LA Preview: Lexus confirms debut of 2010 RX450h and RX350
Our friendly neighborhood Toyota/Lexus spokesman, Curt McAllister, dropped us a note with an official announcement of what's coming to the Lexus booth at next week's LA Auto Show, and as expected, the big reveal will be the reworked RX luxury crossover. Like the current crossovers, the RX will come in two prescription strengths: the conventional RX350 with a 3.5L V6 and the hybrid flavored RX450h. The bump in nomenclature from the current RX400h likely implies some enhancements to the powertrain including a bump from the current 3.3L V6 to the 3.5L engine used in the 350. It's assumed the RX400h will also boast enhancements to the hybrid drive system with tech pulled from the 2010 Toyota Prius. The photo above, taken of the Japanese brochure, appeared online showing an evolution of the current design rather than a revolutionary redesign. In addition to the RX, LA will host the North American debut of the all-wheel-drive equipped LS460 and the IS 250C Convertible.
[Source: Lexus]
Lexus to Debut 2010 RX at the Los Angeles Auto Show
TORRANCE (Nov. 11, 2008) – Lexus will stage the world premiere of the all-new 2010 RX 450h hybrid and RX 350 luxury utility vehicles at a press conference at the upcoming 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19.
The next generation RX models will raise the bar above the current best-selling products by offering outstanding luxury, comfort, technology, safety and efficiency.
Recently revealed at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the 2010 IS convertible will make its North American debut at the show. The IS 250C and IS 350C convertibles feature a lightweight aluminum three-panel roof that opens in just seconds. They feature the same powertrains as the IS sedans: the IS 250C receives a 2.5-liter, 204-hp V6 mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission; and the IS 350C contains a 3.5-liter, 306-hp V6 with a six-speed automatic.
Also making their first appearance are the 2009 Lexus LS 460 and LS 460 L all-wheel drive (AWD) luxury sedans. Available in both standard and long wheelbase, they utilize a highly compact center TORSEN® Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) that optimally distributes drive torque between the front and rear wheels, thus helping to ensure excellent traction performance and driving stability.
The RX press conference will be held on Wednesday, November 19, at 1:20 p.m. PST in the Lexus display area at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
TJ 2:06PM (11/12/2008)
Does this share a platform with the Venza?
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Torrent 2:08PM (11/12/2008)
It should. it even has seemingly the same interior.
inteller 2:07PM (11/12/2008)
look, its the love child of an EX35 and a CX-9.
Lexus....you failed it.
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Serge 3:13PM (11/12/2008)
Jap on Jap crime :0
LMBVette 4:14PM (11/12/2008)
Speaking of love child.......the black picture makes it look like it has "poopie" diapers. ewwwww!
Tang 2:08PM (11/12/2008)
that's definitely a CX-9 rear end
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Torrent 2:09PM (11/12/2008)
Maybe it needs a better background?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3276/2997091130_478db59a44.jpg?v=0
looks a lil better....
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dsharp23 2:19PM (11/12/2008)
that only works if you wear those "everything is glowing" glasses. And with those on, I look good!
k.w.a 2:17PM (11/12/2008)
i like it, even though it doesn't look that different from the outgoing one.
Also you can definitely tell Toyota makes their cars out of a recycling bin. all their cars have some styling cue
(headlights, tailghts, shape, etc.) that's reminiscent of some other Toyota/Lexus. While i think that's a smart move internally because it cuts cost, they shouldnt do it a much externally... after a while it starts to look cheesy
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WB11MVP 2:32PM (11/12/2008)
Thats a real shame... I was hoping it looked better. I guess Mom will get the X5 Diesel to satisfy her Green SUV need. I'm not a Lexus hater, I actually love the RX450h she has right now but this just looks downright bad.
cpowell 3:06PM (11/12/2008)
anybody else think that rear en looks like the love child of an Infiniti EX and a Subaru Tribeca?
Maybe it's just me.
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policyvote 3:07PM (11/12/2008)
Yeah, I saw Subaru all over that rear end shot.
Peace
policy
Cam 3:24PM (11/12/2008)
For real. As soon as I saw this pic all I could think about was Subaru. The creativity is just flowing through manufacturers today!
Turkle 2:41PM (11/12/2008)
Can someone with more artistic background than me please explain why several brands now equate "big shoulders" to luxury? Look at the Maxima, the new T(erd)L, this thing, and previous BMWs, some of the new M-Bs, etc,. I think it makes the cars look bloated and dumpy around the middle. As the car ultimately tapers back to the center as you get closer to the ground, it definitely makes the car look fat.
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LloydChiro 7:18PM (11/12/2008)
I remember a Top Gear episode from 2002 or so where they had the designer from Volvo explain the new look where the shoulders would take an almost 90 degree turn out for a few inches, then down. It gives the Volvo an extra sense of strength, particularly for side impact. I'm thinking that there is some practical engineering to it too. Putting some of the side protection, window motors and airbags on the outside of the car surely makes more room inside of the car.
Richard 2:42PM (11/12/2008)
I think the front is a big improvement. The fender line looks lowered and the hood looks sportier. Perhaps the RX product managers have realized they are losing "luxo-sporty SUV-thing" sales to the FX.
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Eurovandriver 3:21PM (11/12/2008)
Hyundai Veracruz anyone? Who is copying off who here?
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big j 9:15PM (11/12/2008)
are you kidding me, hyundai hasn't come up with an original design in the past 10 years
hoci 3:23PM (11/12/2008)
front reminds me of the new Seat Ibiza
http://www.autounleashed.com/images/new_seat_ibiza.jpg
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happy_penguin 3:50PM (11/12/2008)
GMC Acadia.
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