Report: 2016 Lexus RX Will Come with Aisin 8AT as Standard
07-13-14, 08:23 AM
#1
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
Report: 2016 Lexus RX Will Come with Aisin 8AT as Standard
Our Lexus insider told us that, the 4th-generation of the RX, which is scheduled to be revealed next year as a 2016 model, will not only come with the 3rd-row seating option, but also will be equipped with the Aisin 8-speed automatic transmission, for non-hybrid models.
For the current Lexus RX models, only the RX350 FSport has the 8AT.
Please do not be confused this with the 8-speed units in the current IS350/GS350/LS460 models: that 8AT is for RWD platform, and is completely different than the Aisin 8AT units we are talking about in this article, which is for FWD transverse engine layout.
This is not a surprising news, because the redesigned 2015 Volvo XC90 will come with the same 8-speed transmission supplied by Aisin. Since Aisin is a child company of the Toyota Group, actually it will be odd that the company supplies the latest/best product to other brands, and use older/inferior equipments in its own cars.
Below is image of the 2014 RX350. The redesigned RX will be considerably longer than the current generation.
For the current Lexus RX models, only the RX350 FSport has the 8AT.
Please do not be confused this with the 8-speed units in the current IS350/GS350/LS460 models: that 8AT is for RWD platform, and is completely different than the Aisin 8AT units we are talking about in this article, which is for FWD transverse engine layout.
This is not a surprising news, because the redesigned 2015 Volvo XC90 will come with the same 8-speed transmission supplied by Aisin. Since Aisin is a child company of the Toyota Group, actually it will be odd that the company supplies the latest/best product to other brands, and use older/inferior equipments in its own cars.
Below is image of the 2014 RX350. The redesigned RX will be considerably longer than the current generation.
Of course, this is all rumour until we see real specs from Toyota/Lexus closer to the introduction date.
07-13-14, 08:54 AM
#2
Lexus Fanatic
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about 3rd row, it was so obvious... as this rx is likely built on highlander platform, like the nx is built on the rav4 platform. of course with generous upgrades and improvements. nothing wrong with that. 
07-13-14, 10:01 AM
#4
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07-13-14, 11:15 AM
#5
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^^ the current RX is can already be more than 60K loaded...if you tack on the premium options like ML, HUD, LED headlights.
Pretty obvious since the NX is the size of the original RX
Pretty obvious since the NX is the size of the original RX
07-13-14, 11:34 AM
#6
What is it about the Nav system? I'm just playing devils advocate. Personally I find it easy to use but I don't think it's any better or worse than some competitors. Thankfully the IS, CT and GX have the 'One-Shot' address entry via voice and there are several aftermarket bypass units that similate the car is in park even though it's not thus making RTI useful while the vehicle is in motion. I do wish the system wasn't so rudimentary in its graphics. Of course one's smartphone or Garmin unit is always going to be better than OEM navi.
07-13-14, 12:10 PM
#7
Lexus Fanatic
I'd pay $60,000 all day long for a three row RX!
If this is true, this is likely our next vehicle after the lease it up on the new Jeep in 2017.
If this is true, this is likely our next vehicle after the lease it up on the new Jeep in 2017.
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07-13-14, 12:11 PM
#8
Lead Lap
I don't know why this article is acting like the 8-speed Aisin transmission is something new because the XC90 is using it. The Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg have been using that transmission for years now.
07-13-14, 12:15 PM
#9
Lexus Fanatic
The Touareg and Cayenne haven't been using this transmission, the article addresses that. They have a longitudinal layout.
07-13-14, 12:27 PM
#11
Pole Position
Doesn't the current generation RX350 F-Sport already have the 8 speed Aisin transmission? That is the F-Sport package on the RX350 includes the 8 speed as part of the package.
07-13-14, 12:29 PM
#12
Lexus Fanatic
07-13-14, 01:10 PM
#14
Lexus Fanatic
I dont get what the big deal is. The Lexus Rx already has one in the F sport. If anything, why don't they have it in the standard model.
07-13-14, 01:11 PM
#15
The pursuit of F
I got no complaints with the 8AT. It shifts smoothly, relatively quickly, though my understanding is the mapping and shift speed is more aggressive on the upcoming xc90. We'll see what Lexus does but my hope is the regular RX will get the current F-Sports's programming and the new F-Sport would get the XC90's or similar programming.
My concern with going further upscale is going out of the price range of the MDX and QX60 where these are presently in the current RX price range.
My concern with going further upscale is going out of the price range of the MDX and QX60 where these are presently in the current RX price range.