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Lexus Introduces All-New 2010 RX 350 and RX
450h Luxury Utility Vehicles
Lexus has introduced the next generation of its trend-setting RX luxury
utility vehicles for 2010, the V6-powered RX 350 and the hybrid RX 450h.
Lexus inaugurated the luxury crossover category with the original RX 300
model in 1998 and introduced the first-ever luxury hybrid in 2005. More than
one million Lexus RX models have been sold worldwide, making it the most
successful luxury utility vehicle. The new RX350, which reaches Lexus
showrooms in February 2009 with the RX450h hybrid a few months later, once
again raises the bar for design, engineering and luxury innovation in the
segment.
Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance
The 2010 Lexus RX 350 teams a revised 3.5-liter V6 engine with an all-new
six-speed Multi-Mode Automatic Transmission. New intake and exhaust
manifolds improve engine breathing for enhanced performance and fuel
economy. Horsepower is increased to 275 at 6,200 rpm from 270, while Lexus
maximized the torque output to better meet the needs of luxury crossover
drivers. Ninety percent or more of the 256 lb.-ft. of peak torque is
available from 2,300 to 6,100 rpm, an optimal range where torque is most
utilized. An insulated engine cover, styled in the shape of two cylinder
banks, conceals the new V6 to help ensure a quiet cabin; easy-access points
facilitate routine service.
Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) is used to control both
intake and exhaust camshafts independently, optimizing engine performance at
all speeds and loads. Refinements to the valvetrain, including roller rocker
arms and slimmer valve stems, reduce friction and weight to improve fuel
economy. Also helping to enhance torque is the improved Acoustic Control
Induction System (ACIS), which varies the intake runner length in response
to engine speed and throttle position. The ETCS-i (Electronic Throttle
Control System-intelligent) softens throttle response during initial
acceleration for smoother takeoff and to help reduce wheel spin. The
2010 RX 350’s new six-speed automatic transmission replaces the previous
five-speed. Using miniature high-flow linear solenoids to control
transmission-fluid line-pressure, the transmission yields quicker shifting
response. The torque converter uses a new low-speed lockup damper to enable
lock-up from second to sixth gear to help improve the fuel economy.
When applying the accelerator pedal rapidly during kick-down, the new
direct-downshift control allows the transmission to directly shift from
sixth to third or fifth to second, skipping the intermediate gears to
achieve the quickest response. Under normal kick-down pedal application,
downshift control uses the intermediate gears to ensure the smoothest shift
is attained. “Shift shock,” which was already commendably low in the
previous model’s five-speed transmission, is further reduced.The Multi-Mode
Automatic Transmission allows the driver to shift manually when desired by
first moving the gated shift lever to the “S” slot and then pushing it
forward ("+") to up shift and backward ("-") to downshift. An Artificial
Intelligence shifting (AI-SHIFT) control, new to RX, sets shift patterns
based on the vehicle speed and throttle position and estimates road
conditions and driver input to automatically control the shift pattern. For
example, when driving in hilly areas, AI-SHIFT can prevent unnecessary
shifting. When descending inclines, the transmission prevents up shifts to
achieve more engine braking.
All-Wheel Drive
Lexus again offers its RX 350 and RX 450h crossover models with a choice
between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The RX 350 introduces an
all-new electronically controlled Active Torque Control AWD system. As in
the previous RX 400h, the RX 450h hybrid uses a separate rear electric
motor-generator to provide power to the rear wheels when road conditions or
throttle response dictates.
The previous RX 350 model’s AWD system used a viscous coupling locking
center differential to provide 50:50 torque distribution. In the 2010 RX
350, Active Torque Control AWD uses an electronically controlled coupling
ahead of the rear differential to vary torque distribution anywhere from
100:0 to 50:50 front to rear, depending on driving dynamics and road
conditions. The new AWD system is 35 lbs. lighter than the previous system
and reduces parasitic losses by 30 percent.
When accelerating, or starting off on a low-grip surface, torque is quickly
provided to all four wheels. At steady speeds, torque is sent only to the
front wheels, enhancing fuel efficiency.
