And what source do you base your statement on?
At least "L" version rumor gives people like me some hope .

 

It amazes me everytime, how foreign the concept of a test mule is to some people.

 

As mentioned already. When the industry says "Test Mule" what that means is the manufacturer is testing the new under pinnings or new chassis, engine, suspension, but using the shell of a car they already have in existence as a cover per say. You don't need the body to test out the major components, so rather than risk having the new design leaked before the company is ready, or perhaps the new design is still be worked on, they can still test the car out by using an existing shell. Basically, the reason why this car looks like the current body style is because it is the current body style.

It is the same thing when Honda tested the new supposed V10 NSX using a stretched S2000 body.

 

I hope you're not making this remark from looking at the pictures on this thread? That picture from the rear passenger side view, that vehicle is the test mule, it's the new vehicle chassis, but the current RX exterior. This WON'T be how the new vehicle looks. I doubt that it will have any panels that look identical to the current one. It won't be radical, since Toyota/Lexus never is, but it'll be "fresh"

 

It funny how Honda is determine to stay away from the V8.

 

In anticipation and noticing how the current new crop of Toyotas are coming along, I was hoping the new RX would be wider. I have always thought the 330/350 looks to narrow compared to it's competitors. I was hoping too for the 3rd row seat option, cause I don't like the GX, or the LX. I have always loved my two RX's. So seeing a wider version would be nice, the option to put some nice wheels and tires on other than 20's which I think don't look right on the current model, due to tires size.

Just my opinions and wishes...

 

Totally agree. Wider stock tires would help as well.

 

Hence the 255-55's look good, as if it were designed for it.

 

Did you know that the Bridgestone Alenza tire in the 235/55/18 size has a 1.2 inch wider thread than the Goodyear RSA?

I was surprised. No speedo error and a wider tire. Better handling and quieter too. Looks much better on the car then the narrow Goodyears.

 

Wow, awesome! My next set will be 255's! Perfect match!

 

Just in case you missed it, the tire photo I posted was a 235/55/18 It does have a 1.2 inch wider tread than the same size Goodyear RSA.

The 255 size will give you about a 3% speedo/odo error, not a big deal. At 65 mph your speedo will read 67 and for every 100 miles traveled your odo will read 103 miles.

I'd be more concerned that the Alenza in 255/55/18 size is only available in an H speed rating while the 235/55/18 is a V rated tire. V rated tires have less sidewall flex and run cooler. I'd expect less body roll and a slightly firmer ride with a V rated tire, two factors that are good for this vehicle, IMO.

An additional factor is that the 255 is 5 pounds heavier per tire than the 235. Adding unsprung weight to the wheels only takes away from vehicle performance.

 

Got it! I forgot about it. The Alenzas with the 235 OEM is wider, hence no need to go to the 255's! Got it!

 

How about the Michelins? Which is wider, Michelin or Goodyear?

 

I don't understand what you mean by wider tread. The Goodyear and the Bridgestones are the same size. To get a wider tread at the same height you need to go to a 255/50/18 tire.

 

No you actually don't. I believe you are assuming that section width and tread width are the same thing. They are not.

They both have the same sidewall (section) width (9.5") but the Bridgestones have a wider tread width (7.7" vs. 6.5"). The manufacturers specs are shown in the links below. You can also verify this on the TireRack website. As you can see the Goodyear RSA just doesn't have as much rubber on the road.

235/55R18 size;
Goodyear RSA Tread Width = 6.5"
Bridgestone Dueler Alenza Tread Width = 7.7"

The Bridgestone is 1.2" wider where the tread hits the road. Go look at the tires in person and you will be quite surprised at the difference.

Goodyear RSA specs
http://www.goodyeartires.com/goodyea...8&sidewall=VSB

Bridgestone Dueler Alenza specs
http://www.bridgestonetire.com/tires...roduct_ID=1090