Australia's Easy Reading New Car News Home | News | Road Tests Lexus RX 270 Lexus RX 350 F Sport Lexus RX 350 F Sport Lexus RX 350 F Sport Lexus RX 450h Sports Luxury New-look Lexus RX pricing* Variant Model MLP* RX 270 $69,900* RX 350 Luxury $77,900* F Sport $85,900* Sports Luxury $94,400* RX 450h Luxury $82,900* F Sport $89,900* Sports Luxury $100,900* New-look Lexus RX released Home > News > Lexus Recent new car releases ..... here Upcoming new car releases ..... here 2nd July, 2012 • New RX 270 (FWD) launched • RX 350 and 450h introduce F Sport models • Chassis revisions improve RX dynamics • All RX models feature new Lexus grille Lexus has launched the new-look RX range, featuring greater driving dynamics, a new model, greater drivetrain choice, bold styling and increased value. The new-look RX range has benefitted from chassis revisions and improvements across the range to increase steering response and driving enjoyment. The RX F Sport models leverage these improvements further by adding unique suspension calibration, performance dampers, paddle shift (RX 350) and F Sport-specific wheels, along with unique exterior and interior styling that befits the F Sport designation. Available for the first time in Australia and joining the new-look RX 350 and 450h hybrid range is the new RX 270. The addition of RX 270 increases the available drivetrain options to three - with RX range now offering a 2.7-litre four cylinder, a 3.5-litre alloy quad cam V6 and a highly efficient 3.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid. The Lexus RX 270 provides further choice for customers in the growing SUV segments - offering the ideal amount of power and space for the city, combined with front-wheel drive. Complementing the range's new dynamics and variants is a new look for RX, including the new Lexus corporate identity and signature grille. Exterior changes include new headlamps with daytime running lamps, spindle grille, model-specific bumpers and revised wheels. Interior revisions extend to a new-look steering wheel, redesigned centre console, greater choice of interior colours, all-new audio interface, new push-to-enter remote touch controller and the adoption of digital radio (DAB+) as standard. Lexus has increased value across the range, with RX 270 entering the market under $70,000* MLP - $12,000 less than the previous entry point. Lexus Australia chief executive Tony Cramb said that the new-look RX Line is a continuation of the full-scale change that is occurring at Lexus. "With its improved dynamics, bolder styling, expanded range and improved value - the new-look RX Line brings to life the renewed focus of Lexus and our product-led revolution," Mr Cramb said. "The addition of new RX 270 and F Sport models only adds further credibility to a model range that has always been recognised for outstanding value, reliability and practicality. New-look RX, with its choice of petrol or hybrid engines, will offer a range of vehicles for a range of tastes," he said. Lexus RX 270 Lexus has expanded the RX SUV range with the addition of the new entry-level front-wheel drive RX 270 model. Targeted at the growing medium SUV segments, RX 270 offers leading levels of standard specification and is teamed with ample power and interior space when compared with its rivals. Lexus RX 270 produces 138 kW via its 2.7-litre twin-cam multivalve four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift. The RX 270 comes fully equipped as standard with satellite navigation featuring traffic alert**, reversing camera with guide assist, power rear tailgate, eight-way power seats, leather-accented interior, smart entry and smart start, 12-speaker audio, advanced BluetoothTM# with audio streaming and voice command, steering wheel easy access, Lexus unique Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) stability control system, privacy glass, daytime running lamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, Digital Audio (DAB+) and metallic paint. Lexus Australia chief executive Tony Cramb said that the addition of RX 270 was in response to a growing market trend towards smaller, less powerful SUVs. "For some time now Lexus customers have been asking about the availability of a smaller SUV suited to city driving - and with RX 270 they'll get the space they need with the power they require." "RX 270 is ideally suited to those who use their vehicle to transport the family around the city and surrounds - evident in its outstanding sales throughout Asia," he said. Lexus RX 350 The new-look all-wheel drive Lexus RX 350 has an all-alloy 3.5-litre quad cam dual VVT-i V6 engine which delivers 204 kW of power on 95 octane fuel. Lexus designed the 2GR-FE engine for a balance of power, driveability, fuel efficiency and low emissions. It delivers 90 per cent of its 346 Nm peak torque from 2,300 to 6,100 rpm. Maximum power is delivered at 6,200 rpm and maximum torque at 4,700 rpm. Self-Catering Holiday Accommodation in Denmark, WA ..... more Improvements in the new-look RX 350 include a new vertical-type engine-mount construction, which softens the impact of the mount's rubber stoppers and improves NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) suppression performance. The engine has an electrically operated ACIS (Acoustic Controlled Induction System) to enhance intake runner length according to engine operating conditions, and therefore provide maximum torque. To minimise weight the intake manifold is made of thin-wall cast aluminium and the surge tank is made from resin. The ACIS actuator is laser-welded into the surge tank. RX 350's exhaust manifolds mount directly to the catalysts to minimise warm-up time, thereby reducing emissions outputs. Hexagonal ceramic catalysts are used to reduce emissions. The exhaust manifolds are made of stainless steel to improve high-temperature endurance and minimise weight. The 2GR-FE engine has 12-hole fuel injectors for ultra-fine fuel atomisation. The injector tip protrudes slightly into the inlet port to minimise the distance from the injector to the valve, reducing wall wetting for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. Lexus RX 