Ultraviolet and infrared ray-reducing tinted glass on all windows helps to reduce demand on the air conditioner. The 10-way power-adjustable front driver and passenger seats are heated and ventilated, and there are height-adjustable headrests for all five seating positions. During most driving, the system uses a combination of the gasoline engine and electric power, and it charges the battery system with the engine and during braking. All-wheel drive is also available and is beneficial in foul weather. For added performance, the transmission includes a sport mode that enables you to manually make sequential shifts with the console-mounted gear lever. Altogether, the hybrid powertrain makes 339 horsepower and can push the 450h to 60 mph in just 5. The all-wheel-drive models feature a fast-acting, clutch-type center differential that sends 70 percent of the power to the rear wheels under normal circumstances to help foster the dynamics of a rear-wheel-drive car.
Corrosion perforation protection is covered for 72 months, regardless of mileage. A power-tilt and telescopic steering wheel helps ensure a comfortable driving position. The electric-assist steering is well weighted, but it doesn't convey much road feel. Instead of attempting to mask noise, the engineers completely redesigned fans and motors, significantly reducing cabin-noise intrusion. The database for Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York includes a building footprint display feature that can show graphic representations of buildings and structures to help the driver identify surroundings. The similarity extends to this 2008 Lexus's interior; Cars. The V-8 is a more powerful, higher-performing version and costs more.
The two-stage torque-multiplication device varies the gear ratio in two stages by controlling a planetary gear and two wet brakes, similar to the way a conventional automatic transmission operates. The ride isn't always perfect either; it can be harsh on rough patches and railroad crossings. On-screen details are crisp and clean, and maps and roads feature 3-D shadow effects. When the vehicle is coasting or the brakes are applied, the electric motors function as generators, capturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat through the brakes and transforming it into useable electricity to recharge the batteries. This is necessary because the gas engine often shuts down — a fuel-saving benefit of the hybrid system — especially when the vehicle is stopped or driven slowly through traffic. It is meant to combine precision with lavish, luxurious appointments. Another noteworthy option is the active stabilizer system--which provides the advantage of a heavier stabilizer bar almost instantaneously without sacrificing ride quality.
The V-6—engined made 303 horses, and the V-8 was good for just 290 in 2007. . It is meant to deliver a high standard of automotive performance, yet be easily intuitive to drive. An optional Active Power Stabilizer system helps to further reduce body sway during cornering. System functions include multiple route calculations, route preview, simplified highway junction graphics, and a dual-map screen mode.
Amazing examples of automotive technology are included as standard equipment, yet the driver is never aware of them. Lexus designers strive to keep controls simple and intuitive, avoiding needless complexity. It is also now mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that replaces a six-speed. The three-pod analog instrument cluster features an Electro Chromatic Display and variable-transparency glass for high visibility in a variety of light conditions. Front-wheel drive is never as sporting.
The shifter has a manual mode that simulates six different gears, and there's impressive stability in corners, even when the road surface turns rough, thanks to the double-wishbone front suspension and multilink rear. The model lineups of luxury automakers are fairly predictable. The standard dual-zone climate-control system filters the air, and a standard rear power sunshade adds to passenger comfort on warm days. And there's no shortage of high-technology features inside to live up to the image of a sport sedan for green geeks. We managed 16 mpg with the 460, 1 mpg worse than in the 430 and four fewer than in the 450h. Touch points convey quality, and controls respond fluidly.
It has a continuously variable automatic transmission with six preset gear ratios for the manual shiftgate. Bluetooth® wireless technology allows the transfer of personal phone books to the navigation system, from which the driver can make hands-free phone calls via its touch-screen control panel. It loses the trunk pass-through. This special transmission, which eliminates specific gear ratios, features a two-speed torque-multiplication device that allows drivers to select from among three driving modes: power, normal and snow. This unique power-delivery characteristic is most noticeable, and most useful, during 30-to-50 mph passing and in traffic-merging maneuvers. The available Lexus pre-collision system uses a radar sensor to detect the onset of a collision and will automatically optimize chassis calibration for quick steering response, retract the front seatbelts, initialize brake assist and even decelerate the car at 0. This sport sedan is meant to be dynamic, yet free of gimmicks.
A regenerative braking system further boosts system efficiency. Sensors determine the severity of an impact and in turn the airbag deployment force, helping to provide an appropriate level of occupant restraint. The new V8 is a 4. The cabin is further enhanced with a wood and leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel — featuring audio and multi-information display controls — and a coordinating wood and leather-trim shift knob. The extra ponies are good for a 0-to-60-mph time of 5. The trunk also contains a 12-volt auxiliary battery that powers various vehicle systems, including audio and navigation.
The display screen features a high-resolution 800 x 480 pixel display in 32,000 colors. Over the standing quarter-mile, the advantage extends to 0. Lexus Navigation System The optional Lexus Navigation System includes voice-recognition that allows the driver to enter a destination by voice command. The hybrid powertrain is very responsive, especially for quick passing maneuvers, and pins you back in the seat in hard acceleration. Other 2008 changes include a revised front fascia, a new chrome grille surround, the addition of side-mirror turn signals, and new wheels designs. The automotive experts at TheCarConnection. For 2008, it gets a new, much-improved V8 engine.