Will the 06 RX get the 3.5L V6? Will it also get a minor facelift this fall?

 

I can't really see any huge changes since the 400h is going to be a new model this year and looks essentially identical to the 330 with the exeption of a few minor details (ie foglamps). If they introduced the 400h then the updated 330, it would make the styling of the 400h obsolete in its first year of production.

 

Hmmm, good idea Brickhead. I think it may wait until the next gen for this to happen. Then the next Camry, ES 350, RX 350, and Highlander would use the new 3.5 used in the new Avalon.

 

I think you are right. That's why they are selling the RXs for very low margin to invoice this year. This is a much needed power boost for the RX.

 

A (minor) facelift probably won't happen until the '07 model year.

 

I think they might do it since the current ES330 WAS the ES300 with the same styling.

 

The original '99 RX, which came out in spring '98, recieved a minor facelift in the fall of 2000. If Lexus keeps the same cycle then we should see a midlife refresh in the fall of 2005 for the current RX. Just my guess..

 

I think you might be onto something there Brick!

 

should i even mention that lexus registered RX350 name in US and CA, in dec2004? :-)

 

There ya go! I will assume that we will see an ES 350 in the near future as well.

 

So what's taking them so long?

 

if the rx does get a facelift, hope it looks like the thundercloud special edition RX, thats had to be the nicest 330 i seen yet

 

Wel Lexus just stated today their cars/SUVs will change more with engines/options etc so they don't stay stagnant while the competiton changes. The Avalon used the old 3.3. I see the new 3.5 in the Sienna, ES, RX, Camry etc in the future.

Whats taking so long? Well the RX, ES are selling like hotcakes still. No need for a change yet. But if sales start slowing up, those engines will come to give them a boost.

The other thing is does Toyota have the capacity to build more engines.

 

LoL, whats taking them long? First application of 3.5L engine isnt out yet! :-)
I very much doubt that Camry will get 3.5l engine or Sienna for that matter... ES is being completly redesigned next year so you have your answer there :-).

You have to keep in mind that new 3.5L engine is probably more costly to produce, which is why they wont be adding it as soon to some of the models that dont need 280hp. What the heck would Camry do with 280hp? That would be just wrong.

 

I heard that the IS350 should be out early fall '05. The '07 GS hybrid will pair the new 3.5 liter 310 HP V6 with electric motor/generators which could be GS460h? The '06 RX330 is not destined to get this High Performance motor. The RX330 is the most fuel efficient Luxury Utility and if you want more performance you should look at the RX400h. I was very impressed with the way it drove. It is so quiet it is surreal. The Electric power steering feels a little tighter than the regular RX. Even though it was snowing lightly at the time I didn't get a chance to experience the VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) which is the new skid control system that intervenes earlier than VSC. The main benefit of the Hybrid is V8 like acceleration. It is a half second faster 0-60 than its sibling even though it weighs another 300lbs. It has heavier springs to compensate. They are going to produce about 22,000 RX400h's in 2005. There are already 10,000 deposits across the country......It is la bomba!