Lexus’ new LX has a waterproofed hybrid engine

Lexus is launching a new LX SUV with a “rugged” hybrid engine that’s susceptible of surviving immoderate watery excursions. The LX 700h is equipped with a 3.5L V6 twin-turbo hybrid strategy with a waterproof artillery and a divider that helps forestall h2o ingress to the engine, and a waterproof AC inverter that provides up to 2,400 watts of outer powerfulness supply. If h2o gets into the system, you’ll beryllium alerted connected the caller 12.3-inch afloat LCD metre screen.

Lexus says its recently designed parallel hybrid strategy integrates a centrifugal generator with a clutch positioned successful betwixt the motor and transmission. The setup lets it maximize torque output and support full-time 4WD, which is bully for efficiency. It’s besides the automaker’s archetypal strategy that includes some an alternator and a starter that tin bypass the hybrid strategy successful lawsuit of a nonaccomplishment and enactment arsenic a regular state engine.

If you instrumentality the LX into immoderate lasting water, it tin spell arsenic heavy arsenic 700mm (27.56 inches) without worrying astir ingress. Comparatively, a Jeep Wrangler 4xe, different SUV with a waterproofed hybrid system, is designed to spell as heavy arsenic 31.5 inches.

The LX has a much Jeep-like “Overtrail” variation successful the lineup, too, that includes a beforehand and rear differential lock, and for the archetypal time, you tin configure an LX with all-terrain tires connected 18-inch rims. It’s not wide erstwhile you’ll beryllium capable to bargain an LX 700h, but Lexus says it volition behaviour a “phased rollout” for the LX crossed assorted regions starting successful precocious 2024.