gavriil1

According to this source at least. The source is from Europe where the current version RX makes 201 HP there (as opposed to 220 HP here as we all know).

The source calls for the 3 liter V6 now making 204HP in Europe. The pics seem pretty accurate though.







The source also refers to a larger car (we knew that). A system called AFS which I think has been mentioned here (I guess the lights turn towards the direction of the car so you can see better at night).

A new 5 speed automatica is used (we knew that too).

An optional suspension will lower the car by half an inch over 60mph. And it could raise up to an inch for off-roading.

Changes to the AWD system have been made so that the allocation of torque now is done electronically and not mechanically, according to the source.

The car will be presented at the Detroit Auto Show as we all have guessed.

Lvangundy

That's the one I saw! Same colors too

gavriil1

Apparently, the above source is referring as its souce being...Lexus.

gavriil1

I've got to admit, the interior looks really nice. Good job. I like the exterior too.

satxrx

Nice post esp. the new images.

It's interesting about the engine displacement and, frankly, I won't be surprised or saddened either way. I mean, look at the Honda Accord - it's now pumping out 240 horses and it's also from a 3-liter. I would prefer the 3.3-liter possibly to get more low-end torque. I'm not sure, though.

And as a side note, I noticed the new RX had what appears to be Bridgestone Potenzas on the wheels. This tells me it's definitely geared more for pavement and speeding intentions.

Lastly, interesting again about the ride height adjustment. That would be a great feature, I hope that makes it to the U.S. market.

gavriil1

Excluding forced feeding (super/turbo charging), there is so much torque one can make with a given displacement. You can make a lot more power by making the engine "turn faster", while still be efficient at those higher RPM, but when it comes to increasing torque (especially at low rpm), increasin displacement is the only way.

YEs, the Accord does make 240 HP, but look at the torque. Still at "3.0 liter levels" (212 lb-ft at 5000 rpm! - quite high on the rev band). They can make 300HP off of it. They showed a 300HP Accord at SEMA. They can make more than 300HP cost permiting. But I bet if we looked at the toque, it would have been marginally increased and I bet it would appear at higher rpm than the stock Accord.

xsfo

It looks like the Europeans will be getting the smaller engine. Ha ha!
In the US, there's no replacement for displacement so we'll get the RX330.
I believe the adjustable ride height will be part of the sport package.
It looks nice but it still looks "funny" from the rear though.

Daddy-O

I'll wait on the specs until the NAIAS in Detroit. I'll also reserve
opinion on the interior, as there will be more options available
beyond the aluminum/wood pic posted above...

...But the exterior? What a beautiful ride.

Anyone who has a problem with the exterior of the new RX
automatically goes on my list of whiny, ignorant, nit-picking,
tasteless, boorish, fantasy-world-dwelling bozos.

Get over it. This is it. It's a done deal. Accept it. Crying about
this new design is pointless. This is as good as it gets.


Oh...Anyone making fun of this post goes on my other list.

mooretorque

Daddy-O, don't mince words; tell us how you REALLY feel. All this namby-pamby beating around the bush circumlocution doesn't become you...............

xsfo

Ok, I accept that the rear half sucks because Toyota did a crappy job. Happy?

Anyway, here's a UK article on the release with LOTS of tidbits...
http://car.kak.net/modules.php?op=mo...rticle&sid=648

Crutcher

Great work on those pictures.. the 2004 really does look more impressive the more I see it (it must be an acquired taste since i hated the exterior the first time I saw it).

I can't wait to see more detail on the options/pricing -- the aluminum still hasn't grown on me but I love the idea of a tiptronic style control

gr8330

Put me on your good list....I think it looks great

spinteews

sweet look at that atenna!!! its the little stubby one now hehe also i have mixed feelings about the interior. If they took that aluminum away and left it all wood... the thing would be beautiful. I dunno about the wood and aluminum together... kinda weird. Either all alunimum or all wood would be much better. The exterior is very nice. the rear is a bit of a problem.. but we'll get use to it soon.

i love the front head lamps. Projectors and they look very nice. even the new fog lights are sweet. they are put in a much better position then what we currently have. the side mirrors are totally better also... no more elephant ears!

Mind18

I like the stubby antenna as well...like a giant remote control car Although why is the antenna off center? Also, any one else think roof racks will make it lookmore "SUVish" as opposed to "hatchbackish"? To me, at least from looking at the FX45 with roof racks on it, it should make the vehicle look a little bit taller and "rugged".

VVT-i

Great looking SUV and the interior is awesome. Remind me of the 99 model when they introduce the RX and now most SUV look a like the RX, but I know someone gonna say the RX look like this, look like that..