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Changes You'd Like To See in the Lexus RX 400h
Have an idea for an option or change that would improve the 400h? This is the place to let us know about it!
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1) CD changer and radio tuner control via touch screen (with CD-TEXT) ... I've seen this on the prius and I don't know why it's not in my car.
2) Allow parentheses for area codes in phone book.
3) Allow multiple phone numbers for each phone book entry (mobile, home, work, etc).
4) Option to omit pinstripes and insignia
5) Addresses imported along with phone numbers via bluetooth, and accessible via navigation functions.
6) Coin pocket
7) Heated rear seats and stearing wheel
8) Possibly support for photos in the phone book, as imported from bluetooth phones.
Many of these things could be accomplished via a software update to the computer ..., like the addresses, phone book issues, etc.
Greg
This way, when you are dealing with higher gas prices or trying to eek out your best gas mileage, you could do so with by restricting the engine and not necessarily your driving habits. Yet this still retains the option of having super performance from the hybrid too! The best of both worlds.
Second: that message on the navigator every time you turn it on about not using while driving or whatever it says (who reads it?). LOVE to see that go. What a pain in the butt. Probably what I hate MOST about the car. And the restriction of programming the navigator while driving would be nice to see gone too, although that's probably less likely to happen.
I think the leasing company gets the Hybrid tax credit. After all, THEY own the car, not the person leasing the vehicle.
There was some discussion about this when the credits were announced.
- voice command list on the computer system (I actually wish they could have the manual digitally there, but that would require a very different UI, I am sure)
- temperature control on the steering wheel (my 2007 Prius has it)
- power outlet conveniently in backseat area (for kids to play games or whatever)
- a setting for how high the backdoor opens (it opens so high it hits the roof in some parking garages) or the ability to manually hold on to the baackdoor when it opens to make it "feeze" in it's current position (if that makes sense)
- cargo safety net or bars between the backseat and cargo area (My dad's Volvo V70 has a nice simple solution for this)
- I'd love to see the MP3 connection and I could also sacrifies the tape capability
- a nice secure place to place my cell phone out of pocket where it won't move or scratch
If the catalytic converter did not need to be heated to operational temperature, >800F, by the exhaust gasses then the design door would open wider...
Also, provide a way for drivers to turn off the "I Agree" button and do destination entry while in motion. After market Navigation systems don't have these annoyances and for the $ Lexus charges for Nav, ours shouldn't either.
1) IPOD/MP3 integration. This means 1/4 and 1/8 jack capability.
2) Lose the cassette player but keep the 6 CD-changer in dash
3) Heated rear seats
4) Bridgestone tire option (I still can't believe a Japanese car maker puts French tires on their vehicles).
5) CHANGE DISH (and not the stupid thing they put in the RX center console after the 2004 model)
6) Add the driver's side cup holder (under the air vent) to the passenger side too.
7) Lose the bulky "bump" in the roof of the cargo area. I don't have it on my RX and I can't figure out what it does except eat up valuable headroom in the cargo area.
8) Work on rear window blind spots
9) Upgrade the front seats to make them more plush, yet durable at the same time
10) Cell phone integration for every make and manufacturer
More overall cargo area (figure out how to reduce the amount of space the wheel well takes up), slightly more rear leg room, and a third row option would be nice too. My husband also requests some sort of "audible" when turning on the car...such as a "welcome." The car is so silent it freaks him out when I tell him it is already on.
And this feature should be made standard in future models.
Finally, contacting the dealer and trying about 10 times, I managed to get the light to go away by some weird combination of holding the odometer down while turning on the car. What the *)^*^?
We took it to the local Lexus dealership. They had it for a FULL WEEK and after examining it for several days, they realized that the electrical system system needed to be restarted. Meanwhile, we and the insurance company are paying for a comparable rental.
My point is: shouldn't it be somewhat obvious to a lexus dealership that the electrical system needs a restart? A light or something? I'd add that in, because from my standpoint, this seemed rather retarded and they are lucky they explained this to my wife, and not me.
