TOKYO, January 19, 2009 — Lexus announces that sales of the "RX350" in Japan started today and that sales of the "RX450h"* are to start in April.
Both RX models are the latest versions of the RX, which was previously unavailable in Japan. Next-generation crossovers that merge the luxurious ride and comfort of a sedan with the functionality of an SUV, they offer, at the highest levels, the environmental and safety performance demanded of 21st-century luxury vehicles. They are based on the concept of providing the superior excitement and driving comfort characteristic of a Lexus vehicle.
The new arrivals include such features as an advanced hybrid system with a V6 gasoline engine, the E-Four (electric four-wheel drive) system for outstanding driving and environmental performance, as well as a unique "dual-zone cockpit" that allows the driver to concentrate on driving. Other top-class features create a dynamism that sets the vehicles apart from other SUVs while providing a strong sense of safety and satisfaction.
Monthly Sales Target
650 units
Assembly Plant
Miyata Plant, Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc.
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices
Environmental and Driving Performance at Highest Level
The RX450h is equipped with an advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive system and the E-Four system, which incorporates the first Lexus V6 3.5-liter engine that runs on the Atkinson cycle. Combined with a new inverter with excellent cooling performance to raise fuel efficiency, the result is the power of a 4.5-liter engine but with environmental performance that is one of the best in its class in the world.
Both RX models are the latest versions of the RX, which was previously unavailable in Japan. Next-generation crossovers that merge the luxurious ride and comfort of a sedan with the functionality of an SUV, they offer, at the highest levels, the environmental and safety performance demanded of 21st-century luxury vehicles. They are based on the concept of providing the superior excitement and driving comfort characteristic of a Lexus vehicle.
The new arrivals include such features as an advanced hybrid system with a V6 gasoline engine, the E-Four (electric four-wheel drive) system for outstanding driving and environmental performance, as well as a unique "dual-zone cockpit" that allows the driver to concentrate on driving. Other top-class features create a dynamism that sets the vehicles apart from other SUVs while providing a strong sense of safety and satisfaction.
Monthly Sales Target
650 units
Assembly Plant
Miyata Plant, Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc.
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices
Environmental and Driving Performance at Highest Level
The RX450h is equipped with an advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive system and the E-Four system, which incorporates the first Lexus V6 3.5-liter engine that runs on the Atkinson cycle. Combined with a new inverter with excellent cooling performance to raise fuel efficiency, the result is the power of a 4.5-liter engine but with environmental performance that is one of the best in its class in the world.
- The Atkinson cycle engine delays intake and compression timing to generate a high expansion ratio with low compression, thereby limiting pumping loss during intake.
- An exhaust-heat recovery system reduces engine warm-up time.
- A cooled exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) system brings the pressure in the intake manifold close to atmospheric pressure, thereby reducing piston pumping losses and improving fuel economy.
- The power control unit inverter element has a dual-side cooling structure, resulting in substantial size and weight reduction of the unit and increased torque.
The RX450h features a switch-engaged Eco-drive Mode that prioritizes fuel efficiency by aligning driving force with accelerator use and by putting the air conditioner into a low energy consumption mode. 
Efforts were made to reduce CO2 emissions by improving fuel efficiency. The RX450h has a fuel efficiency of 16.8 km/l according to the JC08 test cycle of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) and is one of the first vehicles to meet the 2015 Japanese fuel-efficiency standards. (Under the old 10-15 test cycle, the RX450h has a fuel efficiency of 18.8km/l. The two-wheel drive RX350 has a fuel economy of 9.7km/l under the 10-15 test cycle.) All Lexus RX models have emission levels 75% lower than the 2005 standards under the MLIT's Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles and all vehicles qualify for incentives under the Japanese government's Green Taxation System.
Efforts were made to reduce CO2 emissions by improving fuel efficiency. The RX450h has a fuel efficiency of 16.8 km/l according to the JC08 test cycle of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) and is one of the first vehicles to meet the 2015 Japanese fuel-efficiency standards. (Under the old 10-15 test cycle, the RX450h has a fuel efficiency of 18.8km/l. The two-wheel drive RX350 has a fuel economy of 9.7km/l under the 10-15 test cycle.) All Lexus RX models have emission levels 75% lower than the 2005 standards under the MLIT's Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles and all vehicles qualify for incentives under the Japanese government's Green Taxation System. - Eco-VAS (Eco-Vehicle Assessment System)—Toyota's original comprehensive environmental impact assessment system—was used to achieve an overall reduction in environmental impact from the vehicle. Environmental targets were set at the initial vehicle development stage and a life-cycle assessment was carried out to achieve a reduction in air contaminants and CO2 from the vehicle throughout its life, from production and use to disposal.
- A review of the materials, processing methods and adhesives used for interior parts resulted in a reduction in the amount of volatile organic compounds used, thereby reducing the sometimes discomforting odors emitted from such compounds and also meeting relevant voluntary industry standards.
Source: Toyota Japan
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