Lexus RX (AL10)

For a complete overview of all RX models, see Lexus RX.

Lexus RX (AL10)

Manufacturer	Lexus
Production	2009–present
Assembly	Canada: Cambridge, Ontario (TMMC) Japan: Miyawaka, Fukuoka
Class	Mid-size crossover SUV
Body style(s)	4-door SUV
Layout	Front-engine, FWD, AWD
Engine(s)	2.7 L 1AR-FE I4 3.5 L 2GR-FE V6 3.5 L 2GR-FXE V6 (hybrid)
Transmission(s)	6-speed automatic U660E/F 6-speed CVT
Wheelbase	107.9 in (2,740 mm)
Length	187.8 in (4,770 mm)
Width	74.2 in (1,880 mm)
Height	AWD: 66.3 in (1,680 mm) FWD: 67.7 in (1,720 mm)

The Lexus RX (AL10) is the third generation of the Lexus RX series of crossover SUVs, sold by Lexus since 2009. The vehicle series is a complete redesign of Lexus' crossover model line, with models debuting in 2009 including the RX 350 (GGL10/GGL15) and RX 450h (GYL10/GYL15). The third generation RX was first shown in November 2008 at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, where both the new RX 350 and RX 450h debuted. The RX 450h succeeded the prior generation RX 400h, which was the initial Lexus model to use a hybrid powertrain. Both models were the first to receive Lexus' Remote Touch haptic control interface. The RX 350 and RX 450h models first went on sale in North America, Europe, Asia (including Japan for the first time), and other markets in 2009 as a 2010 model.

The third generation Lexus RX is built in Japan and Canada, with North American models primarily built in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. In 2010, the RX 270 (AGL10), an entry-level model, debuted in Japan, China, and Russia.

History of development

Concept (LF-Xh)

Further information: Lexus LF-Xh

The Lexus LF-Xh at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.

A hybrid concept vehicle, the LF-Xh, previewed the third generation RX's design direction at international auto shows a year prior. The LF-Xh, which stands for Lexus Future-Crossover(X) hybrid, was first shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. The LF-Xh featured a V6 engine with electric motors, LED headlights and taillights, and a concept interior.

Exterior and interior

2010 Lexus RX 350 (GGL15; Europe)

The third generation RX's new exterior styling adopts the L-finesse design language, and outer features include a rear spoiler which hides the rear window wiper and radio antenna creating a less cluttered appearance. The drag coefficient on the latest RX 350 has been reduced to 0.33 C_d. Exterior dimensions are increased, with cargo room increased by five percent over the prior generation. For the interior, major standard features include SmartAccess, a keyless entry and start system, electrochromic heated side mirrors, UV reducing exterior glass, Bluetooth, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power 10-way driver and passenger seats, sliding and reclining rear seats and a power rear hatch. The instrument cluster's multi-function display uses an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display instead of a thin film transistor (TFT-LCD) display.

Third generation Lexus RX interior, with Remote Touch

Optional accessory features include, 19-inch wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, power front seat cushion extender, perforated and semi-aniline leather seats, a smog sensor for the HVAC system, power folding side view mirrors, and navigation system. With XM subscription the navigation adds real-time NavTraffic and NavWeather updates. Other options include a heads-up display (HUD) which uses high-intensity LEDs displaying high contrast white figures on the windshield allowing it to be read in direct sunlight. XM Satellite Radio, a 15-speaker 330-watt Mark Levinson Surround Sound audio system and a dual-screen Rear Seat Entertainment System (RSES) are also offered.

Safety systems

The third generation RX comes standard with a twin-chamber front passenger airbags, side torso airbags for the front row, side curtain airbags for front and rear rows, and knee airbags for the front row. Active headrests become standard to help reduce whiplash injuries. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) which helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards on inclines are standard while a more advanced Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system is optional. VDIM is designed to be more subtle and less intrusive in performance than VSC alone, VDIM can also engage prior to an actual skid taking place acting as a preventative measure. The Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) remains optional, while a new bi-xenon optional Intelligent Highbeam feature is added, this system can dim the high-beams automatically whenever traffic is detected.

2010 Lexus RX 350 (GGL15; U.S.)

Other new optional features include a Pre-Collision System (PCS) and a Head-up Display (HUD) which helps the driver keep attention on the road ahead by displaying navigation, speed, and audio information on the windshield. The optional navigation system offers a backup camera and a Wide-View Side Monitor utilizes a camera on the passenger side view mirror to help eliminate blind spots on the passenger side at low speeds, this system does not include the 180° wide-angle front camera found in the LX 570. To further help improve visibility, water-repellent glass is used on the front doors.

NHTSA crash test results in 2009 rated the RX 350 the maximum five stars in the Frontal Driver, Frontal Passenger, Side Driver, and Side Rear Passenger categories, and four of five stars in the Rollover category. The IIHS rated the RX 350 a Top Safety Pick given "Good" overall ratings in both frontal offset and side crash tests, the RX also received "Good" ratings in all 14 measured categories.