Not far enough to justify the option.
A tow-a-long genset might make the idea worthwhile....
Has anyone found good after market running boards for the Rx 350 or 400h?
Oh, I guess either will work.
Obviously the V6 has no such advantage, cylinder intake/exhaust(intake) synchronization, which may be why the Atkinson Cycle is not used on the RXh or HHL. Maxda solved this problem in the Millenia "S" V6 by switching to the Miller Cycle, using an SC to prevent reverse air flow in the throttle intake.
Could a "reed" valve or "flapper" valve system such as used in 2-cycle engines be used in the throttle throat of a V6 to overcome this problem..??
Mill the heads to get a mechanical compression ratio of ~13:1 and then custom grind new intake camshafts to delay the intake valve closing to get an effective compression ratio of 10:1?
Of course the RX has its advantages over the Infiniti, most notably that it offers a HYBRID model. My husband mocks me because I could have gotten a Prius for roughly half the price (with keyless entry and ignition by the way) but I've been spoiled riding in the lap of luxury and I just can't go back!
Why can't Lexus do this too?
The 2009 FX may have added these features, not sure yet.
The next generation RX will have push button start most probably!
1- even better gas mileage
2- UPGRADE THE STEREO ALREADY!!. no tape deck in car, better pricing on SIRIUS & IPOD kit for dealer install, have an AUX input so some can use ipods to similar devices without a kit.
3- led lighting in car with coloring that can be set by owner
4- LEXUS LINK, how they didn't include this for the RX 400h is criminal. so fraking lame. i want it, and my wife has BMW assist in her car. i am jealous of that.
5- plug in charging for battery when not being used.
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Home News Columns Road Tests Future Vehicles Feature Articles Auto Shows Photos & Video Forums CSX Edmunds.com Future VehiclesExclusive Spy Video and Photos: 2010 Lexus RX 350 Related LinksFull Test: 2007 Acura MDX 2009 Honda Pilot vs. 2008 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2008 Toyota Highlander More InfoMore Future Vehicles Articles More Spy Shots
2010 Lexus RX 350 Getting a Workout on the Nürburgring
By Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor Email | Blog
Date posted: 07-17-2008
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You expect to see sports cars, sport sedans and even the occasional economy car on the Nürburgring, but now we're to the point where even luxury crossovers are being tuned on the twisty test circuit in Germany. The 2010 Lexus RX 350 recently hit the 'Ring, and thanks to a lack of camouflage the prototype gave us a good look at what's in store for the upcoming midsize crossover.
If you're hoping for big changes you'll be disappointed, as the next RX looks much like the current model in terms of its overall size and shape. There's a slightly revised grille up front that's more angular in appearance along with a reconfigured headlight cluster.
In back, a new set of LED taillights is the most noticeable difference. There are a few minor changes to the shape of the rear fascia, but unless you put the 2010 model side by side with the current RX you would find it hard to see the difference between the two.
The profile of this new RX is slightly more aggressive than before with a slightly lower roofline. A new design for the rear side windows eliminates one of the smaller quarter windows to give the overall shape a cleaner look.
There won't be big changes under the hood, either. A revised version of the current 3.5-liter V6 will provide the power with a six-speed automatic handling the gearchanges. A hybrid model will be available as well, most likely with the same powertrain as the current GS 450h.
Although there have been rumors of an extended-length RX with three rows of seating, we have yet to see any prototypes that confirm the predictions. We expect that role will be filled by an all-new Lexus crossover built on the rear-wheel-drive platform that underpins the GS sedan. It will most likely replace the current GX 470 as Lexus looks to move away from body-on-frame platforms in favor of lighter, more space-efficient, car-based unibody crossovers.
Look for the official debut of the 2010 RX 350 later this year with sales beginning in early 2009.
