Lexus reveals LC-30 EV New production EV due for launch next month Lexus has put the LF-30 on display at the Tokyo Motor Show, showcasing an electrified outlook that will see the company’s first EV launched next year. The LF-30 is a true concept, and is not going to make it into production. With large gull-wing doors, in-wheel motors, and a high-concept interior and exterior design, this is Lexus displaying an eye-catching EV rather than a near-production concept. That, Lexus says, will come next month, with its first pure-electric model unveiled in November before going on sale in 2020. Lexus is developing its existing hybrid line-up, plus Plug-in hybrids, pure-electric models, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. After its first pure-electric model, a first PHEV will arrive and a new pure-EV dedicated platform will arrive ‘early in the coming decade’. Until next month, the LF-30 is garnering attention as a look ahead to what Lexus could do in 2030. Specs include wireless rapid charging, a 311 mile range, 3.8 second 0-62mph time, 110 kWh battery, 150 kW DC charging speed, and 400 kW output.
Origin: Lexus reveals LC30 EV
Lexus
Dramatic Lexus LF-30 concept unveiled
The Lexus LF-30 Electrified concept car has been unveiled at the Tokyo motor show, giving an overtly design-led insight into how the brand’s electric car future will look, as well as showcasing some of the autonomous and technical functions being developed for it to potentially go on sale with. As such, the LF-30 is a concept car in the truest sense, with insiders saying that it is not intended to give specific clues to any single future Lexus model, but rather to explore the looks and technology that the cars could be sold with from around 2030. Among the more expressive design flourishes are the roof mounted doors and dramatically short rear. It is, however, based on a new electric platform that will underpin future Lexus and Toyota EVs from around 2022, which underlines its more immediate relevance. “This concept is not directly linked to a specific product but symbolises the electrification vision of Lexus,” said Takashi Watanabe, chief engineer for Lexus electrified projects. “Electric vehicles open up the potential for many changes, from dimensions and proportions to how they are engineered. We believe electrification will change the definition of luxury in future and this is our vision for that.” However, the LF-30 does have clear production potential. At 5090mm long it is 110mm shorter than a Range Rover, while at 1600mm high it is 235mm lower than a Range Rover and just 40mm higher than a Jaguar I-Pace. Thanks to clever packaging, it also has a wheelbase of 3200mm, is 1995mm wide and weighs 2400kg – all marginally exaggerated over on an I-Pace. It is fitted with a 110kW/h battery that can charge at 150kW and offer a range of around 310 miles – all in the ballpark of the figures for EVs already on sale made by rival manufacturers. Placing a focus on the handling benefits possible with electric motors, Watanabe said the concept’s use of individual in-wheel units was being explored for its production potential because of the superior handling characteristics that fully controlled, instant torque would give. “This is beyond the possibilities for cars as we have them today,” he said, referring to the system as ‘Advanced Posture Control’ and comparing its potential agility to that of a leopard hunting prey. The LF-30 is said to offer 536bhp and 516lb ft of torque, hinting at its performance credentials. While its top speed is limited to 124mph, its 0-62mph time is a relatively pacey 3.8sec. Watanabe also suggested that the absence of a charging port on the concept car was a nod to a desire to do away with charging by cables and instead develop wireless conduction charging capabilities. “It does not mean the technology will be ready for our first production car on this platform, but in the future we want to enhance the luxuriousness of charging,” said Watanabe. “The idea of a contactless charging system without using cables is something we hope to accelerate development of.” Talking about the battery range and charging speed Watanabe added: “It is not just about fitting bigger batteries for a larger range, because then you just increase the charging time,” said Terashi. “There is battery development to come – including solid state – but also the charging infrastructure is crucial. It is something Toyota and Lexus must look at and potentially invest in. We must