ultra63

"Lexus dropped the third-generation RX on the world today here at the LA Auto Show. As before, the RX luxury crossover comes in two forms, the standard issue RX350 and the hybrid RX450h. The 3.5L RX350 gets a power bump to 275 hp while the hybrid engine grows from 3.3L up to 3.5L and 295 total horsepower. Lexus has improved the inverter that converts between DC power from the battery to AC for the motor, making the whole hybrid drivetrain more efficient. The RX450h gets a unique grill and badging to set it slightly apart from the new RX350, while both models get plenty of new gizmos and gadgets including an upgraded navigation and telematics system. For instance, a new controller for the nav system that Toyota calls Remote Touch provides customizable haptic feedback as you use it. A larger brighter OLED display screen also offers an improved angle of vision and a heads up display is available for the first time. The design is an obvious evolution of the previous RX, but now features a more broad-shouldered look just like the Toyota Highlander with which it shares its platform. Check out the press release after the jump as well as our high-res images in the galleries below."

PRESS RELEASE


Lexus Stages World Debut of All-New RX 350 and RX 450h at Los Angeles Auto Show
November 19, 2008 - Los Angeles, CA - Lexus unveiled the all-new, next generation RX 350 and RX 450h hybrid at a press conference today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The vehicle that pioneered the car-based luxury utility vehicle segment when it launched in 1998, is completely redesigned and will continue to set new benchmarks in areas that have made it the best-selling luxury utility vehicle: innovation, styling, performance, utility and comfort.

At the heart of the new RX models are two improved powertrains. Entering its second generation, the RX 450h will feature an enhanced Lexus Hybrid Drive system with a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine that runs on a highly efficient Atkinson cycle. Combined with a new, more efficient inverter, the total system output will be 295 horsepower, 27 more horsepower than the current generation RX hybrid.

Another step in the Lexus Hybrid Drive's evolution is the addition of two new systems that improve its efficiency. The first is an exhaust-heat recovery system that reduces engine warm-up time allowing it to stop earlier, more often, and for longer periods. The result is an improvement in both fuel economy and emissions. The second is a cooled exhaust-gas recirculation system that reduces engine pumping losses, which also helps to improve economy.

The RX 450h features a front-wheel hybrid drive or an electronically driven, part-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) hybrid drive system, which supplies the rear wheels with the optimal amount of torque as conditions demand. Unlike mechanical AWD systems that reduce fuel efficiency via added weight and friction, the RX 450h's rear-mounted electric motor-generator allows all four wheels to perform regenerative braking, charging the hybrid battery more effectively.

The third generation RX 350 will be powered by an improved 275-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an electrically controlled, sequential-shift six-speed transaxle. The all-wheel-drive version will feature an Active Torque Control AWD system that optimizes torque depending on driving conditions, resulting in improved efficiency and performance.

Both RX models feature a new, uniquely designed double-wishbone rear suspension that helps provide exceptional agility and control. Its distinctive design also allows for five percent more cargo volume and easier loading. To complement the new rear suspension and provide excellent dexterity and ride comfort, the front McPherson strut geometry was optimized.

The all-new RX models possess a number of Lexus-first technologies that enhance the ownership experience. An available Hard Disk Drive (HDD) navigation system has an all-new "Remote Touch" controller that is both intuitive and ergonomic. Positioned on the center console, Remote Touch is as natural to the driver's hand as a computer mouse. It can also be customized to the desired level of haptic feedback. While RX will feature voice recognition as standard, the new navigation system will also include a new casual language voice-recognition system that acknowledges conversational commands. Standard XM® satellite-radio capability (requires subscription) is joined by XM NavTraffic and new NavWeather features.

The spacious five-passenger interior includes a new, thoughtfully constructed "dual-zone cockpit" design. This intuitive layout helps the driver navigate the advanced interior of the new RX, which features two distinct yet integrated zones: a "display zone" and an "operation zone."

The "display zone" assists the driver via an eight-inch, navigation display that is set back in the dash for improved visibility. A white Organic LED multi-informational display ensures exceptional readability from a wide angle. An optional Heads-up Display reduces the need for excessive eye movement, and the use of high-intensity LEDs make the display bright enough to be read in direct sunlight.
The "operation zone" provides access and control to a large range of information through the available "Remote Touch" navigation controller and the steering-wheel-mounted multi-information switch.

The exterior of the all-new RX has a strong stance and powerful new body design with the goal of enhancing comfort and maneuverability. The inverted-trapezoid design in the front and the horizontally integrated rear are incorporated together via a pronounced shoulder along the RX's profile. Stylish molding around the side windows and at the base of the doors provides low-profile strength. Standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels complement the exterior with a strong, sporty look, with optional 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels providing another styling cue. While it has increased in nearly every dimension, overall aerodynamic advancement was aided by a specially designed undertray, resulting in a segment-topping 0.32 coefficient of drag (Cd).

The RX 450h hybrid will have its own unique styling features, including an exclusive grille, hybrid badging including blue-trimmed Lexus logos, unique front bumper, a special 19-inch optional wheel design, blue-tinted headlamps and taillamps, and optional LED headlamps.

