Following our revealing of the leaked brochures of the new Lexus RX, Lexus launched the third generation RX / Toyota Harrier in the LA Autoshow. Marking the arrival of the next King of road bound SUVs that sparked the popularization of this segment back in 1998, where we witnessed the transformational buying habit of the traditional car (sedan) buying public suddenly went all out crazy lusting after these big, huge, high ground clearance vehicles that seemed like outright bullies towering over those 'small little' S-Class or A8s.So what tricks does Toyota have up their sleeves this time around?
EngineThe new Lexus RX comprise of the 3.5 ltr V6, which now pumps out an amazing 275hp, whereas the Lexus 450h comprise of basically the same 3.5ltr V6 engine with an electric engine that combines a total output of 295hp, hence for countries with road tax that still goes by the 'prehistoric' higher displacement higher road tax system, there's no fear of the 450h being a 4.5ltr tax monster. Plenty of effort was put into fuel efficiency considerations, of which the Active Torque Control System will optimize output constantly, saving precious petrol and gaining more PR points, other steps in the 450h Hybrid Drive includes the new heat recovery system, which for colder climate countries, helps warm up the engine faster, and a cooled exhaust gas circulation system, thus improving fuel efficiency, again, gaining more PR points.
Comfort & EntertainmentThe new RX features a newly designed rear double wishbone suspension system that frees up more cargo space at the back, whereas the front McPherson strut's geometry was optimize to again complement the rear suspension for better comfort and driving agility (We'll see). Inside, of course interior comfort is where Lexus shines nowadays, featuring exceptionally comfortable and quiet cabins, the new RX is again complemented by Mark Levinson ICEs, throught Hard Disk Drives that of course includes capabilities of DVD, SatNav etc. One very interesting thing is the inclusion of a controlling device dubbed 'Remote Touch' where Lexus claims its a very comfortable, ergonomic way of controlling these multimedia heavy center entertainment consoles, Lexus claims its somewhat like a 'computer mouse' with Haptic Feedbacks, something like subtle vibrations that registers clicks and so on; and coming to think of it, I can't exactly operate my laptop with my hand on the mouse if I'm not looking at it.
SafetyReady for this? Welcome to the ABC vehicular alphabetical test from Lexus, let's not go too incomprehensible and start with the 10 airbags first, and then there are of course cameras on the rear assisting reverse maneuvers. and then there're cameras placed underneath both side mirrors for people who can't drive. Then, there comes the Tour De Force of Lexus' technology splurge, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) seamlessly integrates individual systems like Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Hill Assist Control (HAC) and Traction Control (TRAC), Pre Collision System (PCS), Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRC).
All, possibly for a driver who loves crashing around, for if not I can't really think of anyone would be of full use of such systems, for example, the VDIM, ABS, TRAC works together controlling your brake and pedals should they found that you're trying to have too much sideway fun, then if your DRC is ON, you'd be hard press to ram the burglars speeding away in front with, let's say a Smart, and then the HAC will prevent you from going too fast downhill if you're trying to kill your mate for that insurance policy you've been longing for so long, and lastly, if an oncoming vehicle had its high beam on and you can't seem to see a thing in front of you, the new AFS will automatically switch off your high beam to low beam should you even want to try to ON it, as its dangerous for the oncoming vehicle, now how thoughtful was that? So what are you waiting for? Go get yourself one of these. Oh and lastly, for automotive journalists, if you're trying to do a photo shoot of the Lexus RX parked with its lights ON at night, and the wheels turned towards the 11 O'Clock direction, and then preparing to take a photo showing the lights gleaming straight in the 12 O'Clock direction for that 'light beam effect' photo, be wary as the AFS would point the headlights at you!. Cheers!Pic Source: NetCarShow
