Spy Shots: Lexus RX prototype

Lexus has been pretty good about keeping its upcoming 2009 RX crossover hidden from spy photographers, but just hours ago one of our ace photographers spotted a heavily disguised prototype out for a drive. This is the first prototype we've seen; everything else has been a mule disguised as the current RX350.

The photos don't give away too much, but we can definitely tell that the RX's basic shape is still intact. The waterfall-style front grille looks like it grows a little bit, not a surprise given the RX as a whole is expected to grow about two inches in length. We're expecting the same 3.5 liter V6 that's in the current model, although it'll be hooked up to a 6-speed automatic transmission, one more ratio than the current vehicle offers.


This morning, we received word that a three-row version of the RX will appear for the first time. What this could do to the more upmarket three-row GX470 is a question. The GX470 seems to be exceeding sales targets, but it's a much more rugged truck-based vehicle based on the same platform as Toyota's 4Runner.


A hybrid version of the RX is definitely on the production calendar. It's rumored to exceed 400 horsepower when it arrives in 2010 as a 2011 model. The base RX350 is expected to arrive in late '08 as a '09 model.

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M53R - 8/9/2007 9:10:34 AM

+3 Boost

I can see L finese all over this!

Kinger - 8/9/2007 10:00:36 AM

+2 Boost

You mean you can see the seamless anticipation, incisive simplicity and intriguing elegance??

M53R - 8/9/2007 10:16:12 AM

+2 Boost

What can't you see it?!

w209w114 - 8/9/2007 9:40:55 AM

-1 Boost

Now it looks like a minivan.

uscgame - 8/9/2007 11:38:32 AM

+1 Boost

X Ray vision would just let him see through his computer. Not very useful. It does look like a minivan.

r15mohd - 8/9/2007 11:59:34 AM

+2 Boost

m53r panties are in a bunch...he knows the x3 can't compete in sales when matched to the RX.

30k+ for a half painted, chevy avlanche cladding bmw or the same for a RX? tough call! i'll let the sales numbers speak...

M53R - 8/10/2007 5:14:24 PM

+1 Boost

I hate the X3.....

SupraNeverBack - 8/9/2007 12:37:13 PM

0 Boost

I think it is a Corolla hatch, not the RX

Rupert - 8/9/2007 7:47:19 PM

+1 Boost

The Corolla hatch is already out.
It's called the Auris, and it's quite clear this vehicle is a lot bigger.

audirevolution - 8/9/2007 2:17:14 PM

+1 Boost

Looks like it is an evolutionary redesign rather than a revolutionary one.

Still the perfect vehicle for middle-aged women.

S4cabriofoxone - 8/9/2007 9:32:57 PM

+1 Boost

Are you calling my wife a middle-aged woman?

LOL.

Zimmer - 8/9/2007 8:47:02 PM

-2 Boost

What a load of nonsense. How can anyone tell if this is a Lexus.

This is a BMW, no wait this is a Mercedes, no wait this is an Acura or an Infiniti.

There is no way anyone can tell that this is even a Lexus, let alone the next RX.

Rupert - 8/9/2007 9:17:05 PM

+2 Boost

I think the fact it probably would have been followed onto a big Lexus truck then towed away to a Lexus test centre would be an indication, oh ye of little faith.

S4cabriofoxone - 8/9/2007 9:35:20 PM

+1 Boost

And perhaps the fact that it's covered with camouflage helps your case.

But can you really not tell that this is an RX? From these shots, it looks strikingly similar to the current model. It doesn't look like an Acura, Infiniti or BMW, but I can see why you'd think it looks like an M-Class, because those two have always looked similar. Still- it's easy to see that it's a Lexus.

S4cabriofoxone - 8/9/2007 9:35:55 PM

+1 Boost

Very evolutionary, which is not a bad thing. Current model still looks good with the big rims, and isn't in need of a huge update.

rok_altima - 8/10/2007 8:41:17 AM

+1 Boost

Is it me, or does it look a little low slung to be the RX? the body shape looks alot like the Infiniti FX/EX, mostly the rear