That rendition is freaky

 

I like it though

 

It is probably what a Lotus SUV would look like

 

Can you dig it?

 

After seeing the test mule, I'm more convinced than ever that the next RX will be the Lexus version of the new Highlander. A little larger than the current model with at least the option of a 3rd row seat. Engine will be a 3.5 liter V-6, but may be retuned to near GS spec giving over 300 hp. Transmission stays a 5 speed since the 6 speed Camry/ES350 unit does not have provisions for AWD. Price? How about $1000 more than the current model to cover additional capability. A loaded Highlander Limited is over $40K, so RX350 with similar equipment at $50k is not out of line.

Compared to Mercedes ML350, this would be a much larger, nicer vehicle and still have a $5K price advantange with similar equipment.

V-8? not a chance. This is Lexus' best seller, so they will not screw with a winning formula. If gasoline were still $2/gal, maybe a performance version but at $3/gal and the excellent performance of the 3.5 engine, why screw with a new platform.

Steve

 

im sorry to disapoint you but it will NOT be a 5 speed auto. do we live in the stone ages? it will be 6 speed most likely.

 

Wow ... if it looks anything close to that rendition it will be quite stunning. The rendition definitely has that "coupe on stilts" look to it, or a "Lotus SUV" as someone has already pointed out . The new RX has continually been rumoured to have sleeker, almost coupe-like styling.

I disagree. Lexus has been, and will continue to move away from similar Toyota models. Lexus models will continue to become more differentiated from Toyota models.

If anything, I expect the new RX to be less like the Highlander than compared with Gen 2 RX/Gen 1 Highlander.

According to some insider info from CL members, the new RX won't have a third row, and the other rumour is that it will get the same 300+ HP engine as the IS350 and GS350. Also, you are correct in that Toyota's FWD 6 speed tranny does not (yet) support AWD .... *but* .... Toyota's 6 speed RWD tranny DOES support AWD. Will the new RX be RWD? Will it really get a 300+ HP V6 and a rumoured V8? Will the RX move away from the Camry platform?

At this point, it does seem to be the case that the RX will move away from the Camry platform.

 

That'd be nice, but I don't see any diff, in the rear so any hope of rwd is dashed for me right now.

 

The pricing details sound logical to me. Agreed also on the low likelihood of a V8. Furthermore, it's not necessary to add a V8 since the hybrid option already offers increased horsepower and torque. Perhaps an RX 450h?

 

Lexus doesn't seem to take what I like to call huge horsepower bump ups when changing from one generation to the next and the RX series is no exception.

 

That's probably the popular opinion these days but the horsepower wars aren't going to last very long anyway. It's only a matter of time before gas prices are so high that nobody drives their performance vehicles anymore.

 

Doesnt anybody have a real picture of the 09 RX yet?

 

but what about the IS300 to the IS350...that was an 80 hp jump...

as for the RX, i really expect anywhere from 290 to 300. That would be appropriate. and of course, add in an extra 1 to 2 mpg and were all set.

mmm no. lol. that is why all we have is a photochop.

 

Might want to remind you about the 'slight' power bump that Toyota gave the RAV4 (of which we have had 4 - my wife loved them). They went from a nice sedate little I4 to the somewhat hairy V6 that you find in the Camry - we drove one, it hauls butt, and gets quite good mileage. Had my dear wife been able to get one in her color, with the equipment she wanted, we would not have our IS right now. Remember that Lexus could well take the current 3.5, add direct injection, and throttle body injection (see specs for IS 350 engine) which could boost the horsepower and performance significantly. Now that’s what I would expect on the new RX.

The photoshop of the black one looks interesting, I think I like it!

 

i think its going to keep the RX350 name and engine displacement. However, i dont think ive every seen a luxury brand that did a new generation without increasing the number on the back of the car. And if a brand did, it certainly wasnt done by lexus.

an RX360? lol 370 perhaps?