develop more convenient batteries and services for customers, and we must also consider the life of the battery in the longer-term.” Inside, the LF-30 is also highly futuristic, with a steering wheel that retracts when it is in an autonomous mode and extends when the driver wishes to take control. There’s little switchgear on display beyond buttons on the steering wheel which link to a heads-up display, so as not to distract the driver; functions are controlled by gestures instead. Meanwhile, glass roof-mounted screens are available for rear seat passengers to stay online and interact with the car using augmented reality. In one of Lexus’s more futuristic flourishes, the LF-30 comes with a support drone which can load and unload luggage. The driving position was highlighted by Watanabe for its driver-centric design, described using the Japanese word ‘Tazuna’, which equates to ‘reins’, as used to control a horse. “A horse and rider have a connection, a mutual appreciation,” he said. “We are aiming for the same.” A steer-by-wire system removes any mechanical connection between the steering and the wheels, too, allowing “more flexible control and a more precise steering feel” according to Watanabe. Infiniti has previously tried such a system in production to highly critical reviews. Adding to the speculation that a sporty SUV-like vehicle would be the first Lexus to be made using the platform, Terashi hinted that the first car would be made with an eye on the US market. “Smaller electric vehicles make sense in urban areas, but they are not so popular to the tastes of the United States,” he said. “The goal is to develop
Origin: Dramatic Lexus LF-30 concept unveiled
19-year-old charged with stealing $1.26M of new Toyota, Lexus cars in Toronto
Slow U.S. sales spell the end for the Lexus CT200h south of the border. A 19-year-old man is facing dozens of charges in the investigation of $1.26 million worth of stolen vehicles, Toronto Police say.From November 20 to December 22, 2018, police say an organized motor theft operation targeted new, high-end Lexus and Toyota vehicles in the wee hours of the morning.Thirty-six vehicles were stolen.Kevin Ramnaraine, of Montreal, was arrested July 19 and charged with 71 offences including with 35 counts of theft of a motor vehicle, 35 counts of commit an indictable offence for a criminal organization and possession of property obtained by crime.He is to appear in College Park court on Aug.
Origin: 19-year-old charged with stealing $1.26M of new Toyota, Lexus cars in Toronto
Want a 2020 Lexus LS 500? Take a look down memory lane
2019 Lexus LS 500Handout LIBERIA, Costa Rica So, you want a new LS 500. Well now, arent you in the minority? Whats wrong with you? Dont you know large, luxury sedans are totally pass? Why arent you shopping some over-priced, underperforming sport-ute like all your peers? Seriously, in this day of rampant me-tooism, if you want to stand out, buy a sedan. If youre independently foolish and really want to stand out, get an LS 500.Not that theres anything wrong with Lexus latest flagship sedan. Its actually a bit of a stunner as long as you can stomach the muy-macho grille and doesnt go half bad, either.One surprising thing is that Lexus doesnt offer the new LS with eight pistons; a V6 is the only available engine. However, both are fortified, the regular LS with twin turbochargers and the LS500h with a naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre V6 mated to Toyotas Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain. Both will provide more than adequate performance, though, despite Lexus protestations to the contrary, the Hybrid doesnt feel nearly as sporty as the turbo. Always relaxed partially because its mated to a ten-speed automatic the 416-horsepower V6 unit scoots when it has to, trundles when youre relaxed, and will if its anything like Lexus motors past will do so until your children are grandparents.The LS ride/handling balance fairly matches its engine. Not nearly as sprightly as a Maserati Quattroporte and still a smidge behind BMWs 7 Series, the latest LS is still up for the job of straightening twisty roads. Those so inclined are best served by opting for the air suspensions its standard equipment on the LS500h and switching the mode button to Sport+. The steering becomes heavier, the springing firmer, and the whole plot a little more inciting, all without much ruining the big Lexus ride. Inside, the LS is pretty much the treat youre expecting, sumptuous