It's still a year and a half away, but we're giving you an early look at the 2009 Lexus RX 350 SUV with our latest series of photo illustrations.
According to our sources, the biggest change for the next-generation RX will be the introduction of a long-wheelbase model with room for seven. A standard five-passenger model will continue as the base version. The overall design uses a shorter greenhouse to give the vehicle a sleeker, more performance-oriented look. A unique treatment for the rear end allows for plenty of cargo and passenger space in back without sacrificing the low-slung profile.
Our sources are also telling us that this could be the first RX to offer V8 power. With an eye toward competing with the likes of the Porsche Cayenne and BMW's X5, this RX may offer the same 4.6-liter V8 engine used in the recently introduced LS 460 sedan. With 380 horsepower, an RX 460 would have plenty of pickup, especially if the engineers at Lexus find a way to fit their new eight-speed automatic transmission behind the powerful engine.
Base models are expected to continue with the 3.5-liter V6 introduced this year in the current RX 350. A hybrid model is guaranteed to be part of the mix as well, although this time it may be reserved for seven-passenger models only. Utilizing a blend of electric motors and the more powerful 3.5-liter V6, the next-generation RX hybrid should have more than enough power to deal with the added weight of two extra passengers.
Look for the official unveiling of these new RX SUVs at the Tokyo Motor Show in the fall of 2007 with U.S. sales beginning in the spring of 2008.
According to our sources, the biggest change for the next-generation RX will be the introduction of a long-wheelbase model with room for seven. A standard five-passenger model will continue as the base version. The overall design uses a shorter greenhouse to give the vehicle a sleeker, more performance-oriented look. A unique treatment for the rear end allows for plenty of cargo and passenger space in back without sacrificing the low-slung profile.
Our sources are also telling us that this could be the first RX to offer V8 power. With an eye toward competing with the likes of the Porsche Cayenne and BMW's X5, this RX may offer the same 4.6-liter V8 engine used in the recently introduced LS 460 sedan. With 380 horsepower, an RX 460 would have plenty of pickup, especially if the engineers at Lexus find a way to fit their new eight-speed automatic transmission behind the powerful engine.
Base models are expected to continue with the 3.5-liter V6 introduced this year in the current RX 350. A hybrid model is guaranteed to be part of the mix as well, although this time it may be reserved for seven-passenger models only. Utilizing a blend of electric motors and the more powerful 3.5-liter V6, the next-generation RX hybrid should have more than enough power to deal with the added weight of two extra passengers.
Look for the official unveiling of these new RX SUVs at the Tokyo Motor Show in the fall of 2007 with U.S. sales beginning in the spring of 2008.
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