See new Lexus models
See future Lexus models
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PhotosSlideshow
(Enlarge photo)
Slightly revised headlights and a new grille are just a few of the RX's styling changes for 2010. (Photo by KGP Photography)
(Enlarge photo)
The overall shape of the greenhouse isn't much different than the current model, but expect slightly more room inside. (Photo by KGP Photography)
(Enlarge photo)
New LED taillights are one of the few noticeable changes in back. (Photo by KGP Photography)
And a "miles to empty" (or projected range) readout somewhere on the instrument panel would be nice on the RX400h, I think they have this feature on the traditional gas engine RX models.
Due to possible variations in driving style before and after "miles to empty" is not a predictable or reliable computation and is therefore being dropped from many computational displays.
2. ipod connector
3. elapsed time trip clock
4. free upgrade for nav. system- its only a dvd to be copied into the system!
5. lights in the front and rear bumper relocated so they are not so prone to parking lot smashes
6. strong bumper material that will not scratch or dent so easily
Since the Toyota/Lexus fog light implementation makes the fog lights less than useless, actually a detriment to your night time distance vision, why not just pull the fog light fuse and be done with it.
Continuing in on the breakdown of the 2010 Lexus RX 350 (and probably hybrid model), here's a list of newly available-
Optional equipment:
Bi-Xenon HID Headlamps
Automatic High Beam Feature
Auto-dimming Rearview Mirror with Integrated Backup Camera
Wallet-Size Card Key
12-Speaker Premium Audio System
USB Audio Input
15-Speaker Mark Levinson Audio System
Voice-activated HDD Navigation System
XM Real-Time Traffic Capability
19-inch Alloy Wheels
P235/55R19 Tires
Head-Up Display
Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM)
Driver Seat Variable Cushion Length Adjustment
Front Passenger Seat Variable Cushion Length Adjustment
Wide-View Side Monitor System
Sport-Tuned Suspension
Unique Wheel Finish
Dual Screen Rear Seat DVD Entertainment System
3-Position Driver Seat Memory System
Heated & Ventilated Front Seats
Standard Equip:
18-inch Alloy Wheels
P235/50R18 M+S Tires
XM Satellite Radio (Factory Activated)
Smart Entry System
Push Button Start
Bluetooth Capability
Rear Seat Side Airbags
Double Wishbone Rear Suspension
Retractable Outside Rearview Mirrors
Integrated Turn Signal Lamps
Puddle Lamps
Rear Seatbelt Pretensioners
Hill Ascent Control (HAC)
Temporary Spare Tire
6-Speed Automatic Transmission
Sequential Shift Mode
Active Torque Control 4WD System
Electric Power Steering
Multi-Information Display
Front Passenger Knee Airbag
Premium Fabric Seat Surfaces
Sliding Rear Seat
Remote Release for Folding Rear Seatbacks
Active Front Headrests with Whiplash Protection
Roof Mounted Satellite Fin Antenna
Deleted Standard Equipment
Driver Foldable Armrest
Front Passenger Foldable Armrest
Full-Size Spare Tire
Roof Rail Crossbars
Full-Time 4WD System
2-Position Driver Seat Memory System
Auto-dimming Side View Mirrors
Leather Seat Surfaces
I have suggested to LEXUS that all acronyms be listed with related words--e.g. AFS (Adaptive Front-Lighting System). I have suggested that OLD PEOPLE have money, buy expensive cars and don't all use computers so HELP US look things up. The manual is over 600 pages. Indexing is an automated word processing function not brain surgery. And, what does P/S stand for--Premenstrual Stress?
Just make the Manuals user friendly.
Supply them on CD wherein I can build my OWN index or use one of a myriad of word search engines.
Or...GO GREEN...!!
Supply them ONLY on CD.
Then those of us that wished could have a much more SAFE RWD RXh with manual 4WD capability.
1. The car already has a DVD changer, so it should be able to read MP3s from a DVD, not just from CDs.
2. If a passenger is sitting in the passenger seat, enable the additional navi controls, such as full GPS and the telephone dialpad. While on the highway, I'd like for my wife to be able to toy with the system.
