Lexus has unveiled the most advanced generation of its trend-setting RX luxury crossover vehicles for 2010, the V6-powered RX 350 and the hybrid RX 450h, at the 2009 Montreal International Auto Show. More than one million Lexus RX models have been sold worldwide, making it the most successful luxury crossover vehicle. Both new models may have distinctive powertrains, but they both set a new benchmark in advanced performance, fuel efficiency, new intuitive technologies and design and class-leading safety.
Lexus inaugurated the luxury crossover category with the original RX 300 model in 1998, and the third generation RX 350 will represent an evolution in advanced driving experiences for the advanced crossover driver. A revised more responsive 3.5 litre engine that achieves a horsepower of 275 hp at 6,200 rpm (vs. 270 hp on previous generation) is mated to an all-new six speed automatic transmission. It is not only more powerful, but more fuel efficient than the previous generation. The RX 350 adds innovative new intuitive technologies, such as: a world's first Organic LED display, a new Remote Touch navigator, and Heads-up Display. Lexus' L-finesse design language is incorporated into the luxury crossover for the first time, creating a welcoming spirit outside
and a true crossover cockpit design on the inside. The all-new 2010 RX 350 will continue to be manufactured at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) by Team Members in Cambridge, Ontario. TMMC was also able to work closely with the engineers and designers on this vehicle, and Canadian Lexus guests will observe mainly Canadian winter ready features, such as: an integrated design for towing hitches and a rear windshield wiper that is integrated into the rear spoiler.
"The 2010 Lexus RX has taken its pioneering spirit and shifted dynamically into a new era of advanced driving," said Larry Hutchinson, Director, of Lexus in Canada. "Improved power, performance and intuitive technologies such as available Remote Touch and a Heads-up Display anticipate a remarkable shift in what the luxury driver needs and desires. The RX 350 is not only the most popular Lexus in Canada, it is now a Canadian luxury icon, and the fact that TMMC has played such an important role in the design and engineering of this vehicle speaks volumes about the skill and craftsmanship of Lexus Team Members."
Lexus created a vehicle without equal when it introduced the first-ever luxury hybrid in 2005. The second generation 2010 RX 450h now joins the world's only luxury hybrid lineup that it started and will continue to be on the cutting edge of advanced performance, luxury, fuel efficiency, and environmental leadership. No crossover exists in the world than can offer this same combination. It upgrades to a 3.5L V6 engine (vs. 3.3L of previous generation) that is matched to more efficient lighter electric motors and reach an incredible 295 net horsepower, providing a 10 per cent improvement inpower versus the previous generation. Lexus Hybrid Drive adopts the Atkinson Cycle for the first time to reduce energy loss and an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system that reduces smog forming emissions and improves overall fuel consumption. The 2010 RX 450h will not only be even more efficient in cold Canadian winters thanks to a new Exhaust Heat Recovery
System, early estimates indicate that it will achieve an incredible 14 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency over the previous generation - keeping it in a class by itself with no equal.
"We believe that the future of luxury motoring will not only require the most advanced technologies, but those that can offer optimum performance, power, fuel efficiency, and environmental excellence surrounded in luxury," continued Hutchinson. "With its outstanding performance, fuel efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and intuitive advanced technology, the 2010 RX 450h will be a clear leader for the RX series and the Lexus brand as it offers all these things and more."
The new RX 350 at a starting price of $46,900 MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) arrives in Lexus showrooms across Canada in February 2009. While pricing is not yet available on the RX 450h hybrid, it arrives a few months later. Lexus guests can visit [url=http://www.lexus.ca/rx]http://www.lexus.ca/rx[/url] for a sneak peek at the all-new RX.
