Without the energy display on the dash, you would soon forget the car is a hybrid other than when you start it. I did find that the high efficiency of the gasoline engine in this hybrid did take longer to warm up the car interior. And there's no shortage of high-technology features inside to live up to the image of a sport sedan for green geeks. When starting my car, I noticed the smell of gasoline while sitting in the driver's seat. Corrosion perforation protection is covered for 72 months, regardless of mileage. When the vehicle is coasting or the 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. I have attached 2 pictures of my defective part as well as the invoice for the repair.
Bluetooth® wireless technology allows the transfer of personal phone books to the navigation system, from which the driver can make hands-free phone calls via its touch-screen control panel. The cabin is further enhanced with a wood and leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel — featuring audio and multi-information display controls — and a coordinating wood and leather-trim shift knob. An engine's fuel rail and the fuel rail components is an item that should be expected to last the life of an engine without leaks. The 10-way power-adjustable front driver and passenger seats are heated and ventilated, and there are height-adjustable headrests for all five seating positions. The gasoline engine may have been running, but it was only charging the high voltage battery pack. The two-stage torque-multiplication device varies the gear ratio in two stages by controlling a planetary gear and two wet brakes, similar to the way a conventional automatic transmission operates. The three-pod analog instrument cluster features an Electro Chromatic Display and variable-transparency glass for high visibility in a variety of light conditions.
This special transmission, which eliminates specific gear ratios, features a two-speed torque-multiplication device that allows drivers to select from among three driving modes: power, normal and snow. During most driving, the system uses a combination of the gasoline engine and electric power, and it charges the battery system with the engine and during braking. On-screen details are crisp and clean, and maps and roads feature 3-D shadow effects. Touch points convey quality, and controls respond fluidly. The hybrid battery remained about 80 per cent charged throughout a week of cold weather driving. The vehicle can operate up to about 60 km-h on electric propulsion if light throttle is used.
Altogether, the hybrid powertrain makes 339 horsepower and can push the 450h to 60 mph in just 5. I have driven many and Lexus Hybrid models in the past, but they have all been during warm summer days. After a car accident we found ourselves having to replace a good car. An optional Active Power Stabilizer system helps to further reduce body sway during cornering. Snow mode did help icy intersection starts, and the power mode makes maximum use of the electric motor torque to accelerate the car quickly. I achieved an average of 13.
I am a firm believer. A power-tilt and telescopic steering wheel helps ensure a comfortable driving position. A 240 cell nickel metal hydride battery fits behind the rear seat to power the hybrid electric motors, but it reduces trunk room to 229 litres. Then she looked at this Lexus and I thought, is she crazy?!?! Buttons on the console control snow or sport modes. In light throttle city driving, the vehicle often moved on electric power. The Hybrid Synergy Drive uses a 3. So we have a problem.
It remains the most fuel-efficient option in its class, and the functional cost of that hybrid premium decreases as the price of gas rises. The only drawbacks are the infrequent loud squeals from the front brakes, usually small trunk space, and nonmatching spare tire which did not come with my car. The gas engine uses both direct injection and port injection combined with variable cam timing and intake manifold tuning to produce 292 horsepower. You just get better fuel economy. Lexus Navigation System The optional Lexus Navigation System includes voice-recognition that allows the driver to enter a destination by voice command.
It has been on two long distance trips thus far without problems. Overall, I would rather be driving somewhere in my car than going to work. On the highway, this luxury car was — luxurious! Overall, I found driving a hybrid in a cold Canadian winter was no different that driving any other vehicle. The standard dual-zone climate-control system filters the air, and a standard rear power sunshade adds to passenger comfort on warm days. .
The SmartAccess keyless entry and push-to-start ignition allow the driver to keep the access fob in a pocket or purse. Ultraviolet and infrared ray-reducing tinted glass on all windows helps to reduce demand on the air conditioner. Lexus designers strive to keep controls simple and intuitive, avoiding needless complexity. However, headroom may be restrictive for taller folks, and the hybrid powertrain adds substantial cost to the vehicle. After doing a little research on the internet, I have discovered there have been multiple recalls for gasoline leaks in the engine bays of Lexus vehicles.
Instead of attempting to mask noise, the engineers completely redesigned fans and motors, significantly reducing cabin-noise intrusion. Another noteworthy option is the active stabilizer system--which provides the advantage of a heavier stabilizer bar almost instantaneously without sacrificing ride quality. The active-braking feature will automatically apply the brakes up to a deceleration rate of 0. The increase in fuel consumption is comparable to what I would expect from any vehicle. This unique power-delivery characteristic is most noticeable, and most useful, during 30-to-50 mph passing and in traffic-merging maneuvers.