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Also, you can think of it this way: a V6 hybrid is a whole lot greener than a V8 conventional, while offering similar performance.
Using the ICE to charge the batteries during hwy cruise increases the net loss vs simply an ICE.
I'm sure many of you have noticed that many "standard" cars in the Prius class can easily get better highway MPG than it can. If a substantial portion of you driving doesn't involve a significant level of stop and go, or just letting the car gradually slow as you approach a stop, then any regular car will do just as well if not better.
It's simply a matter of diminishing returns as you put on more vehicle weight, friction, etc, the energy recovered can only make up so much.
The RX400h was due out in April, then mid-summer, then in the fall, now the latest I hear is early in 05. With the Prius selling like hotcakes and with such good fuel economy, what could be the delay?
Especially now that the Ford Escape is already out using the Toyota Hybrid design.
But with an I4 I might add.
Ron
1. Better accelaration with the same size ICE, or same accelaration with a smaller ICE.
2. ICE gets turned off during stops at traffic lights, etc. Saving fuel that would be wasted while idling.
Smallish engines such as in the Prius could undoubtedly be stopped and then quickly and easily restarted using the alternator via its drive belt.
Where did you get this info that the only way the electric can recharge is through using engine power? Do you even know how HSD works? I suggest you read up on it. Also, the RX isnt using electric power to run some sort of Lysolm screw type blower. The reason the 400h is faster than the 330 is because the same gasoline engine is used, and the electric augments it, adding 40 additional hp, and filling in the bottom of the torque range while the 6 is winding up to its peak power band. The RX330 can manage about 22mpg, and hits 0-60 in about 8 seconds. The RX400h will get around 40mpg, and hits 0-60 in about 7 seconds. Yeah that sounds like such a flop to me. Why would anyone possibly want a cleaner, faster, more fuel efficient car, when they could get a slower Toureg V8 that gets 12mpg. Now that is science.
Where are all these supposed missed due dates coming from? The RX330 was introduced the end of last year as an '04, and the RX400h was planned for a late '04 introduction as an '05. It was never going to be some sort of mid model-year intro.
Are there other cars that actually do this? If not, I have to assume that it can't be done quickly enough to be unobjectionable. Personally, if a light turns green and I step on the gas, I want to get moving right away.
I assume the guards were installed uneventfully on an "American" LS430? Please confirm prior to my purchasing the guards via the internet vendor referenced earlier (any other vendor recommendations?). Thanks for your help!
As Aggie76 stated - you'll be happy for quite sometime in this 2004 - that's for sure.
Hope this is what you wanted to know.
Ron
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Delivery experience was ok with dealer. I still rank the experience I had in getting my first Lexus at Superior Lexus in Kansas City as the finest. They had an interior room at the dealership with the car in it; decorated with chandeliers, couches and easy chairs, carpet, mirrors & music. The room was dark when we entered with music and the lights rose up as we stood there. They had soda pop and non-alcoholic champagne to celebrate the event and we spent as long as we needed to go over options, etc. Then when we were satisfied the curtains at one end parted, doors opened by remote and we could drive out.
Having taken delivery of new car in all weather conditions this was, and 7 years later, still the best experience. Don't know if Superior is still at same location but they sure did it right.
Dealer here was excellent in the entire experience and the car reflects that too.
That's what I needed to know. Thanks!
Just curious on how accurate this has been proven to be.
Also, any feed back on using their system of getting multiple price quotes via this site?
Thanks
Also, does anyone know why the invoice price is not listed on TMV for the LS and where can I find that data.
Anyone have any experience?
BTW before the Thule I had a Rhode Gear trunk-mount rack, which we used on a sedan. It was a total pain taking the bikes and then the rack off just to get access to the trunk.
During my investigations, I'm finding that there are hitches for most other Lexus models except the 2004 LS430. I'd want a hitch also that would potentially be removable at time of sale/trade in as it doesn't add to the car's impressive look.
Thanks for sharing.
Also, has anyone hear cross shopped the LS with the Jag XJ8 and MB E 500? These are my final contenders and I'm leaning toward the LS for reliability.
Also, has anyone hear cross shopped the LS with the Jag XJ8 and MB E 500? These are my final contenders and I'm leaning toward the LS for reliability.
I doubt many people here cross-shopped the E. It's a noticably smaller car in and out thus in a different class. Most either went straight LS or cross-shopped the S-class and in a few cases the 7-series. I had cross-shopped the E and the S-class with the LS (A8 as well) back in 2001. The E was no match for this car as a premium luxury sedan (I've been in the new E and it is no match either) but the S and this were a photo finish. As lavish as the S is I just find this car to be more luxurious, slightly smoother and better riding, a tad quieter and far more reliable. The fact that it is cheaper is the icing on the cake. The A8 is a stunning car (both in 2001 and now as far as I'm concerned) but it misses the refinement and smooth ride of cars like the LS and S by a wide margin. It's also a reliability nightmare. No Jag experience at all - I just know the people who used to live next door to me couldn't wait for their lease to be up. They had a reliable car but they just didn't like it. But that was around the 2000 MY.
The XJ8 is all new for '04...and while it does improve a lot of things, (the majorly cramped cockpit for one), its still behind in a lot of things. Of all the full size luxury imports, the XJ has the least amount of features, the plasticy center console, and the rather claustrophobic high dash line. Plus, its not that much fun to drive. When you get into highway speeds, it feels nervous, and the typical Jaguar numb steering doesnt help. Also, why cant Jaguar do a decent set of brakes? It stll has their signature too long pedal stroke, followed by a mushy brake response as the binders try and stop the big car. Also, unlike M-B, the Jag's residual is literally horrible. The car will lose 50% of its value in 2-3 years. Its not very reliable either. Jag's CR ratings are the same as M-B and BMW as "worse than average".
As for the S-class, it used to be a very nice car, but its become really dated, and really expensive for what it offers. In the last C&D super lux comparo, the rankings were as follows: (which I agree with 100%)
6. M-B S430
5. VW Phaeton
4. Audi A8L
3. BMW 745i
2. Jag XJ8
1. Lexus LS