leather covering roomy seats and delicate wood trim. This last gets special attention as all Lexus artwood inlays are built by Yamahas music division, my favourite being the one with the aluminum highlights. According Paul Williamsen, head of Lexus global marketing planning, Yamaha first overlays a wood veneer onto an aluminum substrate. Then it etches the patter it wants to remove the upper wood, leaving the aluminum underneath exposed. But because the aluminum is at a lower level than the wood and we certainly cant have an uneven surface in a Lexus, can we? Yamaha then vacuum seals the entire piece sucking the underlying metal onto an even keel with the overlaid wood. Wow, thats a lot of trouble for a few metal pinstripes.Williamsen says this is part and parcel of the companys Experience Amazing strategy: In the battle of marketing slogans, I think relentlessly pursuing perfection is a better measure of Lexus obvious obsessive compulsion.Only two foibles (may) mar the LS 500s interior. Lexus touchpad manipulated infotainment screen is either a love it or hate it affair. By love it or hate it, I mean everyone hates it at the beginning and then a few learn to, well, almost like it. Its polarizing. Almost as wonky but not nearly as polarizing are the multi-function switches puts on each side of the instrument binnacle. It either reminds you of a fighter jet or looks like someone forgot the wipes until the very last moment. Either way, it doesnt really compromise ergonomics so its not nearly as polarizing as the touchpad.Overall, the LS500, like all large luxury sedans, perhaps more than most, doesnt deserve to be ignored. Its a luxurious, spacious and well-crafted sedan, that last word the only reason its not more popular. No pricing is available on the 2020 yet, but the 2019 LS starts at $103,150 and Lexus Canada has some screaming deals going on right now. 2018 Lexus LC 500 Handout / Lexus Damn the family, I want two doors: Well, has Lexus got a sports coupe for you. Based on the same platform as the LS, the LC 500 has two things going for it. The first is that, unlike the sedan, the coupe is still offered with a naturally aspirated, we-dont-need-no-stinking-turbos 5.0-litre V8. The same one offered in the RC F, in fact: 471 horsepower, a 10-speed transmission, and some seriously stiff suspension make for an entertaining ride. Officially, the reason the twin-turbo V6 doesnt power the LC is that it wasnt quite ready when the big coupe was being engineered, but I think Lexus engineers just wanted to make some noise. The LC500 delivers. Indeed, while the LC is available as a hybrid and I recommend that powertrain for the LS the LC is best served by the rootin and tootin V8.More importantly, the LC500 has a face Maserati would die for. Lexus spindle grille may be a little overwrought for its run-of-the-mill sedans and soft-roaders, but it matches the LCs curves and creases perfectly. I dont usually render critiques about styling as my eye may not behold the same image as your own but I think this is the sexiest sport coupe extent. On looks
Origin: Want a 2020 Lexus LS 500? Take a look down memory lane
Rumour has it Toyota and Lexus will use Mazda’s upcoming straight-six
Costa Mouzouris behind the wheel of the 2020 Lexus RC F.Handout / Lexus Back in 2016, Toyota and Mazda reached an agreement to share their technology.Since then, we’ve seen the fruits of the partnership ripen in a joint plant in Alabama, and in vehicles like the 2020 Yaris Hatchback, which borrows a platform from the Mazda2. Now, according to rumours uncovered by Japan’s Best Car magazine, which cites news broken in a Jalopnik story, and translated by Lexus Enthusiast.com, Toyota-Lexus will be dipping into the Mazda honey pot once more to put its second-generation Lexus RC coupe on a Mazda platform and use a Mazda engine.While speaking with Toyota about something else, Best Car’s editors uncovered information suggesting the brand has plans to use Mazda’s upcoming straight-six engine and rear-drive platform not just for the replacement to the Japan-only Mark X sedan, but also in an upcoming Lexus coupe slated to fit between the Lexus RC and LC. What’s more, Best Car suggests that Lexus will also use the platform for the generation after the next of the Lexus IS and RC. That means the first Mazda-Lexus models could arrive in 2022. It’s a juicy rumour, but a rumour nonetheless. And if you want another one: there have been whispers about a full merger between Toyota and Mazda. Shhhh.
