The 2011 RX 450h defines design, engineering and luxury innovation in the hybrid luxury crossover §egmènt. As Lexus’ best-selling hybrid model, the RX 450h smoothly moves into 2011 wîth several new exterior colors after the second generation was introduced in 2010. The RX 450h offers several new exterior colors to enhance its stylish exterior design. Satin Cashmere Mica replaces Golden Almond Metallic. Black Opal Mica and Stargazer Black have been added to the palette, while Aurora White Pearl, Truffle Mica and Black Sapphire Pearl are discontinued.

Price: $44,000 – $45,600.

Invoice: $40,000 – $41,500.

Chassis/Body/Suspension/ Brakes/Tires

Lexus engineers provided the RX wîth an engaging driving experience, and a quiet and smooth ride. A key factor in the RX models’ handling agility is the uniquely designed double-wishbone rear suspension. Another key benefit of the rear suspension is that the packaging yields greater cargo area room. The front suspension geometry was optimized wîth a thick stabilizer bar. Inversely wound front coil springs compress in opposite directions, preventing the negative effects of suspension compression on steering. The standard electric power §teering system contributes to agility and better §teering feel while eliminating the parasitic losses of a hydraulic §teering pump. Eliminating hydraulic oil also provides an environmental benefit and reduces maintenance. When the driving conditions involve little §teering input, energy consumption is reduced, improving fuel economy by nearly three percent.

Steering assist is automatically adjusted in response to vehicle speed, wîth greater assist at low speeds and greater feel at higher speeds. In addition, maneuverability in the RX is easy wîth its 40 foot turning circle curb-to-curb. Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) handling technology is standard on the RX 450h. VDIM system anticipates loss of vehicle control in virtually any direction and governs all of the vehicle’s dynamic handling systems – the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) – wîth the electronic throttle control system. The system employs them collectively and seamlessly to help make corrections while allowing higher dynamic capability.

The system’s enhanced VSC function adds §teering assist torque to help aid handling on a split-friction surface. The VDIM system also provides a limited slip differential effect. The TRAC and VSC functions can also be switched off, for example, when the driver needs to free the vehicle when stuck in mud or snow. The RX stops wîth the help of two-piston front caliper brakes and brake feel is enhanced by optimizing pads, pedal ratio and booster output characteristics. On the RX 450h, Electronically Controlled Brakes (ECB2) work closely wîth VDIM, translating brake pedal stroke speed and pressure to generate the precise amount of hydraulic pressure needed.

Standard Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) uses brake pressure to help prevent the vehicle from moving backward when starting out on an incline. This system does not wait to detect rollback, however. It can be controlled by the driver and works in both forward and reverse. While the vehicle is stopped and the brake pedal is depressed, pushing it further activates the feature. Brake pressure is then maintained for approximately two seconds after the brake pedal is released and the driver switches to the accelerator pedal. Standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, which were designed to appear as if carved from a single block, have 235/60R18 tires. Optional 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels wîth 235/55R19 tires are available wîth a hybrid-exclusive design.

Exterior

The Lexus RX models blend a dynamic version of L-finesse design to create a sleek profile that is accentuated by broad ‘shoulders’ for an athletic yet elegant presence. Bright finish side-window moldings follow a subtly concaved line across the A– and C– pillars, extending at the front and rear ends. The Lexus design cue of placing the grille lower than the headlights, along wîth sharper headlight graphics, yields a strong frontal expression. The RX 450h offers standard halogen and optional HID and LED headlights. The RX 450h’s unique grille features a finer pitch than on the RX 350, creating a fluid-like surface, accentuated by its silver color. Pronounced front fenders flow into the doors, and integrated rear fender flares neatly sweep around to pull together the taut rear corners of the vehicle. The lower body emphasizes the standard 18-inch wheels. Passenger doors extend below the entry sill, helping keep out dirt and moisture.

Several exclusive design features, including the grille and front bumper, distinguish the RX 450h hybrid from the RX 350. Exclusive optional LED headlights offer a more distinctive appearance as well as longer life and lower energy consumption. Lexus hybrid blue is used for the front and rear emblems, hybrid logos, rear combination lights, and headlights. A distinctive feature of the door handles is that the surface subtly twists outward from the front to the rear to give a comfortable grip. The side mirrors feature integrated LED turn signal lamps. The rear spoiler’s primary function is to help lower the vehicle’s Coefficient of drag (Cd), but it also conceals the rear wiper and houses the AM/FM radio antenna and high-mount stop lamp.

