Lexus RX Prototype Caught Testing In Germany

Prototypes for the next-generation Lexus RX SUV have been spotted in Germany and this time the heavy camouflage that masked previous test cars is no longer present.

The SUV’s distinctive profile can clearly be seen as can some of the details of the new head and taillights. The prototypes also reveal that the final design of the new RX will be heavily influenced by the lines of the LF-Xh hybrid SUV concept from last year’s Tokyo Motor Show.



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HSCenterconsole - 6/23/2008 12:34:10 PM

+5 Boost

The tall and blunt front end kind of reminds me of the Aztec.

EI34 - 6/23/2008 2:27:27 PM

+3 Boost

still looks like a mouse to me...

:->

SHOWTIME - 6/23/2008 2:45:29 PM

+5 Boost

i always thought it was a turtle

EL34 - 6/23/2008 5:45:53 PM

+2 Boost

It looks pretty good so far.

I hope they leave the tape on it!

Agent63 - 6/23/2008 10:53:20 PM

+7 Boost

Aztec..Is that GM? because Toyota is working with them. =P. Food for thought.

WorldofLuxury - 6/23/2008 11:14:32 PM

+2 Boost

asdfjlaksdjlskfd...
I loved the LF-Xh concept so much...but this?

Here's a few LF-Xh pics in matte black in the Toyota Mega Web complex in Tokyo (source: The Passionate Pursuit)

front/side profile:

http://thepassionatepursuit.com/images/weblog/08-06-12-lexus-lf-xh-matte-black-2.jpg


rear angle (I LOVE THIS PIC...look at the details!):

http://thepassionatepursuit.com/images/weblog/08-06-12-lexus-lf-xh-matte-black-4.jpg

Maverick2020 - 6/23/2008 12:35:49 PM

+8 Boost

This looks like the 3rd gen RX is going to be more evolutionary than revolutionary.

In other words, not even close to the LF-Xh concept; which, in its own way, was a pretty good looking vehicle.

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/concept-cars/lexus-reveals-new-lf-xh-hybrid-suv-concept/

hao420 - 6/23/2008 1:57:48 PM

0 Boost

Actually more roomy than previous model.

randy33 - 6/25/2008 10:18:27 PM

+1 Boost

these days you'd think that with 'computers' and such, gosh maybe non-European car companies would be more capable of replicating their concepts.

BUT NO. Instead, here's how it goes down:

Bitchin Concept! +10 points
Bonus Fanfare! +1 point

Underpaid designers: -3 points
Overpaid managers: -4 points
3 years of delays: -2 points


FINAL PRODUCT: Ugly P.O.S. w/ BULGING FENDERS. 2 points.

SpicyMikey - 6/23/2008 2:56:38 PM

+5 Boost

Agree. I thought it was going to have 3 rows now? This looks exactly like the current gen. Something is strange here

JRobUSC - 6/23/2008 12:51:21 PM

+5 Boost

so... the RX is going to be like the Lexus 911 -- new models look basically exactly the same as the old one.

enthusiastx11 - 6/24/2008 10:06:35 AM

+1 Boost

yes, except that the 911 is GORGEOUS piece of design.

how could you even put those two cars in the same sentence?

IVANURI97 - 6/23/2008 12:55:26 PM

+5 Boost

Bland. Toyota seems to be using the simple approach of: If the appliance isn't broke, don't fix it. It seems to have a look similar of the old IS wagon in the back side profile and with the camo and all looks like a Subie Impreza from the rear view. Either way, no new groundbreaking design here. Bland.

kpaxx - 6/23/2008 1:50:51 PM

+7 Boost

Appliance you got that right! How is this vehicle any different than a dishwasher!

EnnNorak - 6/23/2008 2:50:01 PM

+4 Boost

It's still broke if the spare wheel remains exposed to winter salt and mud under the floor instead of being in a proper wheel well inside the vehicle.

M35MT - 6/23/2008 1:41:05 PM

+11 Boost

An RX-F is the most retarded idea ever, Lexus would never do that.

Dodgeyaussie - 6/23/2008 2:31:39 PM

+8 Boost

You cannot be serious.

hao420 - 6/23/2008 6:34:20 PM

+2 Boost

HoHo..Taylor,sure Dis time Toyota embarrass MB and rebadege VW.......<

Agent63 - 6/24/2008 5:01:56 AM

+3 Boost

Embarrass an ML and Porsche Cayenne. No SUV's have the straight line numbers of the ML63 or a Cayenne Turbo.

Plus it's different consumers and different price range.

85bmw745i - 6/24/2008 7:57:21 PM

+1 Boost

Yeah, because a front wheel drive rx with a v8 would handle sooooo well. I'd bet it would have no torque steer or under steer even though it is a front wheel drive setup. .............. SHUT UP!!!!

Whelan - 6/23/2008 1:53:22 PM

0 Boost

Looks more like a refresh update than a redesign. If it ain't broke don't fix it is definitely the theme although I do still like the RX a lot. At least they didn't go butcher it up like they did with the new Highlander, god that is awful looking now.

Dodgeyaussie - 6/23/2008 2:30:29 PM

+6 Boost

Yawn.

Is it still going to be built on the same platform as the Sienna MINIVAN?

400hp is going to be a handling nightmare in this thing.

I'll take a FX50 instead.

Whelan - 6/23/2008 3:22:45 PM

+1 Boost

The FX is not a comparo car. The FX competes with the X6 as a crossover. The RX is an SUV. The RX competes more closely to the MDX, X5, etc.

diesselxp - 6/23/2008 3:35:52 PM

+1 Boost

OUTSIDE MIRRORS I CAN SEE TURN SIGNAL OR NOT?

Milton - 6/23/2008 4:04:40 PM

0 Boost

I believe It's gonna be pretty cool inside and out.

hao420 - 6/23/2008 6:33:38 PM

0 Boost

HoHo..Taylor,sure Dis time Toyota embarrass MB and rebadege VW.......<

audirevolution - 6/23/2008 10:12:27 PM

-2 Boost

If Audis are rebadged VW's, you must like rebadged Hondas, Toyotas, and Nissans.

HoHo! (whatever that means)

lakerfan213 - 6/23/2008 7:35:00 PM

+5 Boost

Those headlights are a lot like the camry, not a good thing.

Looks more of a refresh, body style and everything is still the same.

audirevolution - 6/23/2008 10:14:28 PM

+1 Boost

I agree. But hey, don't mess with success!
The front headlights do look like a Camry..

SixxFive - 6/23/2008 8:50:39 PM

+3 Boost

YAWN....

LJ745 - 6/23/2008 10:10:47 PM

+1 Boost

It appears that Lexus is following the Audi strategy of keeping the same general body design for decades on end.

delan - 6/23/2008 10:14:33 PM

+3 Boost

I'm not wooed, but I'll reserve my judgment until I see it in person. I was a staunch critic of the Highlander when it first came out, but after seeing it in person it has grown on me.

Agent63 - 6/23/2008 10:54:56 PM

-3 Boost

I like the current one better. Now the RX has an ES front end and a rear end that looks boring.

ChicaneShooter - 6/24/2008 6:29:33 AM

-2 Boost

at first glance, i thot this was a BREAKTHRU in suv design, with the always fussy C-pillar pushed back to where the D-pillar normally resides.

but on seeing the full spread of photos, i see there is still a dopey looking C-pillar, albeit shrunken down.

ChicaneShooter - 6/24/2008 6:38:10 AM

-4 Boost

in any case, in the 4Runner, toyota still has the CLASSIEST, cleanest looking C-pillar, and overall profile of ANY suv.

so classy, that even Benz shamelessly COPIED it.

the other day, i THOT i saw a 4Runner turning in front of me. turned out it was just a copycat MB.

ChicaneShooter - 6/25/2008 6:24:21 AM

-3 Boost

yeah, go ahead and deboost me. you blind fools just cannot face up to THE TRUTH.

the 4Runner is one of the best looking SUVs out there. why should the RX NOT borrow a style element from its brother? mercedes did!

the RX dares to step out of the "me too" looks of all the boring competition.

enthusiastx11 - 6/24/2008 10:05:01 AM

+2 Boost

wow, it's so different from the current generation!

soccer moms and senior citizens rejoice!

Designer1 - 6/24/2008 10:05:01 AM

-1 Boost

Not impressed as long as the car is still a front wheel drive.

mikeydred20 - 6/24/2008 8:48:02 PM

0 Boost

MDX all the way!

farabira1 - 6/24/2008 11:05:57 PM

-1 Boost

They really should lower the height of the car, looks hideously disproportionate. Almost looks like a frog.

Dr550 - 6/25/2008 2:23:40 PM

+1 Boost

I wonder how the "Pebble Beach" edition will look? Do not blame Lexus for playing it safe. They know their market. Neigbor has two, first and second version, can't tell the difference. Couple is in late 60's. Don't expect future ES do be radically different

AMiodynski - 6/25/2008 3:58:20 PM

+2 Boost

It looks alot like a Toyota Highlander with Lexus touches.....

autopro - 6/25/2008 6:18:04 PM

0 Boost

That's not it.

bocabimmer - 6/25/2008 10:14:26 PM

+2 Boost

looks just like the one i bought in 2004....

JudasLease - 6/26/2008 2:07:26 AM

0 Boost

More blah but it will continue to be an outstanding success for them

autopro - 6/26/2008 2:40:57 PM

+1 Boost

They could design one that you like and it be a huge sales flop.

ChicaneShooter - 6/29/2008 4:00:02 AM

+1 Boost

being more visually literate AND PERCEPTIVE than most, i can say that aside from radical designs (like 4-door "coupes"), this has one of the most interesting D-pillar designs.

and hence, one of the most distinctive profiles among SUVs, which ALL TEND to look similar and boring in side views.