Autoblog

2013 Lexus RX facelift leaked prior to Geneva debut

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Lexus, Luxury

While it's not a complete redesign, Lexus has quite a few tweaks planned for its 2013 RX range. We got an initial glimpse of the crossover's new face via a grouping of leaked brochure scans, and now, it appears that some semi-official stock shots have hit the Interwebs prior to the CUV's debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week.

We like the look of the RX's new front fascia, but that's probably because we already like it on the CT, GS and LX, not to mention the forthcoming ES; it's that same pinched spindle grille with LED running lamps flanking either side. What's most interesting about the 2013 RX, however, is that an F Sport model (pictured right) will be produced, offering a sportier appearance that includes things like a new front bumper, honeycomb grille, larger wheels and tinted front and rear lamps, among other things.

The 2013 RX's interior is slated to get a decent overhaul as well, with a new center stack with an infotainment screen that's now recessed into the top tier of the dash. Expect both RX 350 and RX 450h models to be offered with their powertrains likely untouched from the current models, save a slight massaging or two. We'll have the full scoop as part of next week's Geneva madness.

2013 Lexus RX facelift leaked prior to Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus marketing boss says "no" to entry-level models, wants RX family

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Lexus, Luxury

Although other luxury makers from Germany and Japan are fearlessly diving into lower price segments in the U.S., Lexus marketing VP Brian Smith has gone on the record with Cars.com as saying, "I don't think [entry-luxury] is a focus of ours right now." The reason: even with last year's acts of God, Toyota's upscale arm still holds an enviable position with the RX, which was the second-best-selling luxury vehicle in 2011.

As well, for the moment, it has its brand-hands full with rebuilding its inventories and recasting audience perception. Led by the 2013 Lexus GS and that grille, soon to be followed by the 2013 RX (pictured) and ES that will also feature that grille if the leaks can be believed, Lexus is more concerned with sloughing off its reputation as a maker of staid cars for people who hate driving. Lexus appears to believe it will be headed where it wishes to go as long as it gets its current vehicles just right.

Smith said the company has a plan to be "the fastest-growing luxury brand," and instead of an assault on the low end that could mean variations on the RX. One imagines it would be a much safer play since the RX hasn't been milked at all for buyers in nearby segments, and fourteen years of dominance with one vehicle in a seriously competitive chunk of the market is stupefying. Smith couldn't give any clues to what might come, but did admit that he "would love to see the RX family grow."

Lexus marketing boss says "no" to entry-level models, wants RX family originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Lexus RX redesign revealed in leaked brochure

Noah Joseph — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Lexus, Design/Style, Luxury

There's no doubting the importance of the Lexus RX. It's one of the top-selling models from one of the top-selling luxury marques. At the cutting edge when introduced in the late '90s, the RX is now on its third iteration, with a fourth on the way - and this appears to be our best look at it yet.

Coming your way via a leaked brochure, the 2013 Lexus RX is apparently undergoing a facelift that will bring its appearance in line with the brand's latest design language - centering around the pinched chrome-edged "spindle" grille that characterizes the front of the latest GS sedan. Reshaped headlamps with a strip of LEDs flank either side, and, of course, it's all riding on new wheels.

While the RX may not be exactly what you'd call "performance-oriented" - floating as it does down the road and communicating less through the steering wheel than you'd expect from a pouting pre-teen behind a slammed bedroom door - the new model is apparently getting an F Sport trim kit. That would include a new front bumper, honeycomb grille, rear spoiler, bigger wheels and tinted lamps, with sportier trim to match on the inside.

We'd expect to see Lexus officially release the new RX sometime within the next few weeks, with a probable debut at the New York Auto Show in April, but in the meantime you can scope it out right here.