For handling agility and control, the AWD system increases rear-wheel torque
when the vehicle’s front tires start to lose traction and decreases
rear-wheel torque when the vehicle’s rear tires start to lose traction. On
rough or sandy terrain, an AWD LOCK switch provides enhanced traction
performance for low-speed maneuvering (if in LOCK mode, the system reverts
to AUTO mode when speed exceeds 25 mph). To help prevent a tight
corner-braking condition (shuddering) during low-speed cornering, the system
reduces rear wheel torque.
Hybrid Powertrain
The 2010 RX 450h introduces an updated version of Lexus Hybrid Drive,
featuring a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson-cycle engine, lighter electric motors, a
smaller and lighter power-control unit and other fuel-saving innovations. It
offers up performance similar to V8s with better combined fuel economy than
the average four-cylinder mid-size sedan. With an EPA-estimated[1] 28 mpg
city and 27 mph highway (26 mpg for the AWD), it earns 8-12 percent better
fuel economy than its acclaimed predecessor. All this while producing 295
total system horsepower, which is 27 more than the current generation
RX400h.
A full hybrid, the RX 450h can operate in electric-only or gas-engine-only
modes as well as a mode that combines the power of both. Extended
electric-mode operation during low-speed or stop-and-go driving conditions
helps reduce fuel consumption. Under certain circumstances, a new
driver-selectable EV mode can allow the vehicle to be driven short distances
using only the electric motors.
The RX 450h will achieve Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV)
certification in California (Tier 2-Bin 3 in other states), producing nearly
70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than conventionally powered
vehicles.
With the Atkinson cycle, the gasoline engine’s intake valves are closed late
to delay beginning of compression, resulting in a higher expansion ratio.
That reduces intake and exhaust energy losses for more efficient combustion
and improved fuel economy. The gas engine alone produces 245 horsepower at
6,000 rpm, up from 208 in the previous RX 400h; torque is 234 lb.-ft. at
4,800 rpm as compared to 212 at 4,400 rpm from the previous RX 400h’s
3.3-liter V6. The Atkinson cycle also reduces exhaust temperature. A new
cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system reduces it further still,
helping economy by eliminating the fuel enrichment otherwise needed to help
prevent catalyst overheating under high loads.
A 288V DC Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack fits neatly under the
rear seat and is more compact and lighter than in the previous model. A
boost converter efficiently raises voltage to 650V DC, and an inverter
changes this to 650V AC for the front-mounted 123-kW electric
motor-generator. The boost converter and inverter are enclosed in the
power-control unit, which also houses the condenser. The new power-control
unit is 17.6 lbs. lighter than the previous unit and about 40 percent
smaller. Losses have been reduced by more than 10 percent, enhancing fuel
economy.
The RX 450h front-wheel-drive model’s hybrid powertrain employs two
motor-generators: MG1, the engine-driven generator, is a starter and can
charge the battery pack or power other electric motors as needed; MG2 is the
front-drive motor. Power from the gas engine and MG2 is distributed to the
drive wheels via a planetary gear-type continuously variable transmission.
MG1 controls the output speed of the transaxle through the planetary gear
set, without clutches or a viscous coupling. MG2 delivers similar maximum
torque as in the previous model, but over a wider range for better response
and smoother performance. When the RX 450h is coasting or braking, the
electric motors function as generators, capturing energy that would normally
be lost as heat through the brakes and transforming it into electricity to
recharge the batteries.
The all-wheel-drive RX 450h adds a third, rear-mounted motor-generator (MGR)
to drive the rear wheels, eliminating the need for power-transfer gearing or
a driveshaft from the front. The hybrid system electronically varies front
and rear torque distribution depending on traction conditions.
A new two-step flywheel damper absorbs small torque fluctuations and also
the minor vibration produced when the gasoline engine starts and stops. A
SNOW mode slows accelerator-pedal response to help reduce the possibility of
wheel spin.
Multi-Mode, a feature adapted to the vehicle’s electronically controlled
continuously variable transmission, allows the driver to control engine
braking for enhanced maneuverability on rough or winding roads. The AI-SHIFT
feature, adopted on a hybrid for the first time, selects and holds the
optimal range when driving downhill or on inclines, providing a smoother
driving experience.
