The All-New 2016 Lexus RX Makes its Global Debut at the New York International Auto Show

• Striking and Powerful Presence with Innovative Styling
• F SPORT Available for RX 350 and RX 450h
• Available Adaptive Variable Suspension For Optimal Handling and Ride
• Available Lexus Safety System+ Integrates Active Safety Technology Into One Package

(NEW YORK, NY – April 1, 2015) Lexus has shown that it has once again redefined the luxury crossover segment with the unveiling of the totally redesigned RX at the 2015 New York Auto Show today. As the best-selling model in the Lexus line-up the 2016 RX looks to build on that trend with a completely redesigned luxurious interior wrapped in a chiseled, attractive new body style. The large dose of Lexus brand DNA that’s been artfully incorporated into the details can not only be seen, but also felt. The reimagined RX boasts exceptional on-road performance and safety.

Takayuki Katsuda, the Chief Engineer of the new RX said, “Our ambition has been to make a bold and completely new statement in this segment while building on and staying true to the pioneering values of previous RX generations”.

A Striking and Exciting New Look

The all-new RX makes a powerful visual statement at first glance. The front features a completely new fascia that’s highlighted by an emboldened spindle grille with a chrome-plated border and triple L-shape-LED headlamps. Together with the redesigned fog lamps, this gives the RX an elegant yet futuristic aura. Muscular front fender flares add to the vehicle’s sporty attitude. 

When seen from the side, the sharp character line that runs from the front fenders to the rear end, together with a flowing roofline, give the RX a dynamic profile that minimizes drag and decreases front and rear lift. All of this helps make the vehicle more stable at high speed with a reduction in wind noise. A truly innovative styling cue is the blacked-out C-pillars, which provide a floating roof effect never before seen on a Lexus product. Also, newly designed 20-in. aluminum wheels, replace the current model’s 19-in. options.

The appearance of the rear has been sharpened and exudes a sense of rock-solid stability, highlighted by new L-shaped taillights that wrap around the sides of the vehicle, creating a wider, more authoritative presence when illuminated. When lit, a brilliant glow spans laterally from the body to the back door - a Lexus-first.

Inside, the new RX’s cabin is one of comfort and luxury, with repositioned trim pieces that exude a high level of class, and specially-finished laser-cut ornamentation available for those who desire an extra dose of opulence. A large, available heads-up display (HUD) takes centre stage, while the information display area, featuring a 12.3-in. monitor, has been separated from the main operations area. Also, the shift lever has been moved away from the front of the instrument panel to optimize operability and create more space for the driver. But the driver isn’t the only one who benefits from the new interior. Rear-seat occupants are treated to more leg and knee space , and the newly-developed seats offer heating and power reclining features that not only enhance convenience, they also provide a luxury feel and a sense of hospitality and sophistication. An available retractable power panoramic roof enhances the RX’s cabin spaciousness and provides occupants with a refreshing open-air experience.

“We designed the RX to have a high amount of excitement and strength. The lengthened wheelbase and larger tire size results in sporty powerful proportions. Even while ensuring a high level of luxury and space within the cabin, the RX’s silhouette remains sleek and dynamic, while the interior has been designed for easy operation with luxurious execution,” Gen Ikeda, the chief designer of the RX, said.

Smooth, Powerful and Efficient Engines Under the Hood

Under the hood is an upgraded and more powerful 3.5-litre V6 aiming to deliver 300 hp and comes mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission. Based on this improved powertrain is the hybrid model’s Atkinson-cycle 3.5-litre V6. And when combined with the electric motor, the total output results in more than 300 hp. And, all RX engines have been tuned to achieve high fuel economy and low carbon emissions.

Better Handling and Stability

When it comes to delivering car-like handling, the new RX has no peers. The entire chassis has been fortified to provide better stability and control through turns. The vehicle’s body structure has been strengthened with added stiffness, helping to drastically improve its handling response while keeping engine and road noise from entering the cabin. The vehicle also features innovative technology, such as Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM).  Each system is designed to help recognize potentially dangerous situations and make automatic and often transparent adjustments to ensure the vehicle remains in control when entering and exiting corners.  Also, All-Wheel Drive improves the RX’s handling performance and stability on dry and slick surfaces alike.

