Lexus RX 400h Hybrid Review

Currently, Lexus is using the fourth generation of Hybrid Synergy Drive from Toyota. The Lexus RX 400h, Lexus ES 350, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Highlander are all built on the same platform with slight modifications between the sedans and the SUVs.

The gasoline-powered part of the engine system is a 3.3L 3MZ-FE V6, very similar to the one found in the RX 330. It produces 268 HP when aided by the two additional electric motors. Under normal driving conditions, only the front motor and gasoline engine will be used. The rear motor will only be used under full-throttle acceleration or when the front wheels lose traction (if so equipped). The gasoline engine will switch off automatically when the vehicle is either stationary, decelerating, or being driven at a slow speed and the electric motor will take over. A Ni-MH battery is responsible for powering the motors, and it is charged during deceleration and from the heat energy caused from braking.

Daewoo Tosca

The Daewoo Tosca is a mid-size car built by GM Daewoo in South Korea and marketed worldwide by General Motors (GM) as the Chevrolet Epica, Chevrolet Tosca and Holden Epica. Codenamed V250, it replaces the Daewoo Magnus and its derivatives. The Chevrolet Epica was officially launched in Europe at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. The Tosca is noteworthy in that it is available with transversely-mounted straight-six engines. Contrary to the preceding models (V100 Leganza and V200 Magnus), which were styled by Giugiaro, the V250 was designed entirely in-house.

Nissan Xterra

The Nissan Xterra is a compact SUV built on the Nissan F-Alpha truck platform. Targeted at an adventurous consumer, the Frontier-based vehicle is named after the XTERRA off-road triathlon race series Nissan sponsored through the end of 2006.

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo (also referred to as the BMW 5 Series GT) is an executive or mid-size car from German manufacturer BMW, which was first displayed at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show as a concept car. It is the first production-destined rendition for BMW's Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS) series of cars, its development code was F07.

The F07 platform provides a vehicle length traditionally found in a BMW 7 Series, but with the headroom found in a BMW X5. The F07 also features a unique "bi-modal" trunk, similar to the Twin Door concept on the Škoda Superb, which may be opened in a traditional car like fashion, or the entire hatch may be open in a traditional SUV fashion for larger objects.

The F07 Gran Turismo shares the same F01 7 Series-derived platform, powertrain, mechanical package, and dashboard with the F10 sedan. However the F07's fascia has different headlights and bumper, with a larger split-kidney grille similar to that of the F01 7 Series. The F07 also has a taller height resulting in a higher center of gravity, its longer length allows for more rear legroom, the rear passenger accommodation has optional "Executive" bucket seats for two instead of the three-seat bench, and it weights 400 pounds heavier compared to the F10. The F07 also features frame-less doors and a double-pane liftgate trunk.

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is a sports car produced by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo. It was first presented as a concept car at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show and later released for sale for the 2007 model year. The name refers to the eight cylinder (Cilindro in Italian) engine (8C) and Alfa Romeo's racing pedigree (Competizione, Italian for 'Competition')