IN II IP RUNNINGS

BY HARRY KIRSBAUM

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t may look like your normal high-end SUV. It may have
all the comfort features of a Lexus, but if it weren't for
the "h" in the RX 400h, no one would know that this
SUV is "green."
With a 3.3-liter, 24-valve, DOHC V6 engine combined
with front and rear electric motors, this 2006 Lexus RX400h
runs 270 horses with compaCt car-like fuel efficiency.
The hybrid concept is simple to understand. When the
SUV is stopped or slowed in traffic, the gasoline engine
shuts off while the two electric motors keep the car going.
Step on the accelerator and the gasoline engine kicks in,
which explains how the SUV gets better mileage in the city
(31 mpg) than it does on the highway (27 mpg). Applying
the brakes recharges the electric motors.

Continued on page 12

1 0 • JUNE 2005 •

JNPLATINUM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGIE BAAN