The power-steering pump, water pump and air-conditioning compressor are
driven electrically rather than by the engine, reducing parasitic losses.
To enhance fuel economy, a new exhaust heat-recovery system circulates
engine coolant through a unit installed in the exhaust pipe behind the
catalytic converter. This new feature reduces engine warm-up time, allowing
it to stop earlier, more often, and for longer periods, improving both fuel
economy and emissions.
Active Safety
The Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) handling technology is now
available on the RX 350 and remains standard on the RX 450h. The VDIM system
anticipates loss of vehicle control in virtually any direction. VDIM governs
all of the vehicle’s dynamic handling systems – the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS), Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control
(TRAC) – employing them collectively and seamlessly to make corrections
while allowing higher dynamic capability. VDIM also interfaces with the
electronic throttle control system.
The system’s enhanced VSC function adds steering assist torque to help aid
handling on a split-friction surface. The VDIM system also provides a
limited slip differential effect. The TRAC and VSC functions can also be
switched off, for example, when the driver needs to free the vehicle when
stuck in mud or snow.
The new RX adopts Hill-start Assist Control, which uses brake pressure to
help prevent the vehicle from moving backward when starting out on an
incline. This system does not wait to detect rollback, however. It can be
controlled by the driver and works in both forward and reverse. While the
vehicle is stopped and the brake pedal is depressed, pushing it further
activates the feature. Brake pressure is then maintained for approximately
two seconds after the brake pedal is released and the driver switches to the
accelerator pedal.
The previous generation RX offered Lexus’ Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS),
which guided headlamps into a turn. The 2010 RX models introduce the new
Intelligent AFS, which for the first time on a Lexus is being used for high
beams of the HID headlamp equipped models, and for the low beams of the LED
equipped RX 450h models. When entering a corner, AFS estimates where the
vehicle will be in three seconds, based on the vehicle speed and the angle
of the tires, and adjusts the lateral aim of the headlamps. AFS can be
switched off by the driver if desired. AFS also includes an auto-leveling
function.
Using a camera mounted on the inner rear view mirror, a new available
automatic high beam system switches between high and low beams in response
to oncoming vehicles and those traveling in front, or when other ambient
sources are detected, helping reduce driver inconvenience.
The optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
uses millimeter-wave radar to measure and maintain a pre-set following
distance from a vehicle traveling ahead. The radar sensor can detect certain
obstacles in front of the car, and a PCS computer with vehicle speed,
steering angle and yaw-rate inputs helps to determine whether a collision is
highly possible. In such a situation, PCS preemptively retracts front seat
belts and pre-initializes Brake Assist so that increased braking will be
applied the instant the driver depresses the pedal.
Passive Safety
A high-strength cabin design and comprehensive Supplemental Restraint
Systems (SRS) are designed to help provide a high level of crash-energy
management. Approximately 42 percent of the entire structure uses high
tensile strength sheet steel. The new structure was engineered to help
provide collision compatibility with vehicles of varying heights and
weights.
The 2010 RX models are equipped with a segment-leading 10 standard airbags,
including side curtain airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, rear side
airbags (for the outboard seating positions) and knee airbags for the driver
and the front passenger. A roll sensor signals the side curtain airbags to
inflate if a predetermined threshold of vehicle tip-up is detected.
The front-passenger airbag is a new dual stage, twin-chamber design that,
when deployed, helps provide optimal protection. New active front headrests
help to provide whiplash protection in the event of certain types of lower
speed rear collisions.
Chassis/Body/Suspension/
Brakes/Tires
Lexus engineered the third-generation RX luxury utility vehicle to provide a
more engaging driving experience while also making it quieter and smoother
than its predecessor. The overall packaging of the new RX remains similar to
that of the previous model. The new RX has a marginally longer wheelbase (+
0.79 inch) and is 1.38 inches longer; the new model is slightly higher and
1.6 inches wider than the previous RX. To help provide greater handling
control, the track is 2.8 inches wider. The engine’s output center has been
lowered approximately 0.6-inch, yielding a lower overall powertrain center
of gravity to help provide enhanced vehicle agility.
