Do we know anything about the next generation? I read a short and long wheel base with 3rd row seating and 2 engine options V8 & V6 Hybrid.

 

there are various threads on this topic. But to sum up, lexus is very very secretive about future vehicles and dont really show/give anything until they want to. Its a rumor that it will have two engines, that go with the RX and the RX-L model. most likely, it will not be a V8 standard. It will have V6 maybe around 300 horses to keep up with the MDX.

all we know is that it will be out April-ish next year

 

I've read (rumors) that Lexus will offer three different engines on the next RX like V6 (most likely the same RX350 like now), V8 (RX430?) and hybrid. And there will be two different wheelbases like RX and RX-L (like LS460 and LS460L).

 

Thanks.......

 

MyRide.com's beta community site has some spy shots of the next RX. It appears to support the ability to have 3 rows, support larger tires, and by the work on the exhaust I'm going to guess some more horsepower (but that's a big guess). Here are links to the spy photos they have:

Close-up of rear

Spy Shot

James

 

I met a gent that works in the Corolla/Matrix part of the Cambridge plant over the weekend. He stated that the first teams of production folks are preparing to go to Japan for training in the next few weeks. He has seen a picture of the new RX and acknowledged there are significant differences, but couldn't (or wouldn't) really elaborate.

He did say though that the new Corolla/Matrix are going to be very nice. Apparently they will have a 300HP version. That should be a real road burner!

 

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Here is a new spyshot taken on July 5 2007
2009RX spyshot

 

I have always been hoping the new RX is rounder (has curves of the rear of the RX300) but keeps the RX330/350/400h.

 

Does not seem to be radically different. I bet you that they have technological and safety upgrades than cosmetic....

 

From those that I've spoken to who have seen the test vehicles around SoCal, it is slightly longer (most likely for a small third row) and the wheel openings are larger to accept even larger tires. The overall design is not far from the current RX. But there is still time for changes - I'd like to see the front get more aggressive and the rear to just be something different.

I have no information on the interior changes - but I really hope they improve the heated seat controls (make the passengers near them, dont do that pop-out twist **** thing), improve the voice recognition of the Nav (at least up to Honda/Acura level), and make the low gas light easier to notice (maybe a warning on the Nav screen when your range is below 60 miles and you start the car, and then a beep & warning when your range hits 0....which means you still have 2.5 gallons remaining).

 

That pic looks exactly like the current RX; the only difference I can see is that the top of the door window frames are body colored instead of black... I'm also looking at the mirror, which looks like its mounted on the door panel itself like current Lexus cars, but on second glance, you can still see the black panel its attached to, like the current model.

I love pics like this... it makes me wonder why they're trying to camouflage a vehicle that (on the outside) doesn't look any different than the current model.

Suspense... I love it!

 

I wouldn't judge those spy pics too much. The reason it looks so similar to the current RX is because that's a test mule; for the most part it's using the Gen 2 RX body, while underneath it's likely hiding the guts from the new RX. The larger wheel openings had to be modified on the current RX's body.

From all the insider info I've heard, the interior is supposed to be dazzling, the exterior styling is supposed to be much sleeker then the current model; and resemble a "coupe on stilts", it's supposed to have improved handling, and that there will be a variety of engines offered. Not to worry though; we will see Lexus unveil the new RX soon enough.

 

Have to agree with TRD, to me, all the spy shots to date look to be test mules using the RX 2nd gen body, with possible mods to wheel arches (or intentionally using smaller tires/wheels to throw the visual cues off). I have yet to see anything even remotely resembling the RX-F (Finesse) styling that Lexus appears to be moving towards.

 

Go to the Toyota website and take a look at the new Highlander. Same basic layout as the current generation, but stretched in length and width. Room for a real 3rd row and some clever interior tricks. Road tests of the new Highlander praise the improved ride and reduced noise levels as well as interior room. Still based on Toyota minivan chassis, so no V8. The Highlander Hybrid keeps the current 3.3 engine but claims to match current hybrid performance even with 300# more weight for the larger vehicle. I expect evoloutionary style changes sort of like RX300 to RX330, but some real useful upgrades inside.
Steve

 

Before the RX330 came out I remember some spy shots coming out of Asia of the uncovered model...I expect to see much the same this time around and will keep my eyes open on some of the Harrier forums there.