2013 Lexus RX redesign revealed in leaked brochure originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus planning LF-A Roadster for 2014; seven-seat CUV delayed

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Crossover, Lexus

The super-hot Lexus LFA coupe may only have a production run of 500 units, but the candle might not burn out on this stunner anytime soon. According to Automotive News, Lexus will produce an LFA roadster, previewed by the 2008 Detroit Auto Show concept car pictured above. Interestingly, the report indicates that there will likely be a one-year hiatus in between LFA coupe and roadster production, so the droptop supercar should hit the streets in mid-2014.

Automotive News also reports that Lexus' long-rumored seven-passenger crossover, dubbed 'VX', has been delayed, even after several years of study. As far as the automaker's CUVs and SUVs go, the RX will get a redesign in early 2014, using some of the new bits found in the updated Toyota Camry platform. The larger GX, which was redesigned in 2010, will not see any major changes, and the grandaddy LX will likely carry on unchanged for the foreseeable future - possibly beyond 2015.

Lexus' sedan lineup will also see some big changes over the next few years, starting with the launch of the all-new 2012 GS early next year. Following that, the ES will be redesigned and tuned and a hybrid version will finally be offered. The smaller IS will get an overhaul in late 2012, based on a chopped version of the new GS platform.

Lexus planning LF-A Roadster for 2014; seven-seat CUV delayed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota issues recall for Highlander, Lexus RX 400h hybrids

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Lexus, Toyota

Lexus RX 400h - Click above for high-res image

There's a problem with some 2006 and 2007 model year Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX 400h vehicles. Today, Toyota announced that it will voluntarily recall 45,500 Highlander Hybrid and 36,700 Lexus RX 400h vehicles that were sold in the States. What's the problem? Toyota says there is a control board with transistors inside the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) in the Hybrid System Inverter and that, "Certain transistors on the control boards in some of the subject vehicles were inadequately soldered and could be damaged from heat caused by a large current flow during high-load driving." Whoops.

Toyota says that the worst-case scenario is that the vehicles will either go into a fail-safe mode or the fuse will blow and the vehicle will coast to a stop. In order to fix the problem, Toyota needs to get the required replacement parts and will notify owners by mid-July when and how they can get the vehicles repaired for free. If you're curious about your own vehicle, you can call Toyota or Lexus directly. Phone numbers and more details are available in the press release after the jump. Information about other Toyota company recalls can be found in the archives.

Continue reading Toyota issues recall for Highlander, Lexus RX 400h hybrids

Toyota issues recall for Highlander, Lexus RX 400h hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How much is that hybrid in the window? Lexus displays at Harrods for the holidays

Noah Joseph — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Marketing/Advertising, Lexus, UK, Luxury

Lexus at Harrods - Click above for high-res image gallery

Looks like the Aston Martin Cygnet isn't the only luxed-up Toyota to go on display in the window at Harrod's this season. The Cygnet made its production debut there last month, and now Lexus is following suite with a holiday display of their own.

The ground-level display takes up four windows of storefront. One features the new CT 200h, another the RX 450h, a third highlighting the Mark Levinson sound systems found in many a Lexus, and the fourth a Lexus Lounge, whatever the heck that means.

The display will give holiday shoppers at "the world's most famous luxury store" a chance to check out the vehicles, sign up for a test drive or even place an order on site.

Gallery: Lexus at Harrods

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading How much is that hybrid in the window? Lexus displays at Harrods for the holidays

How much is that hybrid in the window? Lexus displays at Harrods for the holidays originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota recalling 1.66 million vehicles globally over brake and fuel pump woes [UPDATE]

Chris Paukert — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Lexus, Toyota, Luxury

Embattled automaker Toyota is staring down another massive recall. The safety action affects 1.53 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles globally, with the U.S. making up around 740,000 of that total and about 600,000 units coming out of the company's home market of Japan.

Stateside, models covered under the recall may have a faulty master cylinder seal in the braking system that could leak fluid, triggering a warning lamp and/or potentially resulting in reduced braking capability. Toyota models covered under the recall include the 2005-2006 Avalon and 2004-2006 Highlander (non-hybrid only), while Lexus service bays will open their doors for 2006 model year GS, IS and RX cars and crossovers.

In all, Toyota has called back over 10 million vehicles this year, with the most recent action being the Corolla/Matrix ECU recall that covered 1.1 million cars. Thanks to everyone for the tips.

*UPDATE: Official press release added after the jump.

Source: Reuters via Portfolio.com | Image: Rusty Jarrett/Getty for NASCAR]

Continue reading Toyota recalling 1.66 million vehicles globally over brake and fuel pump woes [UPDATE]

Toyota recalling 1.66 million vehicles globally over brake and fuel pump woes [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus Safety Experience: Enthusiast knowledge made common

Jeff Glucker — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Lexus, Toyota, Luxury

Lexus Safety Experience - Click above for high-res image gallery

You're an auto enthusiast. You know what all the acronyms on the buttons around your dash stand for. You understand that braking power can beat engine power 99% of the time. That feeling you get from activating the anti-lock braking system? It's not "scary" and you know you should keep your foot down. The problem is that the average driver or new-car shopper is not an enthusiast. Lexus knows this and it has created an event to help educate its salesmen around the country, who in turn can better explain the safety systems available on the cars in the showroom.

The Lexus Safety Experience is a half-day event that highlights the safety tech fitted to most Lexus vehicles (some 2010 models and all 2011s). In short, it decodes the aforementioned acronym alphabet soup and then demonstrates exactly what each one does. What does VSC stand for? What is TRAC and VDIM? Is EBD something I should get tested for?

Answers: Vehicle Stability Control. Traction Control Activity Area and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management. No, it means Electronic Brake-Force Distribution.

The terms might be foreign concepts to many of its customers, but Lexus is trying to change that. Not by telling its sales force what everything means - by showing them.

Gallery: Lexus Safety Experience

Continue reading Lexus Safety Experience: Enthusiast knowledge made common

Lexus Safety Experience: Enthusiast knowledge made common originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Oct 2010 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota leads the way in 2010 Motorist Choice Awards

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Lexus, Toyota

2011 Toyota Sienna - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you thought consumer sentiment for Toyota and Lexus might be wavering, think again. Toyota is top of the class based on results from the 2010 Motorist Choice Awards, a consumer-driven study developed by Intellichoice and AutoPacific. Offerings from Toyota and Lexus were named winners in nine out of the 30 available award categories.

The Motorist Choice Awards has now entered its fifth year and the categories are more refined and easier to understand than in years past. Instead of having consumers select makes and models simply based on size and price, award categories were transformed into lifestyle concepts such as High Tech, Fun to Drive and Value Car. Each category was further broken down into Popular Brand and Premium Brand.

Toyota received awards for Eco Friendly (Toyota Prius and Lexus RX Hybrid), High Tech (Lexus RX Hybrid), Youthful (Lexus IS), Kid Friendly (Toyota Sequoia), Road Trip (Toyota Sienna), City Car (Toyota Yaris and Lexus LS) and Value Car (Lexus RX Hybrid).

The winners were selected by pooling data from over 42,000 consumer surveys. "From an emotional standpoint these awards are a reflection of how cars fit into people's daily lives, the tasks they fulfill on a day-to-day basis and the image people have of their vehicles," says Charlie Vogelheim, Executive Editor of IntelliChoice. The full list of winners is available in the press release, waiting for you after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Toyota Sienna

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: Intellichoice]

Continue reading Toyota leads the way in 2010 Motorist Choice Awards

Toyota leads the way in 2010 Motorist Choice Awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Those two mystery Tesla prototypes for Toyota? Bloomberg says RAV4 and Lexus RX

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Toyota, Tesla, Electric

Toyota has several fingers in a few electric pies. There's the electric car it's working on in-house, in conjunction with Panasonic, using proprietary technology. Then there are two mash-up prototypes that Tesla is building for Toyota, which according to Bloomberg include an electric RAV4 and Lexus RX. According to the report, the crossovers were chosen because they're the best fit for the weight of Tesla's battery pack, which uses 6,831 lithium-ion batteries.

Even though the Elon Musk says he expects, "range and acceleration exceeding that of other announced electric vehicles of this class," we wonder if he's including a crossover like the BYD e6. The electric SUV from China is currently testing in the Shenzhen taxi fleet and claimed to have a range of 186 miles. If that's his target, then the numbers would exceed the figures Toyota has for the joint project, with an ideal cost of "about $40,000 with 150 miles (240 kilometers) of driving range per charge."

Tesla's electrified RAV4 and Lexus RX are predicted to be delivered to Toyota this month, so expect a barrage of news to be forthcoming.

[Source: BusinessWeek]

Those two mystery Tesla prototypes for Toyota? Bloomberg says RAV4 and Lexus RX originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Three Toyotas latest to earn IIHS Top Safety Picks

Zach Bowman — Wed, 26 May 2010 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Sedan, Safety, Luxury

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has just announced that a total of three new Toyota vehicles have been given Top Safety Pick awards. Both the 2011 Toyota Avalon and 2011 Toyota Sienna were awarded the institute's highest ratings in front, side, rollover and rear crash tests. The 2010 Lexus RX also nabbed a Top Safety Pick nod. All of the vehicles come with electronic stability control as standard equipment - another parameter for receiving the award.

Toyota's Sienna earns the honor of being the first minivan to receive the Top Safety Pick since the IIHS added rollover data to its list of crash criteria in 2010. The news is likely to come as music to the ears of Toyota engineers and dealers, both of which have had to stand by and watch their brand's quality and safety reputation erode under a hail of recalls. Thanks for the tip, Eddie!

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Three Toyotas latest to earn IIHS Top Safety Picks originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Meet the world's most desirable Lexus RX450h by Branew

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Hybrid, Japan, Crossover, Lexus, Luxury

Branew Lexus RX450h - click above image to view hi-res gallery

Let me be blunt: I don't like luxury crossovers. At all. It's a niche with no appeal to me whatsoever. Not a car, not a truck - just a fat sedan jacked up on stilts to woo trophy wives with fancy badges and reassure soccer mammas that their children are "safe." And the Lexus RX gets the sharp point of my spear of anger because it's basically responsible for the high-end CUV craze. Not a fan of hybrids, either. That said, I'm absolutely smitten with Branew's Lexus RX450h.

I think it's the stance, has to be. But there is just something very desirable - from an aesthetic standpoint. The big 24-inch wheels help tremendously, perching Branew's at just the right height. And the lower fascia helps the quite handsome - if not distinctive - OEM grill pop. And I know it's going to be a controversial opinion, but the koi fish on the hood totally work. In fact, I know a certain Subaru WRX that could use a koi or two. Anyhow, while I'd rather gargle nails than rock a luxo-CUV, if forced at gunpoint, Branew's RX450h would be my first (and only) choice.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Branew Lexus RX450h

SEMA 2009: Meet the world's most desirable Lexus RX450h by Branew originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DetNews: Will Lexus become Toyota's Buick? Is it already?

Dan Roth — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Buick, Lexus

2010 Lexus HS250h - Click above for high-res image gallery

With a median buyer age of 56 years old and its reputation for longevity, today's Lexus ES350 may be the very last car many of the brand's buyers purchase. It's not like Lexus hasn't tried to attract younger buyers - those who may actually buy another car before being planted. Since its inception, the IS sedan has been a calculated shot at capturing the fancy of BMW buyers, especially the high performing IS-F. Youthful, eco-minded buyers will soon find the hybrid HS250h, but the marque's biggest seller is the RX350 crossover, something of an acknowledged yuppie mommy mobile.

An entry-level crossover slotting under the RX would give Lexus something to lob at the GLK, X3, and Q5, but that's not yet in the pipeline, says Mark Phelan of The Detroit Free Press. There's nothing wrong with selling cars to people who care most about reputation, quietude, and comfort instead of the car person's holy trinity of acceleration, handling, and styling. Lexus cars are fussed-over and the brand's buyers care about quality, so Lexus has that angle sewn up, but attracting younger buyers seems to be an increasingly important item on the punch list. Perhaps a leather-lined Sienna variant with a Mark Levinson entertainment system to grab the parent dollar?

Gallery: 2010 Lexus HS250h

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

DetNews: Will Lexus become Toyota's Buick? Is it already? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus reportedly aiming to please younger generation, compete with entry-level BMWs

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Lexus

2010 Lexus IS350 C - Click above for a high-res image gallery

When Lexus was founded in 1989, it appealed to the staid sensibilities of its 45-year-old demographic. Now, those buyers are in their mid-sixties, and Lexus, faced with a 34.1% sales slip for the first six months of the year - more than its primary rivals from Germany - is rethinking its line-up and consumer experience to appeal to younger buyers.

Speaking with Automotive News, Lexus execs admitted they've grown too dependent on sales of the RX crossover, and in an attempt to right the ship - and score sales from BMW 3 series coupe and convertible buyers - they've begun a new push for the IS sedan, and in particular, the new IS convertible.

In addition to the droptop and recently released HS 250h hybrid sedan, Lexus wants to add an array of entry-level models into its line, including more "green" vehicles and sports-oriented models. The automaker's Taste of Lexus events held around the country to woo buyers into showrooms with ride-and-drives and hors d'oeuvres - reportedly costing around $1 million per city - are going by the wayside, and instead, Lexus is pushing its dealer training program to ensure top-notch service, along with a focus on tech-rich features and new, edgier ad campaigns.

Although the RX is still outselling all of its nearest competitors in the luxury crossover segment, Lexus realizes that it has to offer buyers more, particularly those in the coveted 25-35-year-old demographic. Hopefully, that means more high-performance and fuel efficient models, and less confusing (if artsy) advertising campaigns.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lexus IS250 C and IS350 C

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Lexus reportedly aiming to please younger generation, compete with entry-level BMWs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Crossover, Lexus, First Drives

2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h - Click above for high-res image gallery

Few vehicles have done more to establish a genre and define a brand as much as the Lexus RX. Introduced over a decade ago to suburbanite real estate agents and their Napa-weekending friends, the original RX300 helped boost Lexus sales by 60% when it hit dealers in late 1998. Over the ensuing years, Lexus' posh people mover slowly evolved to include a hybrid drivetrain, a refreshed exterior and tasteful appointments that helped solidify its success. For 2010, the RX plays the same tune but adds a few more instruments, a new backbeat and reworked crescendo.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lexus RX350 and RS450h

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h

First Drive: 2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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w00t! The return of the Autoblog Podcast!

Dan Roth — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Podcasts, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Lexus, Mazda

If we were going to continue numbering things, this would technically be Autoblog Podcast #103. We had tried to record this comeback episode once already about three weeks ago, and that turned out to be the only time I've ever toasted an audio file. Pro Tools said "uhh, what?" and that was that - our file was gone. So, before Chris Shunk headed out the door to the LA Auto Show, we sat down and breezed through a few subjects like what's in our respective Autoblog Garages, the new Mustang, the new Mazda 3, the new Lexus RX crossovers, and of course, the situation in which the Detroit automakers find themselves. It's a slightly rambly hour and only a duo this time around, but we're going to do it again soon with a trio, just like old times.

