Lexus Unveils New RX in LA

If you close your eyes and imagine a luxury crossover, chances are good that you just envisioned a Lexus RX. An incredibly

popular vehicle, it's one of the most recognizable luxury models from Toyota's premium brand, and has maintained basically the same overall layout and appearance through two generations spanning from 1997.

But, with the current offering dating from 2004, the RX is beginning to show its age. Anyone that's driven the most current variant will certainly agree that it stands out as the most Toyota of Lexus offerings, but all that is about to change with the 2010 model year. Promised to roll out of the same Cambridge, Ontario plant as the current model (it's the only Lexus model produced outside of Japan), the new variant will soldier on with the same RX 350 nomenclature, but the hybrid model earns a new name: RX 450h. The popular hybrid model will see a new 3.5L V6 hybrid drivetrain installed; one that utilizes the thrifty Atkinson cycle method of producing power. Paired with a more efficient inverter, the

overall output is up 27 horsepower, with the total falling just five horsepower shy of the magical 300 horsepower mark.

But that's not the only news for the big hybrid. A new exhaust heat recovery system reduces engine warm-up time. Of course, an engine is far more efficient at operating temperature, so that will help increase economy as well as extend engine life. Likewise, a new cooler exhaust gas recirculation system will work to decrease engine pumping losses; undoubtedly freeing up some of those 27 newfound ponies as well as helping the fuel economy figures. Driving the front wheels, the engine will be assisted by an electric motor that will work to spin the rear wheels. This electronic AWD layout helps reduce friction and thus increases efficiency over traditional mechanical AWD systems.

The

standard RX 350 hasn't been forgotten in the upgrade, of course. Under it's a freshly shaped hood is a snazzy new 3.5-liter V6 producing 275-horsepower. The obligatory “sequential shift” electronically controlled automatic gearbox is fitted, for those that want to hustle their RX 350 through the twisties with at least a modicum of control over the slushbox's gear selection.

Outside, the RX keeps the same style of bodywork, albeit rendered in a much more handsome, far more modern way. Inside, the five passenger cabin has been divided up into a new “dual cockpit” system that provides each passenger with the most space and friendliest ergonomics possible. Obviously, a high degree of luxury comes standard, but even more options abound than ever before.

The 2010 RX 350 will hit showrooms in February, while the hybrid will be available come spring.