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Even with the winter weather, one of the real pleasures during my time with the 2010 Lexus RX 450h has been driving at night. It all starts with the on-demand all-wheel drive system—there hasn’t been a single slip, really nothing more than a flash of the yellow traction light, and that brings a lot of confidence no matter the road conditions.

But more than that, it’s also when the RX 450h’s real luxury shines through, as much of the vehicle’s best technology takes a starring role once the sun goes down.

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Note: The following interview with Lexus Hybrid Drive chief Shinichi Abe was written by Doug Knox for Lexus Magazine, and is reprinted with permission.

WHEN THE LEXUS Hybrid Drive project first received the green light in the early 2000s, Shinichi Abe, the man about to inherit the biggest thing at Lexus at the time, admits that he and his team shared a few nervous moments.

After all, all that was at stake was the opportunity to help change the luxury auto industry, which had yet to see its first “alternative” energy vehicle on the road. Not only that, Abe had an enormous decision to make: which of Lexus’ several models would get the first hybrid conversion? The flagship LS sedan? The sporty SC convertible? A new model entirely? In the end, Abe’s bold decision belied any initial nervousness.

He chose an SUV.

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I’m now halfway through my time with the 2010 Lexus RX 450h— after six weeks, the interior controls and options has become second nature, and that familiarity has increased my appreciation of the design decisions throughout the cabin, particularly with the steering wheel layout.

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The 2010 editions of both the Lexus LS 600hL & LS 460 were at the Detroit Auto Show—the LS 460 was optioned with the Appearance package option that adds the LS Sport grille and ground effects:

Really liked the Sport grille, it looks 100x better up close than in photos. The body kit didn’t look right with the LS air suspension on its highest setting and the 18” wheels, the larger 19” spokes and just a little lower to the ground and I would be sold.

And then there was the new LS 600hL grille:

There’s something about that extra gap at the bottom of the grille, especially in combination with the bumper intake—I would have liked to see an extra bar to complete the look, or better yet, a variation on the GSh’s new grille. I did like the redesigned rear lights, though, and the new dashboard LCD screen is absolutely gorgeous (though I curiously have no photo to back it up).

On to the photo gallery:

This morning, the North American International Auto Show has opened its doors to the worldwide automotive press, including myself, and I will be bringing you a Lexus perspective to America’s autoshow.

I will be updating throughout the day as I go over every square inch of the Lexus exhibit, including the LFA supercar & the LF-Ch concept, and anything else that may hold interest to the Lexus enthusiast.

Updates after the jump. 

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The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit opens its doors on Monday, and while Lexus won’t be debuting any new vehicles or concepts this year, they will be trying something new with their exhibit—from the press release:

Gone is the previous two-story structure with sweeping staircase. This year, the exhibit has a “landscape” configuration, suitable for strolling amongst the premium vehicles or merely lounging a short distance away from a 25-foot-tall waterfall.

“In our first 20 years of business, we grew from a respectable premium automaker to the most preferred luxury brand in the United States,” said Andrea Lim, Lexus Events Marketing Manager. “This exhibit exemplifies the next chapter in the Lexus franchise. We want our brand’s reputation for quality synonymous with one of transparency. We believe an elegant, flowing display emits feelings of openness and availability.”

The Lexus exhibit, designed and constructed by Michigan-based George P. Johnson Company, also features an array of recycled and repurposed materials. Comprising more than half the total mass used in constructing the exhibit, these materials help create many of the booth’s surfaces and unique styling cues. In keeping with its recycling theme, Lexus has once again contracted famed New York-based jeweler Kenny Hwang to create one-of-a-kind jewelry, from reclaimed metal found on Lexus vehicles, for the exhibit’s product specialists. This jewelry ranges from necklaces to bracelets to rings.

The Lexus “story” will be highlighted by a 100’ wide x 20’ tall, state-of-the-art, multimedia LED back wall which illustrates Lexus’ past, present and future, though cinematic and synchronized visual presentations.

One vehicle that’s (kinda) new is a HS 250h modded by Clark Ishihara of VIP Auto Salon. The LFA, LF-Ch & the 2010 GX will also be in attendance—which leads me to my next point: Lexus has arranged for me to attend NAIAS during the press preview this Monday & Tuesday.

I will be driving to Detroit (about four hours away) Sunday, and will be at the COBO Center bright and early Monday morning to see the LFA & LF-Ch in person for the first time. As far as coverage goes, I’ll be updating the site (and Twitter) throughout the two-day show, and will be taking as many photos as possible, including a photo session in the LFA interior.

(Also, if there’s anything you would like me to pay special attention at the show, leave a comment or send me an email.)

[Source: Lexus]