New RX plans to make a statement

With more than 2,1 million sold, it represents three out of every 10 vehicles the company has produced. The new fourth-generation model looks to build on that achievement, with a completely redesigned, luxurious interior, wrapped in a chiselled new body with a longer wheelbase.
Takayuki Katsuda, RX chief engineer, said, “Our ambition has been to make a completely new statement in this segment while building on and staying true to the ground-breaking values of previous RX generations. “Lexus’ pioneering spirit drives our creation of new technology and generates new ideas. It allows us to introduce new vehicles with leading-edge features. We are committed to bringing ‘progressive luxury’ to the world.”

Design
The completely new front-end features, a stronger spindle grille design with a chrome-finished border and triple L-shaped LED headlamps. Together with the redesigned fog lights, this gives the new RX an elegant yet futuristic look. Muscular flares to the front wings add to the vehicle’s sporty look.
In side view, the sharp character and blacked-out C-pillars create a floating roof effect. New 20-inch aluminium wheels (replacing the current 19-inch rims) can be customised with different coloured inserts, increasing the scope for customer
personalisation.

The cabin puts the emphasis on comfort and luxury, where a large head-up display takes centre stage, while the information zone features a 12.3-inch monitor, set apart from the cockpit’s main operation zone.
The longer wheelbase means more leg and knee-room for rear-seat passengers. The rear seats can be equipped with power- recline adjustment and heaters. A panoramic sunroof adds to the sense of spaciousness in the cabin.

Powerful and efficient engines
The new RX will be available (according to market) with an upgraded, more powerful 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with a target output of 224kW, matched to a new eight-speed automatic transmission.
The full hybrid powertrain will feature an improved, Atkinson cycle 3.5-litre V6. System output, including the electric motor, will also be around 224kW.

Better handling and stability
The all-new RX has been engineered to deliver car-like handling with better stability and control through bends. The Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) is designed to recognise potentially dangerous situations and to make automatic and often transparent adjustments to ensure that the car is kept under control when entering and exiting corners. All-wheel drive improves handling performance on dry and slick surfaces alike.

Lexus Safety System+
The improvements on the new RX include a stronger body structure that raises the overall level of passive safety, and the introduction of the Lexus Safety System+, which helps avoid or mitigate collisions at a wide range of vehicle speeds.
The latter integrates several existing Lexus active safety technologies: the Pre-Collision System (PCS), which detects and warns the driver of potential collision risks with vehicles, pedestrians and obstacles on the road ahead; Lane Departure Alert (LDA), which triggers a warning sound if the vehicle moves out of its lane without signalling; and Automatic High Beam (AHB), which helps maintain the best forward visibility when driving at night.
Higher safety levels can be secured using optional features including an Adaptive High Beam System, Panoramic View Monitor and Blind Spot Monitor.
Details and specifications of the production model for South Africa will be announced later this year.