3. Have a calculator in the navi system! That's a convenient extra to have while on vacation.
4. Have a notepad in the navi system. Also a convenient extra to have on hand.
5. Allow access to advanced programming features from the navigation menu-- change from miles to km, change from Fahrenheit to Celsius, change from gallons to litres. Change default lock doors when you shift from Park to no-lock, etc.
6. iPod/iPhone integration with Navi display: there's so much capability here I wish it could be used:
-Allow iPod Touch/iPhone display to be shown on Navi display.
-Allow Navi touchscreen to operate the iPhone.
-Music interface from iPhone, of course.
-Full integration of iPhone contact list with the car's telephone screen.
-Enable this functionality via an in-car WiFi network, so I can leave my iPhone in my pocket (no need to connect my iPhone with a cable every time I get in the car, and I odn't need to worry about forgetting the phone in the car when I get out).
-Or enable the functionality via a USB port so that I can recharge my phone and keep it hidden in the center console.
-Design it to allow other smartphones to be able to interface with it via USB or WiFi.
- I was also upset that the passenger cannot use the navigation during driving
- Another frustrating issue is alle the warnings you get after starting, by using navigation, by driving backwards Due to all this warnings you have to press I dont use the backward draving camera.
Another issue is the lights, By every car you turn on the dashboard lights as soon as you turn on the front ligthing. I happend several times that I was driving without ligthing as I thought that it was on becaus of the dshboard lighting that was on.
- Integration with Iphone is terrible.
- Usb connector with car system is needed.
- music system that plays MP3 / DVD / a.s.o.
The car itself is a fantastic car, however If I compare it with the Toyota prius of one of my employees, I found exactely the same navigation system with much more features, at less than half of the price of lexus..
Pilot's license confuse you..?
CVT, Continuously Variable Transmission.
But for the RX400h not even that is the unvarnished truth.
PSD, Power Split Device, the fully functional equivalent of a CVT.
But the Toyota HSD's CVT/PSD is highly integral, one might even go so far as to say, the very HEART of the Toyota HSD design. It cannot even be made to have gear "notches" via firmware control without sacrificing FE.
I stopped using my cruise control in the small hills of NC as the engine revs like a blender trying to maintain speed on the small hills and rises on the highway.
One thing I would like to see is a "Fuzzy Cruise" setting. In other words a cruise that normally maintains a set speed but will allow a small speed decay on climbing hills without unnexcessary revving, say 5 mph to 7 mph, and reclaim cruise speed on the other side of the hill.
On a side note, My wifes 2010 Prius has a CVT and it doesn't have the sensitive over revving problem on minor acceleration. It stays locked up at cruise unless you really push the pedal down to pass etc. So obviously the programming of the computer is diffderent for the Prius, even though the 4 cyl is less powerful an engine. Why not set the Lexus up the same?
Personally I'm hoping to soon see a F/awd(***) Venza hybrid using the new 187HP 4-cylinder but upgraded to DFI (225HP..??). If the 2012 Ford Escape hybrid doesn't get there first.
*** Weld the rear drive coupling SOLID and drop a front halfshaft for a more safe RWD. Or add a manual coupling to a front halfshaft and have a part-time 4WD. system.
In reality the PSD is a summing machine, sort of an analog computer with three input variables, if you will. Four variables, if you count the most important one, maintaining a constant speed even with so many "road" variables.
Think of it as a constant speed prop, if that helps, the prop automatically changes pitch continuously/constantly in reaction to "load", keeping the engine RPM constant.
Have you read about the new Pugeot Hybrid? It has all wheel drive. However the system is split with no physical connection between the front and rear wheels. The electric motor generator is on the rear wheels and the gas engiine drives the front wheels. Much simpler and the engine has a 6 speed automatic trans w/OD with no complicated power share coupling. I would love that sort of Hybrid system to appear at Toyota. It would lower costs and weight.
I agree that I would prefer a rear wheel drive under dry everday driving as well with the front wheels only used on request or under slippery conditions. That used to be the basic setup for all 4WD vehicles. :shades: