CK6Speed:
Are the transmissions on the ES and Camry really junk? Are there problems with them that I should be worried about, because I was considering getting an ES? When I had an 07 ES for a loaner, it drove great, except for the hesitation which is inherent in these transmissions.

 

The tranny in the 2007 Camry is junk. I have had 2 tranny replacements and a TSB update and still have a very signficant shift flare (slip) in between 2-3 gear (in between 300-900 rpms). The latest tranny was just about a month ago. It has been to the shop 6 times in 8 months (currently only has 4500 miles on it). The first time we brought it in was after 600 miles of driving when we first noticed the shift flare going up a pretty good hill.

 

The biggest issue I have read about the new ES is that the transmmission flares between 3rd and 4th gear. There have been cases of a complete transmission failure. Other complains are highway speed noise and lots of rattle complains. BTW, there is a TSB out for the transmission flare problem.

 

Looks like the wish list for the 09 is getting fairly complete. I would add a Nav system that can be programmed on the move, or at least by a passenger. Agree on having true duel exhaust, we have that on our IS and it does add a bit of a cache to the car. You can leave out the third row seating, unless it was completely removable.

Is the ES 6 speed similar to that of the IS? Ours has been bullet proof so far.

 

The Camry/ES350 six speed auto is unique and is designed for FWD applications. It is lighter and cheaper to make than the old FWD five speed auto that is still used in the RX and Highlander. The new light 6 speed has no provision for AWD so it is not offered in either SUV.

The new Highlander continues the 5 speed auto, so it is likely that the 2009 RX350 will also.

My hope is that the Lexus version of the Highlander will use the direct injection engine from the IS/GS rated for this application somewhere around 300 hp. Lexus needs something more than trim and options to distinguish it from the Highlander.
Steve

 

no, it will most definately have a 6 speed. theres a greater chance of it being an 8 speed before its a 5 speed. lol

the reason is that lexus knows it wont be able to compete with others in its class if it doesnt keep up with powertrain with a 6 speed. also, the 5 speed isnt that great in the RX now.

the highlander has a 5 speed so there is a reason to buy a future RX. lol

 

The transmission could be better on my 07 RX, I think it should have more refinement. I hope they improve it for the 09 models.

For the Cruise Control: there should be 2 indicator lights; one for cruise main on and one for cruise engaged at a preset speed.

 

This site below seems to have most info.

http://community.myride.com/kickapps/servi...282&as=3898

Some highlights:

"The next RX is currently set to be offered in 2 versions, the standard 5 passenger (similar to todays RX) and the long wheelbase 7 passenger version. There are fully produced versions of each driving around in the US today. Next, the 6-Speed transmission will make it to the next RX. And finally, the RX will get a boost in power to bring it around the 300hp mark. This is done with improvements to the current engine of the RX350, not a new engine.

"The interior of the RX will be all new – the dash pushed much farther forward to open up the cabin. The LCD screen is also being super sized to a whopping 9 inches! Now that caused a problem – the LCD was too far away to reach. So Lexus did a lot of research and came up with a very Apple like answer. The next RX WILL (yes WILL, not might or should) have a touch-pad located between the front two seats (near todays cup holders) that navigates a pointer on the larger 9 inch main screen. It's like reaching down to grab your mouse on your computer – easy to do without looking at where your fingers are. The RX will also be available with 20-inch tires (smaller 18-inches will be standard)."

It seems nice, but I don't know if I can wait that long -- this site says it won't be out until SPRING 2009.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/pf/Enthusi...178.A13214.html

"The RX will be undergoing a major update for the 2009 model year, with production beginning in late December of 2008, toward an on-sale date of early spring of 2009."

and some more info:

http://thepassionatepursuit.com/category/rx400h/

 

if the sale date is not until spring of 2009 which means it is for 2010 model. So, RX will remaining no change to the body style (I assume) for 2009 model and probably Lexus will do a minimal update to interior as well as exterior as they did with 2008 compare to 2007.

Any speculation with change on the 2009 model?

-----------------------
07 Crystal White RX350

 

it will be a total redesign, April 2008 as a 2009 model. those sites are wrong

 

after seeing the concept pics and the pic of the test mule, i dont think the new highlander has any lines of a new RX. the new highlander seems to remind me of the new LX570. I've seen a few highlanders on the road and damn r they hidious. I hope that my dream LX looks better than that in person..

 

Here is a pretty recent article supporting what you said RXSF:

http://www.thetorquereport.com/2007/...photosthe.html

 

I just got a courtesy call from Lexus Financial since I'm coming up on the end of my lease. I mentioned that I might be extending my lease a bit to wait for the all new 2009 RX. I was surprised at the response "The all new RX has been delayed to early 2009 and will be released as a 2010 model." I don't know how much real data these guys get, but he seemed knowledgeable. He knew all the details of the 2008 Highlander and confirmed that the new RX will be based on this chassis. He even offered that there would be at least an option for a 3rd row seat.

I did not think to ask if this 2010 date applied to all RX models or only to the hybrid.

Steve

 

I have been told today the same by the Service Advisor when I went for an oil change for the RX350. Apparently the new model won't be out until end of next year , so it will be "all new" 2010 model.

 

...either that or they want you to etend your lease.

this is bad news if its true...perhap they are mistaken though