Models

GGL10 / GGL15 (2009)

2010 Lexus RX 350 (GGL10/GGL15)

Lexus debuted the third generation Lexus RX in November 2008. The RX 350 (GGL10/GGL15) features a revised 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 engine producing 275 horsepower (205 kW) with a wider power curve, it remains ULEV-II certified and now uses a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift. The new transmission can lock-up its torque converter from 2^nd through 6^th gears to improve fuel economy. By dropping the center locking differential, a new Active Torque Control all-wheel drive system diverts anywhere from 50% or up to 100% power to the front wheels for reduced drivetrain associated efficiency losses which in turn increases fuel efficiency. An Electric Power Steering (EPS) system replaces the previous belt-driven hydraulic pump. A double wishbone rear suspension setup replaces the previous MacPherson strut design for improved handling and greater cargo space, while an optional Sports Package adds a performance-tuned suspension.

The third generation RX debuted new cabin technologies, including VoiceBox Technologies conversational speech voice recognition system, the first of its kind in the U.S., which can recognize general speech commands. The new hard disk drive HDD-based navigation system no longer used a touchscreen, instead replacing it with Lexus' Remote Touch controller, similar in function to a computer mouse, with haptic feedback.

American RX 350 sales began in February 2009 as a 2010 model. For 2009, the front-wheel drive RX 350 starts at US$36,800 while the all-wheel drive version starts at US$38,200. EPA-estimated fuel economy is improved at city/highway/combined 18/25/21 mpg for the FWD RX 350 and 18/24/20 mpg for the AWD model.

GYL10 / GYL15 (2009)

For a complete explanation of the RX 450h drivetrain, see Lexus Hybrid Drive.

2010 Lexus RX 450h (GYL10/GYL15; U.S.)

Introduced in 2009 as a 2010 model year vehicle, the RX 450h (GLV10/GLV15) premiered alongside its non-hybrid counterpart, the RX 350. Manufacturer's specifications indicated largely identical outward dimensions for the RX 450h with the RX 350. The RX 450h was scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in mid to late 2009, with sales introductions for the RX 450h in Asia (including Japan) and Europe in the same year.

The RX 450h features an upgraded 3.5 L 2GR-FE V6 engine (shared with the RX 350) which produces 245 hp (183 kW) at 6000 rpm, along with a new inverter which boosts total horsepower to 297 hp (221 kW) (with the electric motors providing an added 22 hp (16 kW)). The new inverter is 8 kg lighter, and more efficient. Up to three electric motors are used in the hybrid system, including two dual motors for the forward wheels (123 kW output), and a third for the rear wheels on the AWD model (50 kW; engages when slippage is detected or the throttle pressed firmly).

Cutaway model showing the RX 450h powertrain.

The RX 450h's V6 engine now runs on the Atkinson cycle for added efficiency. Compared to the prior Otto cycle system, the Atkinson cycle has a lower compression ratio, along with higher expansion ratio inside engine cylinders. This system uses less energy to form fuel-air mixtures, and releases more energy. A lighter, more free-flowing oil (0W-20) is also used, reducing friction energy loss and oil pump power requirements. Two additional systems are added to the RX 450h's Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain, an exhaust-heat recovery system to reduce engine warm-up periods (optimizing engine start-stop times, particularly in cold conditions), and a cooled exhaust gas-recirculation system to reduce fuel pumping loss. The electric motors use the first automotive application of liquid cooling on both sides of the high-current transistors, allowing greater contribution from the electric motors versus the gasoline engine.

2010 Lexus RX 450h (GYL15; U.S.)

Fuel efficiency, according to EPA testing, is increased by twenty percent over the previous RX 400h. Initial manufacturer data pointed to an increase of at least eight percent over the prior model. In the U.S., the RX 450h is certified with a 2009 EPA fuel economy rating of 32 mpg city, 28 highway for the FWD model, and 30 mpg city, 28 highway for the AWD model. This 30 mpg combined rating compares with the 20 mpg combined rating of the non-hybrid RX model. The powertrain is linked to an instrument panel Eco light indicator, which enables drivers to monitor their fuel efficiency as it correlates with accelerator modulation.

In July 2010, Bloomberg reported that an all-electric Lexus RX had been developed in partnership with Tesla Motors. The RX was fitted with a Tesla-designed battery pack, and is to be used as a test mule for electric vehicle development.

AGL10 (2010)

In August 2010, Lexus began offering the RX 270 (AGL10), a front-wheel drive model with a 2.7 L 1AR-FE four-cylinder engine, in Japan, China, and Russia. The RX 270 was a new entry-level offering for the RX lineup, produced with a lower base price and fewer emissions. It was introduced at the 2010 Moscow Auto Show, and aimed to circumvent the additional taxes applied to automobiles with large engine displacements and higher emissions; import cars in China over 3.0 L are subject to additional fees.

Awards

Several awards won by the third generation Lexus RX include AutoPacific 2010 Vehicle Satisfaction Award for Luxury Crossover SUV, Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Award for Luxury Utility Vehicle, and 2010 Residual Value Award for Near Luxury SUV from Automotive Lease Guide. The IIHS has awarded the RX 350 its Top Safety Pick accolade.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Lexus RX

• Lexus RX official sites for Australia, Canada, Europe, Russia, Taiwan, UK, U.S.
• Lexus RX Hybrid official sites for Australia, China, Korea, Poland, UK, U.S.