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| 2011 Lexus RX 450h |
By harnessing the power of the vehicle’s momentum and coasting, the Lexus Hybrid Drive system is able to
direct energy back into the battery, eliminating the need to plug it in. The feature I enjoyed the most was
the AI Shift Control, an intelligent shifting system that can estimate whether you are traveling uphill or
downhill, automatically selecting the appropriate gear ratio for optimal engine response. There is also a manual shift capability that allows you to upshift or downshift on the fly, providing greater responsiveness and maneuverability coming out of the corners.
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| 2011 Lexus RX 450h |
Although I live in Dallas, the city is not densely populated in the southern part of the county. There are numerous dirt and paved roads that are narrow and crowded with trees and brush along the sides. The RX’s LED headlamps offered more than just a distinctive appearance. Whiter and brighter than conventional headlamps, they illuminate a larger area ahead, providing greater visibility. To help illuminate even more of
the road ahead in a curve, the adaptive front lighting system features a right headlamp that can rotate up to
10 degrees into a right turn, and a left headlamp that can rotate up to 15 degrees in a left turn.
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| 2011 Lexus RX 450h |
Numerous frightened rabbits, and even one startled coyote, were spared a single trip to the Hereafter because
I saw them in time to stop or slow and veer away. I would be remiss if I didn’t tell about the exquisite interior with genuine wood trim. Ten-way adjustable power front seats with internal heating and ventilation controls are standard, made for driver and companion comforts. There is a power tilt and telescopic steering column, while power one-touch windows and door locks with anti-lock-features are just touch-inches away. The central display is purposely located as close to eye level as possible to help keep your focus on the road
ahead. For even greater visibility, a heads-up display can project simple navigation directions and audio system information on the windshield in front of you.
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| 2011 Lexus RX 450h Dasboard |
Technology abounds in the 2011 Lexus RX 450h. The Lexus nine-speaker premium audio system, automatic sound levelizer, and in-dash single feed six-dish CD auto-changer can keep you heart singing and your toes tapping. In-glass antenna with FM diversity system, Bluetooth Technology, and XM Satellite Radio (free for 90 days) are examples of technology quality.
The 2011 Lexus RX 450h is equipped with a classleading 10-airbags system. Included are side curtain airbags; knee, side, and dual-stage front airbags for the driver and front passenger; and side airbags for the rear outboard passengers. In addition, a pre-collision system can detect imminent frontal collision. And while retracting the seatbelts, brake assist is automatically prepared to provide increased braking pressure the moment you forcibly step on the brake pedal. Wrap all this around a pillar-reinforced design and you can’t
help but feel safer.
The 2011 Lexus RX 450h has a feel of comfort with the overwhelming swagger of luxury. It sits tall and speaks with the voices of speed and dependability. Driving home from a formal event, you cannot get over your feeling of pride when the valet attendant brought your 2011 Lexus RX 450h around and opened the door for you, and you saw the look of awe and admiration on the other attendees’ faces as they waited for their vehicles. That moment will play in your mind over and over for some time.
