Lexus RXh: 1st Generation

The Fonz is trading in his motorcycle for a Lexus RX 400h, as Henry Winkler is making his way across Britain on a children's book tour to support the government's 2008 National Year of Reading:

Winkler, world famous for his role as "The Fonz" in the hit television show Happy Days., is now the author of a best-selling series of children's novels about a boy called Hank Zipzer, the World's Greatest Underachiever. Winkler based Hank on his own experiences as a boy with dyslexia.

The tour kicked off on 30 June and will continue until 10 July. First News and Winkler are visiting 11 schools* during their tour and stopping off at branches of W.H. Smith in Kingston upon Thames, Birmingham and Manchester along the way, where Winkler will be signing copies of his books.

I'll be honest, I had no idea that Winkler was a successful children's author, but I do know that this is my second "Celebrity drives hybrid in Britain" story today, and that definitely counts for something.

[Source: Autoblog Green]

While Lexus may need a huge advertising campaign to bring awareness to their hybrid model range in the US, it couldn't be any different in Europe, where hybrids are accounting for a major percentage of vehicles sold.

In 2007, 38% of all Lexus sales in Eastern Europe were hybrids, up from 26% in 2006, and it's even more impressive when broken down model by model. Hybrids made up 86% (!!) of the total RX sales and 55% of all GS sales. And even with its mid-year introduction, 56% of LS sales were for the LS 600h.

As a point of comparison, only 17% of RX sales and 10% of LS sales in the US were hybrids, though the LS is a special case, as the non-longwheelbase version of the LS 600h is available in Europe.

[Source: Autoblog Green]

Lexus UK has debuted an upgraded backseat entertainment package for the RX called ICE, which is short for In-Car Entertainment. It consists of two eight-inch LCD screens with an integrated DVD player, USB and SD card readers, plus more:

Two pairs of infrared headphones are provided, which are about 20 per cent smaller than before, making them easier for children to use. They are now foldable for easy storage. Reception has been sharpened and there is an auto power-off function. Each tablet has a manual control panel, or a remote control unit can be used, redesigned for a superior tactile quality and ease of use.

The tablets have RCA inputs for connecting compatible games consoles and a stereo 23.5mm jack point. The screens can be operated together or independently, should passengers choose to enjoy the same playback or their own choice of video, music or gaming.

This package comes standard on the the UK RX SE-L editions, but costs £2,200 on any other version. This translates into close to $4,400 USD, making it a very expensive setup, especially when similar, less stylized options exist for less than $1,000.

Still, it's hard to deny their attractiveness, and they would certainly be a welcome addition were you purchasing a RX SE-L anyway.

[Source: UCar Magazine]

While browsing Club Lexus for details on the 2008 Lexus RX 400h's updates, I found this great photo by tomv, a new hybrid owner, which shows off the illuminated scuff plates:

Just to be clear, these would be visible when opening the doors. Great effect, I'm very impressed.

It wasn't until Lexus Australia announced the changes that I realized the 2008 RX 400h has received some minor updates, most notably new front & rear lights, which look great:

Lexus also applied the hybrid blue badging, bringing it inline with the LS 600h and GS 450h, and added some new red or black wood panel accents inside as well as illuminated scuff plates. Some safety features were also added, automatically locking doors and an anti-theft intrustion detector.

A new upgraded chrome package is now available, which includes a revised chrome grille, new door handles, chrome-finish 18-inch alloy wheels, and a color-coded rear spoiler.

[Source: Lexus Australia]

The 714 Motorsports/MOMO Lexus RX 400h has been revealed at SEMA, and as expected, it's a full-on cosmetic overhaul. The RX has been dropped, kitted, and outfitted with an interior makeover.

However, the mesh grille, roof rack, and slightly lowered stance make up a package that resembles an overgrown Pontiac Vibe. The wheels are fantastic but out of place, and the interior is over the top sporty.

Electronics

• POLK/MOMO (2) 10 inch Sub Woofers, (2) 6x9 Component Sets, (2) 6.5 Component Sets, (1) 200.4 - 4 Channel Amp, (1)600.1 Monoblock Amp, 200.4 - 4 Channel Amp, (1)600.1 Monoblock Amp
• Vizualogic 9 inch ALL-IN -ONE Headrest Monitor.DVD System
• Kinetic (1) HC1400 Power Cell
• Coastal Etech - Ultimate Lock Pick One - Un locks factory navigation features which gives you external audio and video inputs. Converts Factory Navigation Screen to show DVD on screen.

Lighting

• Advanced Automotive Concepts - Halo front headlights Interior and Exterior
• 714 Motorsports - Builder Suede and Leather Interior, Recessed Front Grill w/ Stainless Mesh, Floor Mats, Audio & Video System
• Roadwire Embossed Seat Inserts “MOMO”
• Hush Mat Sound Deadening Material
• ALSA Corp. Ghost Chrome with Brushed Aluminum Satin Finish & Mirror Chrome exterior parts

Suspension

• Eilbach 2 inch Lowering Kit Exterior
• Merzee Paint and Body Custom Paint
• Kenstyle USA 4 pc Body Kit

Tires and Wheels

• MOMO USA 22x9 Typhoon Wheels, 4pc Pedal Set, Shifter Knob, Floor Mats, Exhaust Booster Tip
• TOYO Tires 255x35x22 Toyo Proxes
• Brembo Big Brake Kit ( specs n/a yet)

Decide for yourself, though, here's some photos to browse: