2007 Lexus RX400h in Lake Worth

Kohala Coast, Hawaii Hybrids are hotter than bare toes in beach sand. The slightly wacky dualing powertrain idea introduced by Honda and Toyota five years ago is finally winning friends. From today's half-dozen cars and trucks that use gasoline and electricity for propulsion, the hybrid fleet is expected to rise to fifty models and more than a million sales by 2010. Even Porsche plans to offer one.

The 2006 Lexus RX400h shows that Toyota is forging a hybrid path for the world to follow. Armed with a premium-brand aura, more than 400 hp, and a price in the mid-$40,000s range, this hybrid ventures beyond tree huggers. In addition to providing a squeaky-clean exhaust and exemplary fuel mileage, this one accelerates with V-8 gusto and cradles its occupants in leather-lined luxury. Being green has never been so easy.

The Clark Kent exterior has only subtle distinctions to separate the 400h from an RX330. But underneath the ordinary mid-size-SUV bodywork, there's enough technology to amaze Dr. Science.

The main propulsion source is a 3.3-liter DOHC V-6 altered slightly from the RX330 configuration to produce 208 hp. Three electric motors pitch in on cue. One sends a supplementary 165 hp to the front wheels, and another can provide 67 hp to the rear wheels (and thus imbues the RX400h with all-wheel drive). During deceleration, both recharge 240 nickel-metal-hydride batteries housed under the cargo floor. A third motor starts the gasoline engine (which shuts down at stoplights), regulates the continuously variable transmission's ratios, and generates electricity for recharging batteries and energizing the other two electric motors.... Read full article