Lexus confirms hybrid SUV
10 January 2003: Lexus is to put a new hybrid RX four-wheel drive model on the North American market in about two years.
The vehicle, based on the RX300 SUV which is built on the Toyota Camry platform, will be powered by a new technology called Hybrid Synergy Drive. In addition to the low emissions and high fuel economy of current hybrid power units, this new technology adds the benefit of outstanding performance.
The RX with Hybrid Synergy Drive has a V6 engine with the performance, power and torque of a V8 yet delivers the fuel economy of a small car, according to Lexus.
The Hybrid Synergy Drive operates with front and rear electric motors and a front internal combustion engine. The system in the RX operates at nearly double the voltage of existing hybrid systems and generates more power with high efficiency, dramatically cutting fuel consumption and emissions.
In addition, the front and rear electric drive provides the benefits of all-wheel drive in a lighter and more compact package. The system is highly modular so it is extremely flexible. Different size motors and engines can be combined to favour either fuel economy or power … or both. This means the Hybrid Synergy Drive can be easily adapted to a broad range of vehicles.
There has been no announcement on the likely introduction of the new Hybrid Synergy Drive to the European market.
