i'm wondering if the 2nd gen RX had a major change in engine like what the 3rd gen GS had? in 2006, the 3rd gen GS came out as GS300, but in 2007 it became the GS350.

i'm thinking about getting a 2010 3rd gen RX, but don't want to be caught with the potentially smaller engine if they make a significant change during the current gen model year. anyone know?

 

Yes. the RX 330 was 2004-006. RX 350 was 07-09
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...21/211211.html

RX 400h (my recommendation) debuts in 2006

The 3.5 V-6 should stick around. THe RX 450h won't change probably its entire life cycle as this is new for the RX.

 

Lexus is one of several companies known for changing almost everything about a car except the engine when going from one generation to the next, and then 2-3 years later they change the engine.

In going from the RX330 to the RX350 the change was major. The power difference is noticeable but the overall design itself moved forward by about 15 years. The change from the GS430 to the GS460 was major too in terms of engine architecture. However the change from the RX300 to the RX330 was not that significant, nor was the GS400 to the GS430.

Point being they'll probably make a change to the engine in a couple years but I'd bet a large sum of money that it's not going to be anything nearly as major as the RX330 to RX350 was. The basic architecture will remain the same likely for another decade or so.

 

yeah RX330 (wich is what i got, is rated at 230hp) versus 270 of the 3.5 engine which is not carried over into the 3rd gen RX rated at 275. Atkinson from the 3.5 in the 450h is rated at 240

 

The real major change was for 2007 when the RX got the 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 and the addition of 5th Gen NAV. Everything else is aesthetic.

2004 RX330 - New Model
2005 RX330 - 223 hp - new SAE ratings, Gen 4 NAV; Thundercloud Edition
2006 RX330 - Minor interior trim changes
2007 RX350 - Powertrain change 3.5L v6, Gen 5 NAV, TPMS, RSES w/9" Screen
2008 RX350 - New 7 spoke wheel, grille, chrome door handles; Pebble Beach Edition
2009 RX350 - Minor interior trim changes, Mercury Metallic replaced with Classic Silver Metallic; Pebble Beach Edition


New For 2006

Standard Features

- Engine rated at 223 hp [1] @ 5600 rpm, 238 lb-ft [1] @ 3600 rpm
- Passenger's power lumbar support (now 10-way power adjustable (including lumbar))
- LED glovebox lamp

Optional Features
- XM® Satellite Radio [4] added as an accessory


New For 2007

Standard Features:
- New 3.5-liter V6 engine with dual VVT-i
- Power increased to 270 hp [1] @ 6200 rpm, 251 lb-ft [1] @ 4700 rpm
- New Lexus four-sensor Tire Pressure Monitor System [2] added
- New RX 350 rear badge replaces RX 330
- New in-dash, single-feed, six-disc CD auto-changer

Optional Features:
- Available Mark Levinson® Audio [4] comes with an in-dash, single-feed, six-disc DVD/CD auto-changer (RX 330 was only CD)
- Available navigation system upgraded to Generation 5 software
- New available Rear-Seat Entertainment System (RSES) with nine-inch screen (RX 330 was seven-inch) and remote control
- XM® Satellite Radio [5] is now DIO accessory


New For 2008

Standard Features:
- New front grille
- New available 18-in seven-spoke wheels [3]
- Chrome-finish outside door handles

 

^^^ Ryan is that dude!!!

 

+1 on the RX400h.
its eye popping how quick that sucker is

 

thx everyone for the comments...

 

First of all, the change from the RX300 to RX300 was a major change, not from RX330 to RX350. The RX300 was the first gen RX, with the same engine from 98 through 2003. The RX330 came out in 2004, new 3.3L engine in an all new design. Then the engine changed from 3.3 to 3.5, but not much else changed. Now the new 3rd Gen RX350 is shipping. Personally, I would not go for an RX300 (Gen 1), or a RX330, I would go for a Gen 2 RX350. Used the prices are often not that much.