The RX’s fully independent suspension system, which consists of MacPherson struts up front and a double wishbone setup at rear, has been tuned and reinforced to improve handling while keeping ride quality remarkably smooth. Exclusively available on all F SPORT packages is the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), which electronically monitors and adapts the suspension damping and steering to ensure optimal handling and ride depending on the driving conditions. This means that wherever the RX goes, the AVS will automatically make lightning-quick adjustments to the shock absorber settings, ensuring the smoothest ride quality possible. The system is also designed to produce less body lean through corners, providing a sporty driving experience.

Safety is a Priority with Lexus Safety System+

Lexus has always stressed safety in its vehicles, so it should come as no surprise that the new RX is significantly improved in the areas concerning the well-being of its occupants. Among these new improvements are the upgraded body structure that heightens the overall passive safety of the RX, and Lexus Safety System+, which helps avoid or mitigate collisions across a wide range of vehicle speeds. Introduced globally, Lexus Safety System+ integrates several of Lexus' existing active safety technologies. These include the Pre-Collision System (PCS) that detects sudden stops initiated by the vehicle in front, warning drivers of potential contact with obstacles and pedestrians ahead; Lane Departure Alert (LDA), which issues an audible signal if the vehicle strays from its intended lane; and Automatic High Beam (AHB) that helps ensure optimal forward visibility during nighttime driving. As part of a multi-faceted approach to active safety, the Lexus Safety System+ package utilizes a millimetre-wave radar that works together with a camera to keep the RX in its intended driving lane via the Lane Departure Alert feature (LDA) and enhances the target detection for the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. For even higher safety levels, Adaptive High-beam System (AHS), a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) are available as optional equipment.

RX F SPORT

For those who prefer even more excitement and performance in their luxury utility vehicles, there is the RX F SPORT, which will be available with all of the model’s engine offerings. Lexus vehicles designated with the F SPORT badge are equipped with a number of special visual and performance features that set them apart from other versions. In the RX’s case, the spindle grille and lower centre piece of the rear bumper possess an “F” mesh design, instantly giving the vehicle a sportier flair. New alloy wheels, exclusive to the F SPORT, also help give the RX a commanding presence. Inside, the driver is treated to a custom F SPORT instrument cluster as well as a sport steering wheel, featuring perforated leather and an attractive F SPORT emblem, complete with paddle shifters. Exclusive colors and trim pieces are also part of the sport package.

The RX F SPORT’s performance on the road has been enhanced by an active stabilizer system whose cutting-edge technology helps keep the vehicle’s body amazingly flat through corners. The aforementioned AVS, which also helps keep the vehicle planted to driving surfaces through turns, is standard on RX F SPORT. The driver can select the AVS-enhanced Sport S+ mode, in addition to Eco, Normal and Sport S settings, on the Drive Mode Select control located on the centre console.

The Luxury SUV Bar Has Been Raised Yet Again by the New RX

Whatever version of the RX you choose, one thing is perfectly clear: Lexus’ best-selling vehicle has dramatically raised the bar yet again in the luxury crossover segment, flawlessly combining luxurious comfort and striking styling inside and out, as well as delivering exciting driving performance. 

“The pioneering spirit of Lexus drives us to create new technology and gives rise to new ideas. It allows us to introduce new vehicles with leading-edge features. And indeed, we are committed to bringing ‘progressive luxury’ to the world. I believe this new RX will not only surprise new customers, but will also delight and satisfy our loyal customers, whose high expectations will be met by many new innovations,” said Katsuda.

2016 Lexus RX Preliminary Specifications

About Lexus Canada

Lexus Canada is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Lexus luxury cars and sport utility vehicles through a sales and service network of 38 dealers across Canada. With 11 Lexus nameplates on the road today, six of them with hybrid models, Lexus has the largest luxury hybrid lineup; allowing guests a choice in a large range of luxury vehicle segments. In the 2014 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS), Lexus ranked highest in vehicle dependability among all nameplates for the third consecutive year. Additionally, the Lexus RX and RXh are built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada’s (TMMC) Cambridge South plant, the recipient of J.D. Power’s 2014 Platinum Plant Quality Award, Worldwide. For more information about Lexus products, and Lexus’ pursuit of perfection, visit: www.lexus.ca

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