Toyota Hybrid Technology

Posted by ryan at 04:55 PM in technology .

Toyota/Lexus has a informative site describing the workings of their new RX400h Hybrid SUV. Since the SUV fad seems to be sticking around for a while, it is wonderful to see a company doing something smart about it.

As I mentioned briefly in a comment, the RX400h will sport a V6 engine that will rival the power of a V8 while consuming less gas than most compact cars. This is not a concept car, this is a reality. The RX400h is due to hit our shores next Spring.

Unlike most car companies, Toyota has invested billions to develop their technology in house, down the the microcontrollers that drive the electric motors. Toyota isn't trying to retrofit existing vehicles with hybrid engines, they are building new vehicles from the ground up and the facilities to mass produce these vehicles. Analysts put Toyota about 6 years ahead of any competitors (including Honda) when it comes to producing hybrid vehicles.