The Japanese spec Lexus RX has been leaked onto the web via a sales brochure and a pre-production model, spied on a ferry, a few weeks ahead of its official introduction at next month's 2008 Los Angeles motorshow.
The vehicles are identified as the RX350 and the RX450h, suggesting that the latter model — the hybrid variant, is getting a bump in power over today's RX 400h.
The 3rd generation RX goes on sale in early 2009 with all-new sheet metal and interiors and heavily revised mechanical's. The evolutionary styling theme draws inspiration from the LF-Xh concept displayed at the 2007 Tokyo motorshow.
Reports from Japan say the new model is slightly larger than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase. The 3.5 litre V6 will be retained, with modest increases in output and torque, and a new 6 speed automatic replacing the current 5 speed auto-box. This is expected to produce around 280bhp, while the hybrid model should pump out around 340bhp. A 4.6 litre V8 - used in the LS sedan, is on the cards.
A long wheelbase variant is rumored which should house a 3rd row of seats. Sales will kick off in Spring 2009.
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