive system is one of the most advanced powertrains in the world, yet it operates so seamlessly that it enhances the luxury experience rather than calling attention to itself. The system combines a V6 engine with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator. In the all-wheel-drive model only, an additional, rear-mounted electric-drive motor generator provides on-road all-wheel-drive capability.

With a combined system output of approximately 268 horsepower, and more significantly, 3,500 lb.-ft. of axle torque at launch, the RX 400h delivers rapid acceleration. At 7.3 seconds (7.5 for all-wheel drive model), acceleration from zero to 60 mph is better than many V8-powered competitors.

The Lexus RX 400h is defined as a 'full hybrid,' which means that it is capable of
operating in electric-only or gas-engine-only modes as well as a mode that combines the power of the gas engine and electric motor. Lexus hybrid technology allows extended electric-mode operation during low speed or stop-and-go driving conditions, reducing fuel consumption and noise. In contrast, other hybrid technologies require constant gas-engine operation.

The RX 400h uses a 3.3-liter V6 gas engine with modifications to the Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) systems to promote smooth integration with the hybrid system. Energy is stored by a 288-volt DC Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack that fits neatly under the rear seat. The battery's power is directed through a 'boost converter' that efficiently raises voltage to 650V DC. An inverter changes this to 650V AC, providing its elevated power to a front-mounted 123-kW electric motor that turns as high as 12,400 rpm.

The RX 400h front-wheel-drive model's hybrid powertrain employs two motor-generators. Known as MG1 and MG2, each one performs specific functions and each does double duty as motors and generators (although MG1 is a starter and provides no motive force). The engine-driven generator (MG1) can charge the battery pack or power other electric motors as needed. The all-wheel-drive RX 400h adds a third motor-generator, MGR, to drive the rear wheels.

Powerful Partnership
Power from the gas engine and front electric drive motor (MG2) is distributed to the drive wheels via a planetary gear-type continuously variable transmission, which eliminates specific gear ratios. Two planetary gear units are used in the system. The Power-Split unit divides the engine's drive force two ways: one to drive the wheels and the other to drive MG1 so it may function as a generator. The Motor Speed Reduction unit reduces the speed of MG2 and increases its drive torque, significantly boosting acceleration performance. MG2 produces peak torque from zero-to-1,500 rpm, giving the RX 400h powerful and instantaneous response that will be felt in low- and mid-speed performance, especially in 30-50 mph merging and passing maneuvers.

In addition to its motor-generator duties, MG1 adds two functions: one, as a starter motor for the gas engine; and two, as a regulator for the amount of electrical power it generates (which varies its rpm). MG1 controls the output speed of the transaxle through the planetary gearset – without clutches or a viscous coupling. This is one of the key elements of the hybrid powertrain and is how it eliminates the 'shift shock' that is typically felt as even the most refined modern automatic transmissions change gears.

The all-wheel-drive model uniquely generates rear-wheel power with a separate 50-kW electric motor (MGR) that provides up to 650 lb.-ft. of additional drive torque on demand. Thus, the RX 400h does not require power-transfer gearing or a driveshaft from the front. The system electronically varies front and rear torque distribution depending on traction conditions.

The power-steering pump, water pump and air-conditioning compressor are driven electrically rather than by the engine. This is necessary because the gas engine often shuts down – a fuel-saving benefit of the hybrid system – especially when the vehicle is stopped or driven slowly through traffic. Driving these components electrically notably reduces parasitic losses to the engine and improves fuel consumption.

A regenerative-braking system further boosts system efficiency. When the RX 400h is coasting or its brakes are applied, the electric motors function as generators, capturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat through the brakes and transforming it into useable electricity to recharge the batteries.

Proactive Vehicle Stability Control
The RX 400h was the first Lexus model to feature Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM). This new vehicle stability control system goes well beyond conventional controls that simply react to challenging conditions. Instead, VDIM anticipates loss of vehicle control in virtually any direction and can make corrections while allowing higher dynamic capability.

Electronically Controlled Brakes (ECB) are a vital element of VDIM. This advanced braking system translates brake pedal stroke speed and pressure and generates the precise amount of combined electric regeneration and hydraulic pressure needed for virtually any driving condition.

Únder guidance from VDIM, such precise brake control at individual wheels helps allow more optimized operation of the vehicle's dynamic handling systems that employ the brakes, including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC). VDIM also interfaces with the electronic-throttle control system, allowing it to modify vehicle power when needed, and a new Electric Power Steering (EPS) system to help optimize steering assist for individual situations.