Origin: Rumour has it Toyota and Lexus will use Mazda’s upcoming straight-six
The 2020 Lexus GX has a new off-road package nobody will use
Lexus is not redesigning the GX luxury SUV for 2020, but instead introducing some minor updates (on a vehicle which has remained essentially unchanged since 2010).Yes, the 2020 Lexus GX receives a new grille, which, dare we say, improves the look over the 2019 model? Inside the vehicle are much more significant changes, with real wood and aluminum trim panels adorning the dash to make it feel more luxurious.Opting for the Sport package will add a unique lower grille surround; 19-inch gunmetal grey rims; and accents on the side mirrors and exhaust tips.The crown jewel of the update is a new off-road package that has a bunch of features that would actually be great if any owner of the vehicle would actually take it off-road; after all, underneath the Lexus GX is a pretty capable Land Cruiser Prado.The package adds a driving mode selector for Snow, Mud and Sand, and even Loose Rocks; there are also cameras that can show you whats happening in front, on the sides and underneath your vehicle. Theres even a crawl feature, which will probably also never get used.On top of those physical upgrades, Lexus has also updated the safety systems with a suite of new technology, such as intelligent LED headlights that default to high beam when turned on, but turn to regular beam when other vehicles are detected. Collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and blind-spot warning are all now standard across the entire lineup.The 4.6-litre V8 is the only engine available; it makes 301 horsepower and 329 lb.-ft. of torque, and is good for 6,500 pounds of towing capacity. The updated 2020 Lexus GX 460 will go on sale later in the
Origin: The 2020 Lexus GX has a new off-road package nobody will use
Reader Review: 2019 Lexus ES 350
Kenton Smith with the 2019 Lexus ES 350 in Calgary.Al Charest/Postmedia A long-time owner of Toyota vehicles, Kenton Smith had never before experienced first-hand the brand’s luxury nameplate, Lexus. That changed when he spent a week in the all-new 2019 Lexus ES 350. His tester was the super-deluxe version, equipped with the top-of-the-line Ultra Luxury Package. “Of course, I’ve seen Lexus models at car shows and on the streets,” the Calgarian says, and adds, “but, I’ve never driven one before, and when it was all said and done, it was really tough handing back the key.” Lexus last fully updated the ES 350 model in 2013 with the sixth-generation and then in 2016 facelifted the luxury sedan with the corporate spindle grille and other refinements. The 2019 version ushers in the seventh-generation, complete with crisper styling and an updated 3.5-litre V6 engine backed up by an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels. The ES is also available as a hybrid, with the ES 300h model. And, for the first time in its history, the car can be had with one of two versions of the performance-enhanced F-Sport package. Lexus has made the ES 350 longer, lower and wider and upgraded the suspension to increase driving enjoyment. “It’s a super quiet car,” Smith says of the ES 350, “I think one word for me summarizes the Lexus, and I know it sounds cheesy, but it’s ‘refinement.’” Smith learned to drive in Calgary, and he and his older sister shared a 1979 Pontiac Parisienne when he got his licence at 16. However, as often as possible, he got behind the wheel of the family’s new 1986 Honda Civic, because it was equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. “That made it a lot more exciting to drive,” he says. His own first car was a Mazda 626 with a standard gearbox. As his own family began to grow, his last car with a standard transmission was an Acura EL. That was followed by a succession of minivans and SUVs that have been, over the past two decades, almost entirely Toyota products, including Sienna and Venza models. Currently, Smith maintains a RAV4 and a Prius c, both hybrids. When he first saw the Nightfall Mica – a deep navy blue – ES 350, Smith was immediately impressed by the car. He thought it would have ‘the great gaping Lexus grille’, but says, “The grille was proportionate to the overall lines, and the car has a very pleasing shape. The ES looked bigger than I expected it to, but it didn’t end up driving ‘big.’” After opening the door and settling into the premium-leather upholstered driver’s seat, the interior also found favour. “It was a light colour that beautifully complements the dark exterior,” Smith says. “Inside, I think I was surprised by the overall quality of the luxury. I was half-expecting it to be filled with Toyota switches and knobs, but