Is this the next Lexus RX? Exclusive details...

While I was on the show floor today, one of my key industry experts (JD) and I were chatting about how impressive the new Toyota Highlander was.

JD told me that his intelligence tells him that the next Lexus RX will have the basic underpinnings of the Highlander and will feature a third row seat for the first time.



Of course, the RX will be much more 'up-level' than the Highlander with a bevy of luxury features and options that won't be on its junior brethren.

We're also told the design is being penned by Calty design in Newport Beach and will be very elegant and strong.

The competition can't be resting easy contemplating this next RX...

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EL34 - 2/7/2007 8:49:58 PM

+3 Boost

Not too shabby.

Looks good.

EL34i - 2/7/2007 8:50:18 PM

0 Boost

I'm sure they will be able to L-Finesse away the hideousness.

indifferent - 2/7/2007 9:11:31 PM

+2 Boost

i actully dont like it. I like the egg like shape of the RX. I think this boxy look takes away from the RXness. This looks more like the GX. Actully, this kinda looks like teh MB GL. I think the curves of the RX are lost on this model. The inside is really nice though... and will even be better on the Lexus. Lexus can really design a good interior.

neutral - 2/7/2007 9:37:20 PM

-1 Boost

Not a Toyota supporter, but this is a nice looking vehicle. I've ALWAYS loved the RX though (I know, its a spoiled suburban mom's car but still).

S4cabriofoxone - 2/7/2007 9:41:42 PM

+1 Boost

Perhaps we'll be looking at it again?

Although, it could be too big. I think Lexus might alienate some of their core, small-SUV-seeking customers with a three-row-size model. What's the point of the ugly, underpowered, incompetent GX if there's a more stylish, equally versatile, better-performing RX on the horizon?

lexusis350 - 2/8/2007 11:45:36 PM

+2 Boost

The GX is one of the greatest SUVs out there. Just ask Mercedes. They loved the GX so much they designed one of their vehicles after it. It is getting to be a bit underpowered for today's standards. I've heard that they plan on putting a 5.8 liter into the Land Cruiser so maybe that will carry over to the Lexus side as well.

chewy - 2/7/2007 9:52:39 PM

-2 Boost

Yes. The next RX will be based on the Highlander.

EL34 - 2/7/2007 10:15:24 PM

+1 Boost

Which is based off the Camry - It's a family affair.

Sly and the Family Stone.

cynic - 2/8/2007 8:43:05 AM

+6 Boost

You're right, just like the R-class is based off the M-class. Funny how almost all manufacturers these days are sharing platforms.

lexusis350 - 2/8/2007 11:44:04 PM

+2 Boost

Well why not? They look different, they ride different, they have different features, etc. All of that for a cheaper price because they based it after another one of their vehicles. It's a great idea in my opinion.

lexusis350 - 2/7/2007 9:59:41 PM

-2 Boost

That's the new highlander

S4cabriofoxone - 2/7/2007 10:35:46 PM

0 Boost

HE KNOWS.

Duh, huh?

lexusis350 - 2/7/2007 10:41:03 PM

-3 Boost

I'm saying that it isn't the new RX because the current RX and the current Highlander have hardley anything in common.

chewy - 2/8/2007 12:46:39 AM

+2 Boost

Wrong. They share the same wheelbase. Which means it is basically one car with different body panels and interior.

lexusis350 - 2/8/2007 11:39:08 PM

+2 Boost

Wrong! I said they HARDLY have anything in common. A lot of vehicles have the same wheel bases as other cars they don't even have connections to. Does that mean they're the same car with different panels? No.

Flight152 - 2/7/2007 10:27:09 PM

+1 Boost

How about a new LX to replace that old dinasaur.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/7/2007 10:36:56 PM

+1 Boost

That will hopefully be out by the end of the year. If not "out", then introduced to the public.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/7/2007 10:37:49 PM

-1 Boost

I just noticed that it looks stunningly similar to that new Buick crossover (what's the name?) from the side. Interesting.

lexusis350 - 2/8/2007 11:40:13 PM

+2 Boost

Really? I think it looks like a Mercedes G-Class. Well, Mercedes did copy Lexus, and Toyota is Lexus' parent company so they should get full credit to this design.

SupraNeverBack - 2/8/2007 1:11:24 AM

+1 Boost

The current RX is in the perfect size.

lexusis350 - 2/8/2007 11:48:33 PM

+2 Boost

Have you noticed that the Japanese automakers are the ones to introduce the new designs to this country? Like Nissan for example: When the 2001 Altima came out, it was actually what saved them from bankrupcy because it had an advanced design to it. People alway think they're weird at first but then they love them. I'm like you, I thought Honda had made a mistake on the CR-V, but now I really like them.

CARGUY - 2/10/2007 9:44:50 PM

+1 Boost

Yes... I have to admit, the new CR-V is a pretty good looking car albeit the weird interior and grille.

MunichRob - 2/8/2007 4:28:55 AM

+2 Boost

Funny the Toyota interior looks like a Lexus interior...or mabye the Lexus interior looks like a Toyota interior. I just can't tell anymore.

lexusis350 - 2/8/2007 11:49:17 PM

+1 Boost

That's because they are both years ahead of the competition in quality.

M53R - 2/8/2007 6:39:34 AM

0 Boost

"The competition can't be resting easy contemplating this next RX..."

Because they will be laughing at it soo much they wouldnt even rest....

What an ugly looking car, seriously toyota fans must admit it. The interior doesnt look bad ( because of the fake wood ) but the rest of the car is horrible!
O well, people would still buy it because its a toyota, but thats sad!

305vice - 2/8/2007 8:25:58 AM

+2 Boost

Ugly... I think not! But everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Kudos for Toyota to be a bit daring, certain aspects of the car should have been different. This car will be selling just like the new Camry... Which is a good thing!

Sunshine1810 - 2/8/2007 8:43:22 AM

-1 Boost

Its as ugly as mud in a swimming pool. I bet this car drives like crap too.

awsomeaudi - 2/8/2007 10:17:59 AM

0 Boost

Jesus if you guys are arguing over the interior how it looks like a lexus go to http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/future/highlander.html?s_van=GM_HOME_HIGHLANDER_IMG and look at the non hybrid photos

mitchatlexusofmarin - 2/8/2007 11:41:10 AM

0 Boost

2009 RX? Isn't it the 2008? I could be wrong, but I thought I read it was to be the 08. I like it btw, and it will hurt the RX until the new one arrives.

lexusis350 - 2/8/2007 11:42:25 PM

+2 Boost

No, they have already designed the 2008. It's same old thing as the 2007, which isn't a bad thing.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/8/2007 2:33:36 PM

+1 Boost

Great, ANOTHER renlex.

Are you joking?

Rupert - 2/8/2007 5:16:30 PM

0 Boost

i like the current rx style and shape...we don't need another 7 seater. leave that to the gx or lx.

lexusis350 - 2/8/2007 11:41:13 PM

+2 Boost

That's actually what Lexus says: If you want a bigger SUV with more seats, pay $5-10k more for the GX.

Rupert - 2/9/2007 10:09:39 AM

0 Boost

but then again, lexus doesn't offer the gx or lx in europe, so lexus doesn't have a 7 seat suv. they left that to toyota with the land cruiser and land cruiser amazon (our LC has no equivalent model in the us, we call your LC the LC amazon).

lexusis350 - 2/10/2007 12:55:37 AM

+1 Boost

I think in Europe the GX is a Toyota Land Cruiser and the LX is a Toyota Amazon. Let the "Lexus is a rebadged Toyota" comments begin.

Lexapeal - 2/8/2007 11:00:41 PM

+1 Boost

Im almost positive that lexus would like to redesign all the models before they go ahead and redesign another when there is still some models left to go like the sc, gx, lx. I doubt that will be the next Lexus. And if it is, Yikes.

Kostin - 2/10/2007 5:50:28 AM

+1 Boost

That does not look like a luxury SUV.It looks like a Hyundai.