The new RX is available with a selection of luxury and sport option packages, which include features like Lexus' exclusive Mark Levinson® Surround Sound system, a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, dynamic radar cruise control, and a Sports Package featuring a sport-tuned suspension.

The all-new RX will offer a wide-angle side view monitor. With a camera located under the passenger side-view mirror, the driver can check hard-to-view areas on the passenger side of the vehicle by simply selecting a button on the navigation screen or the steering wheel and view the camera image on the navigation screen.

True to its heritage, the RX's active and passive safety systems continue to be among the vehicle's most impressive features. Lexus' available Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) seamlessly integrates individual systems like Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Hill Assist Control (HAC) and Traction Control (TRAC). It operates in a smooth proactive way via throttle, steering and braking to help prevent skids while cornering before the vehicle reaches its operating limits on slippery roads or other challenging conditions.

The available Pre-Collision System (PCS) relies on millimeter-wave radar technology to recognize a possible frontal collision and primes the brake assist and retracts the driver's and front passenger's seat-belt in anticipation of the crash. An intelligent Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) is available with HID low- and high-beam headlamps on both models, while the RX 450h also offers the AFS with LED low-beam and Halogen high-beam headlamps. Both anticipate the vehicle's location based on vehicle speed and steering angle, swiveling the front headlamps into the turn. An optional new automatic high-beam system detects light from oncoming vehicles, preceding vehicles or ambient sources and automatically switches from high to low beams.

Passive safety features include a class-leading 10 standard airbags on the new RX, including dual-stage driver and front-passenger airbags (including the Lexus exclusive twin-chamber front-passenger airbag), driver and front-passenger knee airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side airbags, and side-curtain airbags. It is also equipped with Lexus' front-seat active headrests, designed to help reduce a possible whiplash injury when in certain lower speed collisions from the rear.

The all-new 2010 RX 350 will go on sale next February, while the 2010 RX 450h will reach dealerships nationwide in the spring.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/l...50-and-rx450h/

herbvdh

Passionate pursuit has more pictures of the RX350 http://thepassionatepursuit.com/2008...rx-350-photos/
and the RX450h http://thepassionatepursuit.com/2008...x-450h-photos/ I like it.

SLegacy99

Who's trading their's in for a new one?

hensta

My current cars:

2008 BMW 335i coupe
2008 VW GTI DSG
1999 Lexus RX 300

I'll be trading the Rx 300 for the RX 450h. The first 2 cars are 2009 C & D top ten cars. I hope the 3rd Gen Rx will do as well.

irieblue

I am disappointed with the new RX 450h, I was hoping for something along the likes of the Mazda CX 9 or Acura MDX that could handle 7 passengers. As for the exterior changes, I was hoping for something along the WOW factor that accompanied the changes from the LS 430 to the LS 460, or the IS 300 to IS 350 or any of the other L-finesse styling they pushed these last couple of years. This exterior re-design is a very small increment over the previous generation imho.

Regarding the center stack, I'm not really a fan, at least with the current RX you can slide the compartment between the seats back and forth for room as needed, and it makes for transferring from the driver to the passenger seat alot easier. This one looks like it's just easier to get out and walk around.

I'm also not a fan regarding how much room the lexus gear leaver takes up, (even on the current RX). They should have taken a page from Mercedes Benz's book and made the gear change mechanism electronic and tacked it on the steering wheel, and save all the space.

I absolutely don't feel like I am missing out on anything staying with my 06 400h. Oh, and who want to bet they still have that annoying feature that you can't use the Nav or phone screens while the vehicle is in motion.

In the age of iPhone multitouch, Lexus appears to have gone backward from touch screen to using a control system mounted between the seats.
Pass...

LEXveryG8

I'm keeping my current one, and getting the new one also.

ggebhardt

I will be text driving the RX450h when it hits the lot. Might be letting the LX570 go in favor of something lighter and more nimbal!

Really looks good to me with most the electronic goodies that my 570 has!

Btmnk21

iTrader: (1)

The RX is a sporty, mid-size crossover SUV if you want to fit 7 passengers in a mid-size SUV too bad. I hate people who want every car to handle 7 passengers, what gives? They make like 30 models that do- live with it. If they put a third row in all it would do is ruin the exterior by making the RX a tall wagon.

Buy a minivan and shut up.

Nextourer

Plus the 6th and 7th person are not that comfortable anyway.

The RAV4 is waay to small in the 3rd (I usually test 3rd rows of any car that offer it but the RAV4 is the only one I haven't tried cause I'm not that flexible to fold my knees up).

The Highlander is decent but the seat's waaay to low and padded thinly. The only two that I feel comfortable in are the R-Class (hella comfortable and spacious) and the Mazda5 (just right.. like it was custom-fitted). Plus, most of the time, the 3rd row's folded anyway.

irieblue

Btmnk21 your post offers absolutely no value to this discussion, if the CX9 and the MDX (and the highlander) which are Mid size SUV's can pull off 7 passengers, why not the new RX.

The Highlander, MDX, CX-9 and the new RX are competing for the same customers.

The LX570 , RAV4, and minivans are 3 different categories altogether.

starstreak

I'm interested in the LED headlights and "blue tinted" front and rear lights. Does that mean a "bluish" tint to the lights like that of a Acura, or more like a gimmick like the lens is colored blue?