450h The new-look Lexus RX 450h has a unique 3.5-litre Atkinson cycle quad cam VVT-i V6 engine. The 2GR-FXE engine delivers 183 kW of power at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 317 Nm at 4,800 rpm. It has unique features when compared with the 3.5-litre RX 350 engine, including Atkinson cycle operation, cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), exhaust heat recovery and electric power for the air-conditioning compressor. The electric power-assisted steering and air conditioning compressor mean the petrol engine can be stopped to save fuel whenever it is not required to power the vehicle. The electronically controlled VVT-i system has a default setting to allow for easier and smoother petrol-engine restarting. The RX 450h engine does not have a conventional alternator or starter motor. A DC-DC converter supplies 14V power for the RX 450h ancillaries. The number one motor-generator in the RX 450h hybrid transaxle acts as the petrol-engine starter motor when required. The intake manifold for the 2GR-FXE engine has a hybrid-specific design, with a pressure sensor for use with the EGR system. The engine has 12-hole fuel injectors for ultra-fine atomisation. The injector tip protrudes slightly into the inlet port to minimise the distance from the injector to the valve. This reduces wall wetting, for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. Lexus adopted the Atkinson cycle for RX hybrid in 2009 (when RX 450h replaced RX 400h) to further increase fuel efficiency. The Atkinson cycle - also known as the high-expansion cycle - makes full use of combustion energy by making the expansion stroke longer than the compression stroke. It has a higher expansion ratio than a conventional Otto cycle engine, allowing more of the engine's energy to be harnessed into torque on the crankshaft - torque that would otherwise be lost in an Otto cycle engine. Lexus has combined the Atkinson cycle process with quad-cam multi-valve cylinder heads and variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i), all of which optimise efficiency. Safety The Lexus RX Line has an impressive package of safety features, including its Pre-Collision safety System (PCS) as standard equipment on some models. All RX models have 10 SRS airbags and Lexus Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management active safety technology, which includes Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control. Active safety features also include road-speed sensitive electric power-assisted rack and pinion steering, Hill-start Assist Control and rear guide assist with camera. The majority of RX models have the Lexus Adaptive Front lighting system, to "see around corners". The RX was the first Lexus with a Head Up Display (HUD). The HUD has been optically engineered to achieve a maximum display luminance of 6000 cd/m2, maintaining clear visibility on snow-covered roads. The rear outer seats also feature side SRS airbags and pre-tensioning seatbelts. All RX 350 and RX 450h models have the added traction of active four-wheel drive and the RX 450h has the added feature of regenerative braking. The new-look Lexus RX Line has a comprehensive active safety package, with Lexus Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) on all models. The VDIM package seamlessly combines Vehicle Stability Control with cooperative steering function (VSC+), Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Lexus Brake Assist. The three RX 450h model grades have the added traction of Lexus' unique E-Four electronic all-wheel drive system and the three RX 350 models have Lexus on-demand AWD. F Sport models have the added feature of front and rear performance rods, and lower-profile tyres than the entry-level Luxury model. Further assistance is provided by road-speed sensitive electric power-assisted rack and pinion steering, rear camera, daytime running lamps, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with Intelligent Adaptive Front Lighting System (i-AFS) on F Sport models and LED headlamps with i-AFS on RX 450h Sports Luxury, electro-chromatic mirrors and Light Emitting Diode instruments, and front and rear fog lamps. All RX Line models have the Lexus emergency stop-lamp system, which flashes the stop lamps if the vehicle is in an emergency braking situation. The RX steering wheel has controls for audio, multi-information, telephone voice recognition and vehicle-to-vehicle distance change for the Active Cruise Control (ACC)***. Lexus RX F Sport and Sports Luxury models have the added active safety feature of ACC, which uses the same radar sensor as the Lexus Pre-Collision safety System***. Sports Luxury models have the latest-generation Head-Up Display, Wide View side monitor, and clearance and parking sonar. Colours Lexus RX is available in 10 exterior colours (some may be optional on some models), four of which are new to the range: Platinum Silver, Garnet Red, Fire Agate and Lapis Lazuli. Other colours in the range are White Pearl, Quartz White, Onyx, Mercury Grey, Starlight Black and Metallic Silk. New-look Lexus RX pricing* Variant Model MLP* RX 270 $69,900* RX 350 Luxury $77,900* F Sport $85,900* Sports Luxury $94,400* RX 450h Luxury $82,900* F Sport $89,900* Sports Luxury $100,900* NOTES: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications. ** Current navigation mapping database encompasses major capital and primary national road networks as well as offering some coverage in regional areas. Suna™ GPS Traffic Updates are only available in metropolitan Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney; it operates from information provided by Intelematics Australia and may not cover all road incidents and congestion. # The Bluetooth™ word mark is owned by The Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Not all devices will be compatible and functionality will vary depending on the device. *** ACC and PCS are a driver assist technologies and should not be used in place of safe driving practices. Driver should continue to monitor road ahead. ACC available on Sports and Sports Luxury models only. 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