The RX is the best-selling model in Lexus’s 26-year history. With more than 2.1 million reaching the road, it represents three out of every 10 vehicles the company has sold. 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’s 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. I believe this new RX will not only surprise new customers, it will also delight and satisfy our loyal customers, whose high expectations will be met by many innovations.”
Details and specifications of the production model for the UK and Europe will be announced later this year. However, following the launch at the 2015 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) today, many details have been revealed.
These include the hybrid version, that will feature an improved Atkinson cycle 3.5-litre V6. System output, including the electric motor, will be around 300bhp. The new Lexus RX has also been designed with better handling in mind, with the entire chassis having been strengthened.
Perhaps most obvious about the new RX, are its looks. Taking a definite design cue from the NX, the new RX features striking lines that help hide its actual bulk. They make the car much more aggressive and purposeful than the outgoing model and integrate the RX model into the rest of the Lexus range.
Lexus Safety System+
The new RX benefits from significant improvements in active and passive safety provisions, in line with Lexus’s continuing focus on improving vehicle safety performance.
The improvements 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.
Lexus Safety System+ is being introduced worldwide. It 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.
The system’s multi-faceted approach to active safety makes use of a millimetre-wave radar that works with a camera to help keep the RX in its intended driving lane, via the Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) feature. These elements also support the performance of the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
Higher safety levels can be secured using optional features including an Adaptive High Beam System, Panoramic View Monitor and Blind Spot Monitor.
Source; Lexus