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w00t! The return of the Autoblog Podcast! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2008: Lexus unveils the third generation RX350 and RX450h

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:25:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Lexus

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h

Lexus dropped the third-generation RX on the world today here at the LA Auto Show. As before, the RX luxury crossover comes in two forms, the standard issue RX350 and the hybrid RX450h. The 3.5L RX350 gets a power bump to 275 hp while the hybrid engine grows from 3.3L up to 3.5L and 295 total horsepower. Lexus has improved the inverter that converts between DC power from the battery to AC for the motor, making the whole hybrid drivetrain more efficient. The RX450h gets a unique grill and badging to set it slightly apart from the new RX350, while both models get plenty of new gizmos and gadgets including an upgraded navigation and telematics system. For instance, a new controller for the nav system that Toyota calls Remote Touch provides customizable haptic feedback as you use it. A larger brighter OLED display screen also offers an improved angle of vision and a heads up display is available for the first time. The design is an obvious evolution of the previous RX, but now features a more broad-shouldered look just like the Toyota Highlander with which it shares its platform. Check out the press release after the jump as well as our high-res images in the galleries below.

Gallery: LA 2008: 2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h

Gallery: 2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h

Continue reading LA 2008: Lexus unveils the third generation RX350 and RX450h

LA 2008: Lexus unveils the third generation RX350 and RX450h originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Preview: Lexus confirms debut of 2010 RX450h and RX350

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Sedan, Crossover, Lexus

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]

Continue reading LA Preview: Lexus confirms debut of 2010 RX450h and RX350

LA Preview: Lexus confirms debut of 2010 RX450h and RX350 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Lexus RX revealed early in Japanese brochure

John Neff — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, SUV, Crossover, Lexus

Click above for gallery of 2010 Lexus RX leaked shots

Thanks to an astute Autoblog tipster, we have our very first look at the upcoming redesigned 2010 Lexus RX ahead of its official unveiling at the LA Auto Show next month. As you can see in the gallery below, which show shots from what appears to be a Japanese brochure, the new RX will retain the same basic shape and styling cues as the current model, but has been gone over with some fine grit sandpaper to smooth out the rough edges. In traditional Lexus fashion, while the new RX may look similar to the old one, we're absolutely certain every body panel is all new. The redesigned interior also features a seriously swoopy dash.

The new RX is also rumored to be larger than the current model with a longer wheelbase that may accommodate a third row of seating for the first time. We expect a revised version of the current model's 3.5L V6 to be offered, probably with more power and better fuel economy, as well as a new version of the RX400h hybrid. Take a look at the sneak preview in the gallery below and let us know what you think in the comments. Thanks for the tip, Stan!

Gallery: 2010 Lexus RX - leaked shots

2010 Lexus RX revealed early in Japanese brochure originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus execs spills the beans: GS F model, 1-series fighter, hybrid galore

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Green, Crossover, Lexus, Australia

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lexus LF-A Roadster concept.

Lexus Australia's chief executive, John Roca, gave up a number of product details to The Australian in an interview this past weekend, including the addition of an "F" variant of the GS sedan and possibly a full-size LS limo. Both models are aimed to attack luxury stalwarts Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz by offering a number of high-performance variants and also developing a new model that would slot in below the IS sedan to take on the BMW 1-series and the Audi A3. That model is still a few years away, but it will be an integral part of Lexus' commitment to reach one million global sales in the next two to three years.

The other element includes offering hybrid versions of every vehicle it sells, plus the introduction of a hybrid-only model that will be unveiled in concept form this January at the Detroit Auto Show. Toyota's luxury arm plans to release a redesigned five-seater RX next year, based off the LF-Xh concept that bowed in Tokyo, although there's no word on the rumored seven-seat variant due out before the end of the decade.

Naturally, no conversation about Lexus would be complete without some mention of a two-door, coupe/convertible version of the IS, a model that's been sorely lacking from the Lexus lineup, plus, the LF-A supercar, which should finally come to market in 2011, but may only be available in left-hand drive.

Gallery: Lexus LF-Xh concept

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Roadster

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Concept

[Source: The Australian via Motor Authority]

Lexus execs spills the beans: GS F model, 1-series fighter, hybrid galore originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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