jtanoyo1

I am pretty sure mine's just the standard 3000cc engine versus what you guys get over there with the 3300cc. This would have blown the luxury car tax for me quite a bit. The side mirror blinkers are a dealer option, as well as the perforated black leather and the illuminated interior. The illuminated interior is pretty cool: blue for the cupholders, white for dash area and soft green for the power controls.

Richie

Haven't heard that one yet.

x5andr6

I'd love to get my hands on a set of the mirrors with the turn signals. Anyone know where to order?

pfsacer

I got it from my dealer in Aruba, when I asked him why the European RX330 is called the RX300 while it is the RX330 only with the 3.0 engine.

He told me that next year Europe would get the 3.3liter as well.

Richie

I think he's wrong.

pfsacer

I don't think so.

All sixes are going to the V6-3.3 or a derivative in the form of a 3.5, take a look at the Lexus Press Releases for the different Lexus models (ES, IS, GS).

I don't think they will leave the 3.0 liter in the program just to cater some parts of the world, especially if those parts are not your biggest markets.

For whatever reason I think they just delayed the introduction of the 3.3L in some parts of the world

For me it is of no importance since we get the RX330 with the 3.3L V6

jtanoyo1

There's a lot more strategic planning involved in an engine introduction than just the bigger, better, faster size. For example, in Europe (and much of asia), large displacement engine is highly unpopular due to the crazy gas prices which is easily double than in the US. Moreover, Europe, much like Asia, are filled with smaller, narrower and twister roads where superior handling is the preferable choice rather than who has the largest engine.

There's also a huge car tax to pay in mind. For example, here in Indonesia, anything larger than 3000cc (or the 3L engine) will have a much bigger tax to pay than its smaller engined siblings. I mean, if I wasn't attracted to the airs suspension or the nifty illumination in the cabin, I would have opted to get the 2400cc Premium model which would have cost me easily $15,000 cheaper than the 3000cc engine! $15,000! I can easily buy another car with that kind of money.

It's not delaying. It's strategic thinking: they are trying to figure out if it's worth it to bring over the RX330 to Europe or Asia, and if so, if there are adequate buyers to warrant bringing it over. As far as I know, only the Americans and the Australians are very much concerned with the big displacement race.....

jtanoyo1

That's why globacl player like Mercedes Benz also has engines to cater to every country's needs: 1400cc, 1600cc, 1800cc, 2000cc, 2000cc kompressor, 2300cc, 2400cc, 2400cc kompressor, 2600cc, 280cc, 3000cc, 3200cc, 3200cc kompressor, 3500cc, 4000cc, 4300cc, 5000cc, 5000cc biturbo, 5500cc, 6000cc, 6000cc biturbo.....just to name a few...

pfsacer

Jon I understand where you are coming from, however IMO, Lexus cannot really be compared to Mercedes, Toyota can but Lexus is not really a global player in that sense.

Lexus doesn;t nearly sell as much as Merc or BMW in Europe (exception is the US), maybe if they would come out with a diesel or the hybrid that might change

As you state they might stay for some regions with the 3.0, however I doubt it.

As for huge engines, 3.0 or 3.3 is not that big a difference (globally), in your case it is because of taxes, but in Europe (most countries I know of) it doesn;t make a tax difference.

As for fuel consumption, I think the 3.3 is more fuel efficient than the 3.0.

Again this is only my 2 cents, but looking at the engine swaps already implemented for the ES (3.0 to 3.3) the press releases for the upcoming new GS (3.3 or 3.5) and IS (3.3 or 3.5).

What could happen though is that Hybrid really takes of and that they would combine smaller engines (2.4 as you mentioned) in combination with electric, in that way saving fuel and where applicable taxes.

Again I hope they do the right thing for all regions, so we can all be happy campers