Lexus has issued their press release with details on the new 2010 RX 350 & 450h, which backs up the specifications and options I posted last month. Here’s some selected passages from the press release:

Entering its second generation, the RX 450h will feature an enhanced Lexus Hybrid Drive system with a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine that runs on a highly efficient Atkinson cycle. Combined with a new, more efficient inverter, the total system output will be 295 horsepower, 27 more horsepower than the current generation RX hybrid.

Another step in the Lexus Hybrid Drive’s evolution is the addition of two new systems that improve its efficiency. The first is an exhaust-heat recovery system that reduces engine warm-up time allowing it to stop earlier, more often, and for longer periods. The result is an improvement in both fuel economy and emissions. The second is a cooled exhaust-gas recirculation system that reduces engine pumping losses, which also helps to improve economy.

The RX 450h features a front-wheel hybrid drive or an electronically driven, part-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) hybrid drive system, which supplies the rear wheels with the optimal amount of torque as conditions demand. Unlike mechanical AWD systems that reduce fuel efficiency via added weight and friction, the RX 450h’s rear-mounted electric motor-generator allows all four wheels to perform regenerative braking, charging the hybrid battery more effectively.

The third generation RX 350 will be powered by an improved 275-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an electrically controlled, sequential-shift six-speed transaxle. The all-wheel-drive version will feature an Active Torque Control AWD system that optimizes torque depending on driving conditions, resulting in improved efficiency and performance.

The all-new RX models possess a number of Lexus-first technologies that enhance the ownership experience. An available Hard Disk Drive (HDD) navigation system has an all-new “Remote Touch” controller that is both intuitive and ergonomic. Positioned on the center console, Remote Touch is as natural to the driver’s hand as a computer mouse. It can also be customized to the desired level of haptic feedback. While RX will feature voice recognition as standard, the new navigation system will also include a new casual language voice-recognition system that acknowledges conversational commands. Standard XM® satellite-radio capability (requires subscription) is joined by XM NavTraffic and new NavWeather features.

The “display zone” assists the driver via an eight-inch, navigation display that is set back in the dash for improved visibility. A white Organic LED multi-informational display ensures exceptional readability from a wide angle. An optional Heads-up Display reduces the need for excessive eye movement, and the use of high-intensity LEDs make the display bright enough to be read in direct sunlight.

All in all, I’m impressed with the progression, particularly with the extremely modern interior, though I share the common opinion that the exterior design wasn’t pushed far enough. One thing to keep in mind is the need for balance and continuity, after all, the RX is Lexus’ best selling model.

There’s a lot to absorb, a ton of pictures and information to go through, and I’m going to give it some thought before I make a final decision. I can say this, I’ve seen both the heads-up display and the Remote Touch controller in action, and it was the first time I ever really wanted an RX.

We’ve seen the 2010 Lexus RX 450h, and now here’s a set of images from Lexus of the upcoming RX 350 — details on the new models in my next post:

Continuing in on the breakdown of the 2010 Lexus RX 350, here’s a list of newly available optional equipment:

• Bi-Xenon HID Headlamps
• Automatic High Beam Feature
• Auto-dimming Rearview Mirror with Integrated Backup Camera
• Wallet-Size Card Key
• 12-Speaker Premium Audio System
• USB Audio Input
• 15-Speaker Mark Levinson Audio System
• Voice-activated HDD Navigation System
• XM Real-Time Traffic Capability
• 19-inch Alloy Wheels
• P235/55R19 Tires
• Head-Up Display
• Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM)
• Driver Seat Variable Cushion Length Adjustment
• Front Passenger Seat Variable Cushion Length Adjustment
• Wide-View Side Monitor System
• Sport-Tuned Suspension
• Unique Wheel Finish
• Dual Screen Rear Seat DVD Entertainment System
• 3-Position Driver Seat Memory System
• Heated & Ventilated Front Seats

From the point-forms, it looks like the 2010 RX will be getting an option similar to the LX’s, where it will be possible to monitor the passenger-side via a mirror-mounted camera. One curious item is the Head-Up Display, can’t wait to see what an option like that entails.

John Roca, the chief executive of Lexus Australia, just can’t seem to help himself when it comes to leaking new product announcements. In an interview with The Australian, Roca dropped information about a number of new vehicles in the Lexus pipeline:

• Lexus will be expanding the F lineup to include the GS-F, which was rumored last year, and quite possibly a LS-F, both of which could be powered by a V10.
• There’s definitely plans to produce a new entry-level Lexus, positioned under the IS, which would compete with the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3.
• The dedicated hybrid, expected to be announced at next year’s Detroit Auto Show, would be separate from the new entry-level car, though that makes very little sense to me.
• The IS coupe/convertible is being tested in Australia right now, and is expected to be released late next year.
• The LF-A, seemingly stuck in concept form, will definitely see production, though it might not happen until 2011. Roca mentions that it may only be available in a left-hand drive configuration.
• Lastly, the next generation RX will be released next year, and will remain a 5-seater. (This mirrors the comments of a poster on my site, who also says there’s a 7-seater on the horizon, most likely the JX we heard about last year.)

For a short interview, this is a lot of verified rumors. It’s unclear exactly how the new entry-level model is going to play out, and whether this Lexus “Prius” will be separate or the very same thing.

I’ll admit that the possibility of a LS-F has me intrigued, but it’s safe to say it’s at least 2-3 years away.

Save for the short appearance by Charles Hubbard of Lexus College, this Bumper2Bumper TV video profile of the Lexus LX 570 doesn’t really have much to it, except for one thing — it shows that this vehicle looks absolutely spectacular in movement (around 45 seconds in, to be precise):

I think my devotion to the LX 470 made me lukewarm to the LX 570, but between this little glimpse and the videos released by Lexus, I’m definitely starting to come around.

The Auto Network has served up another Lexus presentation, this time a full blown dissertation about the IS-F. This presentation, along with the previously noted LX 570 breakdown, took place in Point Clear, Alabama, and provided the automotive press with an opportunity to learn about the vehicles to an extraordinary level of detail.

The first IS-F video is an introduction, most notable due to its alternative viewpoint as to where the “F” designation started (the other version states the “F” comes from the Fuji Speedway) and its assertion that the IS-F shifts faster than a Ferrari F430:

The second part, presented by Charles Hubbard of Lexus College, is easily the most detailed technical breakdown of the IS-F that I’ve seen or read:

Read the rest of this entry »