Performance


 


New 3.5-liter V6 Engine (RX 350)
Delivering more horsepower and torque than the previous generation RX, the 3.5-liter engine makes 90 percent of its peak torque available in a low rpm range for incredibly responsive power at all engine speeds. All the while providing greater fuel efficiency.

The RX also employs a dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system that optimizes both the intake and exhaust valve timing throughout the rpm range, according to engine and driving conditions. The system continuously monitors the engine's speed and load to respond to the driver's demands. This helps provide improved fuel efficiency, lower exhaust emissions and optimize power across all driving ranges. Torque is increased at lower speeds for better thrust. And power is boosted at higher speeds for better acceleration.

Hybrid Powertrain (RX 450h)
The 2010 RX 450h features a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson-cycle engine that works differently than conventional engines to convert more of the energy generated during combustion into mechanical energy. It also features a hybrid battery that is lighter and more compact than that found in the previous-generation RX Hybrid. As a result of these advancements, the RX 450h produces a combined 295 horsepower [1] , and provides instantaneous torque when you need it most.

Of course, performance wasn’t the only area that was enhanced. New, innovative systems have also been included, contributing to an overall increase in efficiency and a fuel economy rating that surpasses that of an average four-cylinder midsize sedan. One of these systems is an Exhaust Heat-Recovery system that captures a portion of the exhaust gasses generated during startup and uses them to help warm the gasoline engine. On cold days, this can significantly reduce the time it takes for the RX 450h to reach a point where it can shut off the gasoline engine and function on battery power alone, by up to 15 minutes in some cases.

[1]Ratings achieved using the required premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. If premium fuel is not used, performance will decrease.

Ultra-Low Emissions
The RX is a certified Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV II).

ECO Indicators
To instill greater awareness and to encourage a more environmentally sensitive driving style, two ECO Driving indicators are included in the RX. An Eco Driving Indicator Light illuminates whenever fuel-efficient acceleration is being achieved. And, to allow the driver to monitor their level of driving economy in real-time, an Eco Driving Indicator Zone Display is also included. Using a bar graph to display a real-time measurement of the accelerator operation, this display includes a light that blinks if the driving habits exceed the eco-friendly range.

Six-Speed Automatic Transmission with AI Shift Control
With the additional sixth gear, the wider gear-ratio spread provides greater acceleration, efficiency and seamless shifting. The manual-shifting capability enhances performance by allowing the driver to manually change gears by nudging the gearshift forward or backward.

Active Torque Control AWD
Using a network of sensors that monitor such factors as G-force, steering angle, vehicle speed, braking and road conditions, the available Active Torque Control AWD system can deliver up to 50% of the available torque to the rear wheels only when it is necessary. During normal on-road driving, for instance, the RX sends 100 percent of the power to the front wheels for optimal fuel efficiency. Should the system sense the slightest amount of wheel slippage, it is designed to automatically allocate the necessary amount power to all four wheels to help maintain traction.

The system is so advanced, in fact, that it can predict your intended path around a turn and proactively provide the necessary amount of torque to help prevent front and rear wheel slip—whatever the road condition.

A LOCK switch can be used to manually select a 50:50 torque split for enhanced low-speed traction in conditions like mud or snow. Once the RX reaches 25 mph, the LOCK switch automatically disengages.

Superb Handling
Stiff unibody construction and front and rear stabilizer bars significantly reduce body lean in corners and deliver overall ride quality like that of a luxury sedan. For greater agility and dynamic handling, the RX features a lower center of gravity courtesy of a lowered powertrain, a fully independent MacPherson strut front suspension and a completely unique double-wishbone rear suspension that took 30 separate tuning sessions to develop. The new system not only helps to improve roadhandling grip, it also intrudes less into the cargo area, freeing up significantly more floor space.

Speed-Sensing Electronic Power Steering with Steering Torque Assist
A progressive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system on the RX senses the vehicle speed and automatically delivers the appropriate level of steering assistance. The result is greater fuel efficiency and steering feel.

The RX also features a new steering torque assist system that is designed to sense and respond when the vehicle is braking on a road with different levels of friction. For example, when braking with the left wheels on asphalt and the right wheels on snow, vehicles tend to deflect toward the higher-friction side due to the difference between the braking forces. By adding steering torque to balance the difference, vehicle control is enhanced.

Ventilated Disc Brakes
The RX utilizes Actively Safe features for better braking and control. Ventilated front disc brakes have special ducts inside to better dissipate heat, which helps improve braking performance. For greater brake feel and further effectiveness, a new twin-piston caliper design is used on the front brakes, and the rotor size has been increased on the rear brakes.


Specifications, features, equipment, technical data, performance figures, options, and color and trim are based upon information available at time of posting, are subject to change without notice, are for the State of Hawaii vehicles and may differ in the mainland U.S.A. vehicles and in other regions. For more information, call 808-54-LEXUS (808-545-3987).