It does make sense to me to have it come out in 2009 (being a 2010). Why would they interfere with the release of the LX570.

 

totally different class. i dont think it would interfere with sales...perhaps with the highlander, but not that lx570

 

When ever it is, its not going to be spring of 08, or else we would have heard something by now.

 

I know its a different class but when a buyer could compare it (do I need something big or do I want something that small?) When you have a option of 2 newly designed autos. It could interfere??

 

Thanks for the details!

I'm not sure what to make of the secrecy...but here are some random thoughts...

1. The LF-Xh was released to 'whet our appetite' or 'tide us over' -- the designers said that the next RX will be based on, but will not actually be, that vehicle...also that the LF-Xh interior at Tokyo was 'not yet satisfactory' so was not shown other than in pictures.

2. The RX sales this year remain strong, just slightly down. That may be reason to extend the RX another year, especially since this year we saw some small updates. The RX was #1 best-selling luxury vehicle in America and now is #2 later in its cycle.

3. The luxury crossover market has gotten even more competitive since the RX created this segment. Rumors of an extended wheelbase version, more features, new interface etc. may require a longer developmental cycle, to ensure that Lexus' top-selling product remains a benchmark for this category.

Just some idle speculation. But I can conceive of the chrome handles, new colors and wheels, carrying on for a bit longer. Although I'm trying to remember...the ES 330 had new wheels and trim for the final (single) year?

 

What is the # 1 selling SUV now that Lexus is # 2?

 

Here is what I found on the net.

As of 5/14/2007
64,951 CRV Sales
55,900 RAV4 Sales
54,105 Escape Sales
46,697 Explorer Sales

RX is not even on the list... Here is the link....
http://www.autospies.com/news/Can-Yo...ise-You-15143/

Actually, this is good news for me which means I am not going to see so many RX350 on the road these days....

 

What I said was, essentially that the RX was #1 best-selling luxury vehicle in America and now is #2 later in its cycle.

The RX has been, and still is, the top-selling luxury SUV. However, the BMW 3-series, which previously was #2 best-selling luxury vehicle in America, has now taken the top spot, helped by the recent introduction of the newest generation. The RX continues to sell strongly but not as high as when it first came out, which is natural and expected, yet it remains a solid #2 best-selling luxury vehicle.

None of the luxury vehicles sold in the US or anywhere in the world are in the top 10 lists of total cars sold, AFAIK. For instance, Toyota sells more hybrid vehicles globally than Mercedes-Benz's entire vehicle lineup. And none of the luxury sedans or SUVs will rank in the top 10 lists for overall sales; we are talking about the luxury segment. That said, with 100,000+ sales, the RX sales are definitely worth mentioning and can be compared on those terms, luxury and otherwise.