A key factor in the RX models’ sharpened handling agility is the all-new
uniquely designed double-wishbone rear suspension, which replaces a
strut-based configuration. Another key benefit of the new rear suspension is
that the packaging yields greater cargo area room. Despite larger tires and
a longer wheelbase, the new RX retains the 38.8turning circle curb-to-curb
of the previous model. The front suspension geometry was optimized for the
new platform and features a new, thicker stabilizer bar. New inversely wound
front coil springs compress in opposite directions, preventing the negative
effects of suspension compression on steering.
The new standard electric power steering system contributes to improved
agility and steering feel while eliminating the parasitic losses of a
hydraulic steering pump. Eliminating hydraulic oil also provides an
environmental benefit and reduces maintenance. When the driving conditions
involve little steering input, energy consumption is reduced, improving fuel
economy by nearly three percent. Steering assist is automatically adjusted
in response to vehicle speed, with greater assist at low speeds and greater
feel at higher speeds.
The brakes on RX models are enhanced for 2010 with a new two-piston front
caliper and larger rotors front and rear. Brake feel is enhanced by
optimizing pads, pedal ratio and booster output characteristics. On the
RX450h, Electronically Controlled Brakes (ECB2) work closely with VDIM,
translating brake pedal stroke speed and pressure to generate the precise
amount of hydraulic pressure needed.
The RX models feature new wider standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels,
which were designed to appear as if carved from a single block, and
235/60R18 tires. Optional 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/55R19 tires
are available, with the RX450h hybrid model receiving a hybrid-exclusive
design.
Exterior Design
The 2010 Lexus RX models blend a dynamic new version of L-finesse design
while retaining the RX identity. The sleek profile is accentuated by broader
“shoulders” for a more athletic yet elegant presence. Bright finish
side-window moldings follow a subtly concaved line across the A pillars and
C pillars, extending at the front and rear ends.
The Lexus design cue of placing the grille lower than the headlights, along
with sharper headlight graphics, yields a strong frontal expression. The RX
350 offers standard halogen and optional HID headlights. The plated upper
edges of the front grille extend toward the headlights to draw the front
features together. The lower edges of the grille form a unique arrowhead
design. Subtle surface movement can be seen in the sculpted vertical bars
that change shape as they spread upward. The RX 450h’s unique grille
features a finer pitch than on the RX 350, creating a fluid-like surface,
accentuated by its silver color.
Pronounced front fenders flow into the doors, and integrated rear fender
flares neatly sweep around to pull together the taut rear corners of the
vehicle. The lower body emphasizes the standard 18-inch wheels. Passenger
doors extend below the entry sill, helping keep out dirt and moisture.
Several exclusive design features, including the grille and front bumper,
distinguish the RX 450h hybrid from the RX 350. Exclusive optional LED
headlights offer a more distinctive appearance as well as longer life and
lower energy consumption. Unique 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are also
available. Lexus hybrid blue is used for the front and rear emblems, hybrid
logos, rear combination lights, and headlights.
The RX has a new standard SmartAccess keyless-entry system that uses a touch
sensor-type smart switch on the front doors that results in a sleeker,
high-tech appearance. A distinctive feature of the door handles is that the
surface subtly twists outward from the front to the rear to give a
comfortable grip. The side mirrors feature integrated LED turn signal lamps.
The rear spoiler’s primary function is to help lower the vehicle’s
Coefficient of drag (Cd), but it also conceals the rear wiper and houses the
AM/FM radio antenna and high-mount stop lamp. Nine exterior colors are
offered, including the newly developed Cerulean Blue Metallic, while Aurora
White Pearl is exclusive to the RX 450h.
Interior Design
Based on Lexus L-finesse philosophy, the dramatically designed interior
clearly separates the interior into two distinct zones – the “display zone”
to provide information, and the “operation zone” for interaction with
controls. The shoulder of the door trim comfortably envelops the occupants,
the clear line of the trim beginning inside the cabin and tapering outward
toward the exterior. The design imbues a feeling of a continuous line
encircling the occupants and defining the controls and displays. Neatly
sculpted metallic surfaces, especially on the asymmetrical center stack,
showcase a bold contrast of shadow and light.
