topgun04

Any idea about what is going to change for 06? I am hoping for an engine change to the one Avalon used. Any idea?

BrickHead

If I am not mistaken, we should see the RX350 with the larger engine for 2006.

flyfishman

Wow, that would be great, Brick - is this speculation or have you heard from inside source?

JZA80MHU38

I think it's going to be an interesting topic inside the Lexus marketing department.

Now we have the RX400h as the "flagship" model for the RX line -- more hi-tech, more powerful, with 268 hp, and a "400" designation showing it has better performance than the 330. Then, here comes the RX350, which has "at least" 280 hp in the Avalon up to 315 hp for the upcoming IS350 (I believe they are actually two different engines even sharing the same displacement. The Avalon's is a smaller version of the 4Runner's 4.0 V6, while the IS350's is a different engine). I really don't think Lexus will use anything "weaker" than the granny-tourer Avalon's. So here's the issue -- RX400h's selling point is better performance while delivering better mileage. The new 3.5L V6 has very good fuel mileage too, but I doubted it will be better than the hybrid. Still, I think the 3.5L can outrun the 400h. What will Lexus do with it?

I will say, since the RX shares a similar platform with Camry, ES, Sienna and Avalon, they will use the new Avalon's 3.5L rather than the IS350's. But they don't have that engine in Japan yet. I will bet Toyota will put the 3.5 in the 06 Camry and Sienna, with Lexus having it for the next generation ES, while Lexus put the other version of the 3.5L engine into the IS and GS, before deciding what they are going to do with the RX.

JZA80MHU38

Just one more point. Who knows, maybe afterall both 3.5L engines are the same engine. If Nissan can put the same VQ engine into their FWD, RWD, FWD-based AWD (e.g., Murano) and RWD-based AWD (FX35) cars, I don't see why Toyota can't do it.

Husker4the

I know it was reported that Lexus filed the trademark for the RX 350.

flatfoot

I test drove the new Avalon and that engine is smooth, strong, and lexus quiet! I wouldn't be surprised if Lexus uses it in some form. The Toyoa salesperson advised that it is tuned to run on 87 octane which is a plus for it.

Flatfoot

spwolf

um, Toyota uses same engines across many products as well, they already do that... Difference is that Nissan uses same displacement VQ in everything, while Toyota is flexible and changes displacement - like in 1GR, 2GR, 3GR, 4GR engines...

As to the RX400h vs RX350, no - RX400h will be still significantly quicker and still get significantly better mileage, RX400h is more like an V8 engine while RX350 will be faster than before, with slightly worse or similar mpg to RX330...