The Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive System
Toyota perfected the series/parallel or "strong" hybrid to deliver the energy-saving benefit of a series hybrid together with the acceleration benefit of a parallel hybrid. Two key technologies — the power split device and sophisticated energy management — make this possible. They constantly optimize the flows of mechanical power and electric power for safe and comfortable vehicle operation at the highest possible efficiency.
2011 Lexus RX450h Walkaround, Review, Test Drive
Hybrid power train is much improved over the previous generation. Overall, a nice car but it just doesn't satisfy the enthusiast ;)
"Though expensive compared to the non-hybrid RX, the 2011 Lexus RX 450h delivers on its promise of impressive fuel economy, utility, power and luxury."
www.edmunds.com
2012 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid Test Drive & Luxury Crossover SUV Video Review
http://www.autobytel.com/lexus/rx-450h/2012/ The 2012 Lexus 450h is a crossover luxury SUV that is not only great to drive, but it also has excellent fuel economy ratings. The RX series has been a wonderful selling line of luxury crossovers since 1998 and the Hybrid model sits at or near the top of the list of most fuel efficient SUVs year after year. And the Lexus RX 450h is an AutoPacific 2012 Vehicle Satisfaction Award winner. The RX 450h comes in 2 different trim levels. The first is the FWD model which has a base price of $45,235. The second is the AWD model which has a base price of $46,825.
The RX hybrid is powered by an Atkinson cycle 3.5 liter V-6 engine that produces 245 horsepower and 244 lb-ft. of torque. The hybrid powertrain features two electric motors that give an extra Boost to the V-6 engine adding 50 HP. Fuel economy ratings are 32 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. Not only is the RX hybrid very fuel efficient, but it is also a Super Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle. The 2012 Lexus RX 450h sports two systems that help in both efficiency and emissions. The Exhaust Heat Recovery system that helps with the warm up of the vehicle and Exhaust Gas Recirculation which is water cooled and reduces pumping losses.
It is not just the Lexus Hybrid Drive that is responsible for the great MPG ratings. The RX hybrid features a start-stop system to increase fuel economy. The luxury hybrid can also run on battery power alone. The ECO mode monitor shows the driver how to drive in a more efficient manner. The RX hybrid sports the first Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission which is meant to keep the luxury SUV in the right gear at all time thus maximizing efficiency. The steering unit runs off electricity instead on a belt driven by the engine. The result is less strain on the engine resulting in better MPG. The 2012 Lexus RX 450h uses a regenerative braking system to power the batteries.
On the outside the 3rd generation RX features a bold and exciting new design with a new bumper, headlight assembly, and new grille. Dimensions have been increased a bit and cargo room is up 5%. The real news is that the drag coefficient has been reduced to 0.33 thanks in large part to the rear wing which reduces air turbulence. On the inside the 2012 Lexus RX hybrid is all luxury and technology. The 8-inch navigation is voice activated and a heads-up display projects directions onto the windshield. Supply leather abounds and the front seats are heated and ventilated units that are power adjustable.
The 2012 Lexus RX 450h is a wonderful 5-passenger luxury crossover SUV that gets incredible gas mileage. Both green and efficient, the RX hybrid is a great choice.
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VW TSI ENGINE ANIMATION
TSI TECHNOLOGY
Following the success of its TDI and FSI engines, Volkswagen is launching the latest in a line of pioneering inventions with the introduction of TSI petrol technology.
FSI uses the direct injection of petrol into the combustion chamber to improve efficiency and hence reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Taking this further, TSI uses -- for the first time ever -- an FSI engine which is then dual-charged through a combination of an engine driven Supercharger and an Exhaust gas turbocharger arranged in series.
The driving characteristics of the new TSI engine are improved over those of the current FSI unit. The belt-driven Supercharger operates at the lower engine speeds, with the turbocharger coming in as engine speed increases. The result of this is excellent driveability and performance throughout the range with no turbo lag and high maximum torque.
Key to the TSI's success is that direct injection allows an abnormally high compression ratio of 10:1 to be used in conjunction with high maximum Boost pressure of up to 2.5 bar absolute. This enables the relatively small engine to use very high gearing to provide exceptional fuel efficiency for a petrol engine, particularly at motorway cruising speeds. As an additional bonus, the TSI engine provides driver enjoyment, producing high power and torque across a rev range from 1,000 to 6,500 rpm.
The new TSI engine has a capacity of 1.4-litres (1,390 cc) and produces either 140 or 170 PS. The 170 PS version has the same peak power as a conventional 2.3-litre petrol unit but with 20 per cent lower fuel onsumption, returning 38.2 mpg on the combined cycle. It also produces impressive torque of 177 lbs ft (240 Nm) from 1,750 through to 4,500 rpm. All TSI engines drive through a manual six-speed gearbox. A DSG automatic option is also available with the 170 PS engine. This will be offered later in the year with the 140 PS unit.
TSI technology has already received international acclaim, having been named Best New Engine of 2006 in the International Engine of the Year Awards. It also won the 1-litre to 1.4-litre category.
For more infomation on TSI technology along with more European motor news that you want to read at EuropeanMotorNews.com
Thank you for reading this post.
Manny
2013 Lexus RX 350 full demo video by Jim of Don Valley North Lexus (416) 798-3865
www.digipix.info presents.
2013 Lexus RX350 full demo video by Jim of Don Valley North Lexus
Complete demo & full description of 2013 Lexus RX 350.
Visit our showroom & book test drive.
Call Jim directly at 416-798-3865
This video brought to you by DigiPix 416-900-5825
► 2012 Lexus RX 450h
The RX 450h hybrid luxury crossover is one of Lexus' best-selling hybrid models. When the RX hybrid first launched in 2006, it was a pioneer in the luxury hybrid category. Now, Lexus stands as the luxury hybrid leader with its offering of five hybrids. With impressive fuel economy ratings, powerful drivetrain and a comfortable ride, the RX 450h provides an engaging driving experience with an abundance of technology and convenience features. For 2012, the RX 450h adds Nebula Gray Pearl to the exterior color choices as Smoky Granite Mica is discontinued.
The RX 450h AWD uses a separate rear electric motor-generator to provide power to the rear wheels when road conditions or throttle response dictates. When accelerating, or starting off on a low-grip surface, torque is quickly provided to all four wheels. At steady speeds, torque is sent only to the front wheels, enhancing fuel efficiency. For handling agility and control, the AWD system increases rear-wheel torque when the vehicle's front tires start to lose traction and decreases rear-wheel torque when the vehicle's rear tires start to lose traction.
The RX 450h's Lexus Hybrid Drive features a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson-cycle engine, electric motors, a small and light power-control unit and other fuel-saving innovations. It offers performance similar to V8s, 295 total system horsepower and in many cases better combined fuel economy than the average four-cylinder mid-size sedan. The Front Wheel Drive (FWD) model has EPA-estimated 32 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (30 mpg combined) fuel economy ratings, while the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) model has estimates of 30 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, 29 mpg combined.
As a full hybrid, the RX 450h can operate in electric-only or gas-engine-only modes as well as a mode that combines the power of both. Extended electric-mode operation during low-speed or stop-and-go driving conditions helps reduce fuel consumption. Under certain circumstances, a driver-selectable EV mode can allow the vehicle to be driven short distances using only the electric motors. The RX 450h achieves Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) certification in California (Tier 2-Bin 3 in other states).