A new, higher contrast white Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) is used for
the multi-information display located next to the speedometer. Vibrant white
characters are sharply displayed on a high-contrast black background for
ease of use and a luxurious appearance. For the RX 450h, blue accented
meters strengthen the hybrid image, and a hybrid system indicator replaces
the tachometer to encourage driving in an economical manner.
In addition to an Eco Driving indicator light, both the RX 350 and RX 450h
models feature a new Eco driving indicator zone that displays current fuel
economy using a bar graph and alerts the driver when they are achieving low
fuel efficiency.
Lexus employed extensive human-machine interface (HMI) studies to enhance
occupants’ interaction with all controls. To help reduce driver distraction
and effort, each HMI function in the new RX wastes no movement. The
available eight-inch navigation display (or seven-inch audio/HVAC display
when navigation is not ordered) is placed at a higher, more distant
position, providing a more natural visual angle.
Three innovations to come from the HMI studies include the multi-information
switch on the steering wheel, the new Remote Touch console-mounted
navigation controller and the available Head-Up Display. The
multi-information switch allows the driver to access numerous function
settings without taking hands off the steering wheel. It also reduced the
number of individual switches, contributing to a cleaner instrument panel.
Vehicle settings can be customized according to personal preference,
including personal door-lock preferences, interior/exterior light
adjustments, driver’s seat easy exit, and window-closure settings.
The new available navigation system on the RX can be controlled using either
the Remote Touch device or by utilizing voice command. The Remote Touch
allows the user to operate the navigation system, climate, audio, phone
controls and more. The screen menus are selected with the controller,
eliminating the need to reach out or avert eyes from the road.
The attribute that most distinguishes Lexus’ navigation controller from
other devices in other luxury models is its “haptic”-feedback technology,
which provides a tactile response to the hand. As the user operates the
controller near a screen icon, the cursor is pulled to that icon with
feedback from a servomotor in the device enabling the user to feel it
“click” into place. The driver or passenger makes a selection by pressing
the side thumb button on either side, and the feedback servo is adjustable
for sensitivity. The system then confirms the action with a subtle sound.
Remote Touch integrates the functions of seven hard switches used with the
previous touch screen, helping users to operate those functions with minimal
effort and distraction.
The all-new RX is now available with a Heads-Up Display (HUD) utilizing
white readouts. High-intensity LEDs project high-contrast white figures onto
the windshield, which are easier to read – and easier on the eyes – than the
typical green-colored readouts. The HUD offers displays for speed,
navigation, and audio. A wedge-shaped windshield interlayer for the HUD
projection area eliminates the distracting printed grid pattern seen on some
other vehicles equipped with HUDs.
Luxury/Comfort/Convenience
Lexus luxury begins with how the customer first interacts with his or her
vehicle. All RX models are equipped with the SmartAccess keyless entry with
push-button start. As the driver approaches the vehicle, interior and
exterior courtesy lamps illuminate. Opening the door, the instrument panel
lighting gradually fades in. When the engine (or hybrid system) is started,
the instrument gauge needles and markings illuminate, followed by the
multi-information display. After the driver exits the vehicle, the lights
fade out at different intervals.
All 2010 RX models are equipped with a power tilt and telescopic steering
column. To ease entry and exit, the seat automatically slides two inches
rearward and the steering wheel tilts upward and slides forward when the
engine (or hybrid system) is switched off. Upon pushing the “ON” switch, the
seat and steering wheel return to positions pre-set by the driver using the
three-position memory system.
The newly designed, standard 10-way power front seats are shaped to
accommodate arm movement when operating the available Remote Touch, while
also holding the occupants in place. Both the driver and passenger seats
also feature power lumbar adjustment. Also newly available on the RX is a
ventilation function for the front seats to help improve comfort on hot and
humid days. The shape and texture of the armrests and switches offer an
ideal combination of tactile feel and functionality.
The leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel features integrated audio
controls and a unique cross-section that is designed to provide a more
natural grip than a conventional round-section wheel. A leather and wood
trimmed wheel is also available for added luxury.
