Leaked: 2010 Lexus RX

LOS ANGELES — Weeks ahead of its official introduction at next month's 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2010 Lexus RX has broken cover on the Web.

Images from what appears to be a Japanese sales brochure were posted on Autoblog, Autospies and other sites on Wednesday. The vehicles are identified as the RX 350 and the RX 450h, suggesting that the latter model — the hybrid edition — is getting a bump in power over today's RX 400h.

The third-generation RX goes on sale in early 2009 with all-new sheet metal and interiors and heavily revised mechanicals. The evolutionary styling theme draws inspiration from the LF-Xh concept displayed at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show.

Reports from Japan say the new model is slightly larger than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase. The 3.5-liter V6 will be retained, with modest increases in output and torque, and a new six-speed automatic replacing the current five-speed box.

Inside Line says: The jury, including a number of middle-aged female loyalists, is still out. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent