Lexus RX: 2nd Generation

The latest in Lexus' series of Actively Safe commercials managed to give me the creeps very effectively:

No, really...where was the dog during the crash?

Edmunds has more spy footage of the Lexus RX prototype booting its way around Nürburgring (click on the image below to be taken to the video):

In their analysis, Edmunds points out the elimination of a portion of the rear side windows, which I had missed. Here's a visual comparison:

There's definitely little deviation from the current model, but I really like the improvements.

(Thanks Jarrett!)

As funny as it may be, I think this might be the first time I've seen mud on a Lexus RX ever:

[Source: Coloribus]

My least favorite German car magazine Auto Motor Und Sport has scooped up some footage of the next-generation Lexus RX making its way around Nürburgring:

Can't say this was something I would have ever expected to see, an RX on the 'ring. One thing's for sure, I don't ever want to see an RX going that fast again. The whole time on the track, and all I was worried about were the kids in the back seat.

In preparation of winter, Australia is getting a special edition of the Lexus RX 350 perfectly suited for the colder months. Here's a breakdown of the particulars:

Added extras include bespoke 18-inch shadow chrome alloy wheels, three unique exterior colours – including Arctic Blue, Burgundy and Onyx carbon – and an accessories pack featuring roof racks, nudge bar, tow bar, headlight covers, rear bumper protector, cargo mat and reverse parking sensors.

Only 250 examples of the Special Edition RX 350 will be offered, with each vehicle featuring unique SE badging and numbered build plates, making it one of the most exclusive RX Lexus vehicles.

I'm not a big fan of the wheel design, but the nudge bar on the front more than makes up for it. (More than anything, though, I really like the rear cargo mat pattern.)

Here's a gallery for a closer look:

[Source: Lexus Australia via The Motor Report]

In all the excitement of the just-seen Lexus RX prototype running the 'Ring in Germany, I missed that Leftlane News have their own spy coverage of the next-gen crossover. I love the revised stance of the vehicle:

The reduction of the rear bubble has done a lot to update the look of the RX, but I'll admit to some worry about the visible front-end:

Eddie in the comments hit it right on the head, there's too much Toyota showing through (I thought immediately of the previous generation Toyota Matrix). Still, remove all the camouflage and it could very well look like an IS-F.

Be sure to check out Leftlane News for more photos.