Three seat materials include standard fabric, optional smooth leather or
even softer semi-aniline leather. In addition to light gray and black,
Parchment is now available as an interior color. The RX 450h also
exclusively offers a black and light gray interior with striking black
accents. Standard wood trim comes in Brown Walnut matched to Parchment, or
Espresso Bird’s-eye Maple matched to gray and black.
The center console box provides enough space to comfortably store CDs/DVDs
or the vehicle’s owner’s manual. Even with the owner’s manual, the console
box still offers more than 0.75- cu. ft. of storage capacity. The three-part
(40/20/40) rear seats can be slid and reclined, and can be folded down using
the one-touch levers mounted in the luggage compartment. Compact rear-seat
headrests help improve the driver’s visibility. The new double-wishbone rear
suspension, due to its compact packaging, yields a larger luggage
compartment; the width between the suspension towers is increased by nearly
six inches.
The new climate-control system offers quicker cooling and warming and is
also quieter. A new high-efficiency compressor detects refrigerant flow in
order to optimize engine control and fuel economy. The new system can cool
the cabin to about two degrees lower and warm it by about five degrees
higher than in the previous RX. An available smog sensor is designed to
detect harmful particles (CO, HC, NOx) in other vehicles’ exhaust emissions
and automatically switch between fresh air and recirculation modes. A new
electric compressor on the RX 450h includes a humidity sensor to help
optimize air-conditioner operation, helping to enhance fuel economy.
The new Lexus RX models accommodate a variety of music sources, providing
auxiliary and USB inputs, Bluetooth® Audio wireless connectivity
and standard XM® satellite radio capability (requires
subscription), which is also joined by XM NavTraffic and XM NavWeather.
Standard voice recognition and Bluetooth technology allow phone calls to be
made and received while driving. When an iPod is attached via the USB port,
information such names for the artist, track and album is displayed on the
available navigation or audio screen. The large center console storage box
easily accommodates a variety of electronic devices while keeping wires out
of sight.
The RX continues the tradition of offering the Lexus Premium Audio system as
standard equipment, in this case a powerful nine-speaker system with a
six-disc changer. Creative placement and angling of the speakers perfectly
cross-channels sound to the occupant on the opposite side of the vehicle to
transform the cabin into a clear, crisp acoustic environment. A 12-speaker
system comes with the optional navigation or rear seat entertainment systems
and includes two-rear-door tweeters and a compact, L-shaped subwoofer in the
rear-luggage compartment.
The optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson® Surround Sound system
allows listeners to enjoy 7.1-channel surround sound. The Mark Levinson
system, a Lexus exclusive, features a center channel coaxial speaker,
metal-cone midrange speakers, tweeters and a 100-watt amplified subwoofer. A
2.5-inch speaker built into each D pillar provides the right and left
surround-sound channels. The diffusion of sound provides each occupant the
same level of audio quality.
The available Hard Disc Drive (HDD) navigation system eliminates the need
for DVD map discs and offers a unique voice recognition system, which can
work using casual-language inputs on certain functions. An optional
rear-seat entertainment system includes two high-definition seven-inch
screens, one on each of the front seatbacks. Each screen can display video
from separate sources. A remote control allows independent control of each
screen. Rear-seat occupants can also choose to listen to audio through the
wireless headphones instead of vehicle speakers.
The available wide-view side monitor and backup monitor each help provide
the driver with a wider range of visibility. The driver can check
hard-to-view areas by simply pressing the camera-select button on the
steering wheel or, when in reverse, viewing the camera images on the
navigation screen. An optional back up camera displays images on the
eight-inch navigation screen; systems without navigation have a 2.4-inch
display in the rear-view mirror.
WarrantyAll new
Lexus vehicles come with a 48-month/50,000-mile basic limited warranty with
roadside assistance for 48-months/unlimited miles. Powertrain and restraint
system coverage is provided for 72 months/70,000 miles. Corrosion
perforation protection is covered for 72 months, regardless of mileage. The
hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery-control module,
hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for eight
years/100,000 miles.
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