EPS uses a DC motor and gear-reduction system built into the steering gear
housing to provide steering assist. This compact unit contributes to fuel economy by eliminating the traditional power-steering pump and by providing computer-controlled assist only when called for by the driver. EPS also allows a more precise and timely control of steering assist than conventional engine-driven hydraulic systems.

VDIM continuously calculates vehicle motion based on signals from a yaw rate and deceleration sensor, speed sensor and steering sensor. Úsing these inputs, VDIM controls all of the vehicle's dynamic handling systems and can employ them collectively and seamlessly, which can allow it to quickly detect the onset of a loss of traction in turns and correct it. The ability to operate proactively means that corrections to vehicle handling are typically faster, more accurate and subtler than traditional systems, making VDIM feel smoother and essentially transparent to the driver.

Comprehensive Safety Systems
The RX 400h features the same passive-safety protection for occupants as the
RX 350 model. A high-strength cabin design and comprehensive Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) are designed to help provide a high level of crash-energy management for the occupants. SRS includes advanced front airbags for the driver and passenger, a knee airbag for the driver and front-seat-mounted side airbags designed to help manage impact forces to the torso, abdomen and pelvis. The front-airbag technology takes into account several factors, such as crash severity, front passenger weight and driver-seat position on the seat track.

Side-curtain airbags are designed to help offer additional crash energy management for the front- and rear-seat occupants. A roll sensor signals the side- curtain airbags to inflate if a predetermined threshold of vehicle tip-up is detected.

Visibility-enhancing technologies enhance safety in the RX 400h. The front side windows feature a water-repellant surface that helps to bead rainwater.

Lexus Luxury and Impressive Útility
The RX 400h does not sacrifice space, comfort or versatility to deliver the benefits of hybrid technology. The rear seatbacks feature a versatile 40/20/40-split design, and the seats offer both sliding and reclining adjustments. The approximately 38-cubic-foot rear-cargo capacity expands to nearly 85 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded down. An automatic retracting tonneau cover adds a measure of security and convenience to the cargo area.

Lexus' craftsmanship and renowned attention to detail provide true luxury by design. Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control and 10-way power front seats with memory. The steering wheel features easy-to-use controls for the audio system, trip computer and multi-information display in the speedometer. A rear back-up camera, part of the available navigation package, projects a color image of what the camera lens can detect behind the vehicle onto the navigation screen when reverse gear is engaged.

Because Lexus luxury also means outstanding convenience, the RX 400h comes equipped as standard with an auto-dimming rearview mirror with an integrated digital compass; auto-dimming, heated exterior mirrors; a sliding center console to enhance roominess; a power-rear liftgate; and integrated Homelink® transmitter. Comfort and convenience extend to the smallest details in the RX 400h, such as adjustable lights in the visor vanity mirrors and illuminated front cupholders.

The standard Lexus Premium Audio system features a standard in-dash six-disc CD changer. For the discerning audiophile, the supremely quiet interior of the RX 400h provides the ideal environment to enjoy the optional Mark Levinson® audio system that features 11 speakers and an in-dash, six-disc CD changer. A sound-positioning feature optimizes speaker usage depending on occupant location. Rear passengers can enjoy the optional factory-installed rear-seat DVD entertainment system with individual wireless headphones and, for 2007, a larger nine-inch LCD screen.

Fifth-Generation Navigation System
For 2007, the optionally available fifth generation Navigation System includes voice-recognition that allows the driver to input a desired destination by voice command while driving. Visual support is greatly enhanced, with a central VGA screen that features a high resolution 800 x 480 pixel display in 32,000 colors. On-screen details are crisp and clean, and maps and roads include 3D shadow effects.

The enhanced navigation system adds Spanish to the already available English and French text display options. The user can select the language preference at system start-up. System functions include multiple route calculation, route preview, simplified highway junction graphics and a dual-map screen mode.

The DVD map database contains more than five million Points of Interest (POI). The database for Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York includes a 'building footprint' display feature that can show graphic representations of buildings and structures to help the driver identify surroundings.

The navigation system also integrates Bluetooth® wireless technology. When combined with a compatible phone, Bluetooth allows the driver to transfer personal phone books to the navigation system and make hands-free phone calls through its touch-screen control panel.

Premium Protection
All new Lexus vehicles come with a 48-month/50,000-mile basic limited warranty with roadside assistance for 48-months/unlimited miles. Powertrain and restraint system coverage is provided for 72 months/70,000 miles. Corrosion perforation protection is covered for 72 months, regardless of mileage. The hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for eight years/100,000 miles.

Source - Lexus