The RX450h features a touch of blue around the front as is the tradition with Lexus hybrid models and blue Hybrid logos on either side, setting it apart from its standard RX350 sibling. Otherwise, it's pretty much the same from the outside.
Likewise, interior styling is very similar, with the main difference being the conventional tachometer having been replaced with a hybrid system indicator, which encourages the driver to apply the accelerator in a more environmentally friendly manner.
Both the RX350 and RX450h are powered by 24 valve 3456cc VVT-i V6 petrol engines, but the RX450h differs in that the conventional Otto cycle engine in the traditional petrol version has been replaced by an Atkinson cycle engine.
The key difference here is that the inlet valves are left open for longer, delaying the beginning of the compression stroke creating a high expansion ratio. This reduces energy losses and improves fuel consumption.
Lexus RX450hWhile the Atkinson cycle has its benefits, its traditional weakness is its lack of low down power. However, when combined with electric power, this deficiency is negated, as the advantage of an electric motor is its immediate torque, so it lends itself perfectly to hybrid use.
The RX450h features the Lexus Hybrid Drive system, using a rear electric motor in addition to front electric and petrol motors, combined with a new inverter with high cooling performance to raise fuel efficiency.
The V6 petrol engine produces 183kW of power at 6,000rpm, down from 204kW for the RX350 and 317Nm of torque at 4,800rpm, down from 346Nm.
However, the RX450h is capable of producing a maximum system output of 220kW, 16kW more than the RX350, due to the combination of petrol and electric power, although due to the variable nature of petrol and electric power delivery, seat of the pants acceleration feels on a par with the non-hybrid RX.
The front wheels can be driven by the petrol engine, the electric motor or a combination of both.
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