This month, I would like to do car reviews on some green vehiles to spread Green Environment Concept.

Lexus introduced the world to its latest hybrid vehicle, the 2010 RX 450h, at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show recently, which is tipped to become the new benchmark in the premium utility car market, combining innovation, style, performance, convenience and luxury all in one.

The 2010 RX 450h sports a 3.5 litre V6 gas powered engine, which is based on the more efficient ‘Atkinson Cycle‘ design, and also a smaller, upgraded inverter that boosts the power output by 27hp on the previous model, stretching the new RX to 295hp in total. This new Lexus is all about efficiency and two new systems on the RX model have been installed to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.

The exhaust-heat recovery system is designed to improve engine warm up and shut down time, and consists of a thermostatic valve positioned to the rear of the catalytic converter, which diverts exhaust heat to the intake manifold coolant passages and cabin heater circuit. This system is much simpler than the similar coolant heat storage system used in the rival Toyota Prius, and is cheaper and easier to install. The Lexus has also introduced a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system, which increases engine-pumping efficiency to reduce wastage and emissions, and improve fuel economy.

The new RX 450h also features the enhanced Lexus Hybrid Drive system, which along with the improved engine also includes a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel-drive (AWD) hybrid drive, which is electronically driven and has a Torque Control system that controls the supply of torque to the wheels according to the driving conditions. Previous AWD systems have been mechanically driven, adding weight to the vehicle and reducing fuel efficiency, but this new electronically driven AWD is lighter and allows the RX 450h to perform regenerative braking across all four wheels that charges the hybrid battery more efficiently.

The RX 450h has strong, flowing lines and the understated molding around the side windows and doors creates a solid low-profile look, and this combined with the sporty 18-inch aluminium-alloy wheels makes it one of the most stylish hybrid vehicles to come on the market.

The interior has a spacious, luxurious feel with a smart and practical ‘dual-zone’ cockpit area which combines driver comfort with state of the art technology, in the form of the all new high intensity LED multi-informational display that is designed to be read even in direct sunlight.

The all-new Lexus 2010 RX 450 goes on sale in Spring 2009, and with its sophisticated looks and improved efficiency it certainly looks set to become one of the market leading hybrid cars over the next few years.

You can read more of such car and car accessory reviews on product reviews.

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