'H' for performance: Lexus 400h combines the latest generation Hybrid Synergy Drive with its top-selling SUV and finds improvements in both performance and fuel economy. Maybe you can have your cake and eat it too

Automotive Industries, Feb, 2005 by John Peter

The decision to do the hybrid Lexus was made before the second generation Prius was launched. The RX was picked because Lexus felt that it would be easier to integrate the hybrid drivetrain into an SUV. And it would also offer engineers a chance to learn how to adapt Hybrid Synergy Drive to existing platforms. The eCVT transmission is reasonably adaptable to any Toyota or Lexus engine as it's not much bigger than the company's five-speed automatic. Toyota says the system would be a natural for an all-wheal-drive Sienna minivan.

"We're getting to the point," says Dave Hermance, "Where integration will be primarily software development."

The 400h will goes on sale April 15, 2005, and Lexus has already received more than 9,000 pre-sold orders through its website. Clements says that each 400h will be built to order at Toyota's Kyushu, Japan, plant where it will be built alongside the RX330 (Harrier in Japan) and Toyota Highlander (Kluger). A hybrid version of the Toyota Highlander, which shares the same platform as the RX330, will begin production in March.

While demand for hybrids is high in North America and the introduction of the 400h pushed back several months to allow the plant to ramp up production before hunch, Clements still doesn't see the 400h taking off like the Prius.

"With the fairly robust premium (about $4,500) we don't see them selling 10,000 a month," Clements says. "We'll try to meet demand and if the demand isn't there, we won't build them."

Build-to-order won't be that difficult, as Clements says the 400h doesn't have a lot of options to choose from.

"Customers can just come in and pick color."