Interior

Based on Lexus L-finesse philosophy, the dramatically designed interior clearly separates the interior into two distinct zones – the ‘display zone’ to provide information, and the ‘operation zone’ for interaction wîth controls. The shoulder of the door trim comfortably envelops the occupants, the clear line of the trim beginning inside the cabin and tapering outward toward the exterior. The design imbues a feeling of a continuous line encircling the occupants and defining the controls and displays. Neatly sculpted metallic surfaces, especially on the asymmetrical center stack, showcase a bold contrast of shadow and light.

A high contrast white Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) is used for the multi-information display located next to the speedometer. Vibrant white characters are sharply displayed on a high-contrast black background for ease of use and a luxurious appearance. For the RX 450h, blue accented meters strengthen the hybrid image, and a hybrid system indicator replaces the tachometer to encourage driving in an economical manner. In addition to an Eco Driving indicator light, RX models feature an Eco driving indicator zone that displays current fuel economy using a bar graph and alerts the driver when they are achieving low fuel efficiency. Lexus employed extensive human-machine interface (HMI) studies to enhance occupants’ interaction wîth all controls. To help reduce driver distraction and effort, each HMI function in the RX wastes no movement. The available eight-inch navigation display (or seven-inch audio/HVAC display when navigation is not ordered) is placed at a higher, more distant position, providing a more natural visual angle.

Three innovations to come from the HMI studies include the multi-information switch on the §teering wheel, the Remote Touch console-mounted navigation controller and the available Heads-Úp Display. The multi-information switch allows the driver to access numerous function settings without taking hands off the §teering wheel, and reduces the number of individual switches, contributing to a cleaner instrument panel. Vehicle settings can be customized according to personal preference, including personal door-lock preferences, interior/exterior light adjustments, driver’s seat easy exit, and window-closure settings. The available navigation system can be controlled using either the Remote Touch device or by utilizing voice command. Remote Touch allows the user to operate the navigation system, climate, audio, phone controls and more. The screen menus are selected wîth the controller, eliminating the need to reach out and reducing eye movement.

The attribute that most distinguishes Lexus’ navigation controller from other devices in other luxury models is its ‘haptic’-feedback technology, which provides a tactile response to the hand. As the user operates the controller near a screen icon, the cursor is pulled to that icon wîth feedback from a servomotor in the device enabling the user to feel it ‘click’ into place. The driver or passenger makes a selection by pressing the side enter button on either side, and the feedback servo is adjustable for sensitivity. The system then confirms the action wîth a subtle sound. Remote Touch integrates the functions of seven hard switches used wîth the previous touch screen, helping users to operate those functions wîth reduced effort and distraction. The available Heads-Úp Display (HÚD) utilizes white readouts. High-intensity LEDs project high-contrast white figures onto the windshield, which are easier to read – and easier on the eyes – than the typical green-colored readouts. The HÚD offers displays for speed, navigation, and audio. A wedge-shaped windshield interlayer for the HÚD projection area eliminates the distracting printed grid pattern seen on some other vehicles equipped wîth HÚDs.

Luxury/Comfort/Convenience

Lexus luxury begins wîth how the customer first interacts wîth his or her vehicle. All RX models are equipped wîth the SmartAccess keyless entry wîth push-button start. As the driver approaches the vehicle, interior and exterior courtesy lamps illuminate. Opening the door, the instrument panel lighting gradually fades in. When the hybrid system is started, the instrument gauge needles and markings illuminate, followed by the multi-information display. After the driver exits the vehicle, the lights fade out at different intervals. RX 450h is equipped wîth a power tilt and telescopic §teering column. To ease entry and exit, the seat automatically slides up to two inches rearward and the §teering wheel tilts upward and slides forward when the hybrid system is switched off. Úpon pushing the ‘ON’ switch, the seat and §teering wheel return to positions pre-set by the driver using the three-position memory system.

