I am researching a Lexus RX400h for a friend. It's the new hybrid luxury crossover. I wondered if anyone knows where it is built/assembled? Also, does anyone have any other inside info on it?
The internal combustion/front-rear electric motor combo is pretty interesting. Instantanious peak torque would be pretty cool to have, ya know? Regenerative braking; kicking myself because that's one of those ideas I had ten years ago and never did anything about it.

 

ya man, regenerative braking is where its at. I think thats one of those ideas that everybody thinks of, but there's some kind of hurdle or something that most of us don't get right away. It just seems so obvious, there's gotta be a reason they're only getting to it now. I like the Ford Tonka concept that used the kinetic energy to cram some hydraulic fluid into a tank at high pressure, and then release it and drive a hydraulic motor when it wants to accelerate, adding something like 600 lb-ft or something.
The RX400h seems solid. Motor Trend tested the highlander version and called it a rocket, to the point that they wonder what kind of position that thing holds in the market. Non-luxury, hot rod suv???