The standard 10-way power front seats are shaped to accommodate arm movement when operating the available Remote Touch, while also holding the occupants in place. Both the driver and passenger seats also feature power lumbar adjustment. Also available on the RX is a ventilation function for the front seats to help improve comfort on hot and humid days. The shape and texture of the armrests and switches offer an ideal combination of tactile feel and functionality. The leather-wrapped three-spoke §teering wheel features integrated audio controls and a unique cross-section that is designed to provide a more natural grip than a conventional round-section wheel. An optional leather and wood trimmed wheel is also available.

Three seat materials include standard fabric, optional smooth leather or even softer semi-aniline leather. In addition to light gray and black, Parchment is available as an interior color. The RX 450h also exclusively offers a black and light gray interior wîth striking black accents. Standard wood trim comes in Brown Walnut matched to Parchment, or Espresso Bird’s-eye Maple matched to gray and black. The center console box provides more than 0.75 cu. ft. of storage capacity, enough space to comfortably store CDs/DVDs or the vehicle’s owner’s manual. The three-part (40/20/40) rear seats can slide fore and aft, recline, and fold down using the one-touch levers mounted in the luggage compartment. Compact rear-seat headrests help improve the driver’s visibility. The double-wishbone rear suspension, due to its compact packaging, yields a larger luggage compartment; the width between the suspension towers is increased by nearly six inches. The quiet climate-control system offers quick cooling and warming. A high-efficiency compressor detects refrigerant flow in order to optimize engine control and fuel economy. An available smog sensor is designed to detect harmful particles (CO, HC, NOx) in other vehicles’ exhaust emissions and automatically switch between fresh air and recirculation modes. An electric compressor on the RX 450h includes a humidity sensor to help optimize air-conditioner operation, helping to enhance fuel economy.

The RX continues the tradition of offering the Lexus Premium Audio system as standard equipment, in this case a powerful nine-speaker system wîth a six-disc changer. Creative placement and angling of the speakers perfectly cross-channels sound to the occupant on the opposite side of the vehicle to transform the cabin into a clear, crisp acoustic environment. Bluetooth® hands free phone capability is also standard. RX models can accommodate a variety of music sources, providing available auxiliary and ÚSB inputs, Bluetooth Audio wireless connectivity and a standard integrated XM Radio receiver (complimentary 90-day trial subscription). When an iPod® is attached via the ÚSB port, information such as names for the artist, track and album is displayed on the available navigation or audio screen, while the iPod can be controlled through the audio system. The large center console storage box easily accommodates a variety of electronic devices while keeping wires out of sight.

Safety/Security

The RX 450h features Intelligent Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) for high beams of HID headlamp equipped models, and for the low beams of the LED equipped models. When entering a corner, AFS estimates where the vehicle will be in three seconds, based on the vehicle speed and the angle of the tires, and adjusts the lateral aim of the headlamps. AFS can be switched off by the driver if desired and includes an auto-leveling function. Also available is an automatic high beam system which uses a camera mounted on the inner rear view mirror to switch between high and low beams in response to oncoming vehicles and those traveling in front, or when other ambient sources are detected, helping reduce driver inconvenience. The optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) wîth Dynamic Radar Cruise Control uses millimeter-wave radar to measure and help maintain a pre-set following distance from a vehicle traveling ahead. The radar sensor can detect certain obstacles in front of the car, and a PCS computer wîth vehicle speed, §teering angle and yaw-rate inputs helps to determine whether a collision is highly possible. In such a situation, PCS preemptively retracts front seat belts and pre-initializes BA so that increased braking will be applied the instant the driver depresses the pedal.

A high-strength cabin design and comprehensive Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) are designed to help provide a high level of crash-energy management. Approximately 42 percent of the entire structure uses high tensile strength sheet steel. The structure was engineered to help provide collision compatibility wîth vehicles of varying heights and weights. The RX 450h is equipped wîth a §egmènt-leading 10 standard airbags, including side curtain airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, rear side airbags (for the outboard seating positions) and knee airbags for the driver and the front passenger. A roll sensor signals the side curtain airbags to inflate if a predetermined threshold of vehicle tip-up is detected. The front-passenger airbag is a dual stage, twin-chamber design that, when deployed, helps provide optimal protection. Active front headrests help reduce the severity of a whiplash injury in the event of certain types of lower speed rear collisions.