that wasn’t the case, yet it was familiar in the larger sense.” The 10-way power adjustable heated and cooled seat wasn’t overly plush. Instead, Smith says the seat felt ‘fitted and supportive’. At five-feet ten-inches tall, there was plenty of head- and legroom for Smith’s frame. After spending a few days getting used to the Lexus, Smith was full of praise for the performance of the V6 engine that makes 302 horsepower. “The engine had plenty of power, and the eight-speed automatic transmission was unobtrusive,” he says. “If you got on the gas, you could sense it shifting, otherwise it was completely seamless.” On a road trip west of Calgary to Canmore, Smith experimented with some of the technology found in the ES, including the dynamic radar cruise control and lane tracing assist. Although well suspended, Smith says the Lexus never felt like it was floating. He says you could feel the road, but the ride was never uncomfortable. Handling was good, with a nice light effort on the steering wheel in parking lot situations while it tightened up when on the highway – overall, it was well-balanced, in Smith’s opinion. To test the utility of the ES 350, Smith loaded up his 19-year old daughter’s goalie equipment in the trunk. “I got all of her gear in the trunk, and with the sticks through the backseat pass-through, we still got all four of us into the car and down to Okotoks for her hockey game,” he says. “The trunk opened wide, and it was easy to lift everything in. It has a power trunk lid, and while that’s nice to have I think it’s a luxury you could easily live without.” Smith suggests the ES 350 would best suit a family of four, or empty nesters. “It’s not a big, gigantic car and you won’t feel like you’re hauling around a bunch of empty space without extra passengers. But, load them in and they’re going to be very comfortable,” he says, and concludes, “It was tough to give the car back, I really did enjoy driving it.” DRIVER’S JOURNAL Day One: Nice colour combination, high-quality leather. Quiet! Wow, so nice and quiet on the highway. The control for the infotainment system is really awkward. The trackpad is an
Origin: Reader Review: 2019 Lexus ES 350
Autocar confidential: Volvo’s views on saloons, Lexus holds on to hybrids and more
In this week’s stroll through motoring’s backstage area, we hear how Volkswagen plans to revolutionise online car buying, why Lexus thinks hybrids are still so important and more. Volkswagen’s quick click Volkswagen aims to introduce a new car-buying experience with the ID 3 EV, which will be launched in September, with sales boss Jürgen Stackmann saying the firm plans to enable “10 clicks to a finished car” when ordering one. But although it is moving towards online buying, he said dealerships will still be key: “In China, people do everything on their phone – except buy cars. You still need to touch and test a car.” Honda looks forward with the e The Honda e features a classic bonnet design, despite lacking an internal combustion engine – and that’s because it’s the best shape for visibility. Designer Ken Sahara said of the EV: “At first, we tried to make it more futuristic and did several sketches with a shorter front. But from a functional perspective, a (steeply raked) A-pillar just makes bad visibility, so we used the two-box shape.” Volvo can handle saloon buyers A stronger focus on an engaging driving experience is now a “prerequisite” for any new mid-sized saloon, reckons Volvo’s UK operations director, David Baddeley. “The segment has moved in a more dynamic direction,” he said. “If driving dynamics aren’t a big need for you, you’re much more likely to end up in an SUV. The market has differentiated and now you need dynamics.” Lexus hybrid-ges the gap Lexus thinks that traditional hybrids are just as worthy as the new breed of plug-in hybrids from rivals. UK boss Ewan Shepherd said: “We believe hybrid is the tech for now. It is much more practical for someone coming out of a diesel or petrol. The infrastructure in cities is not there yet to make electric and plug-in hybrid
Origin: Autocar confidential: Volvo’s views on saloons, Lexus holds on to hybrids and more
SUV Review: 2019 Lexus UX 200 F Sport
OVERVIEW Stylish small-sized premium-priced crossover PROSSmooth, mostly quiet, less expensive than competition CONSUnderpowered, front-wheel drive only, some annoying controls VALUE FOR MONEYFair WHAT TO CHANGE?More powerful engine and AWD needed HOW TO SPEC IT?Lexus UX 250h ($39,700) Although not as heavily populated or as popular as the compact and midsize luxury crossover segments, the small luxury slice has nonetheless grown over the past five years to include some city friendly, fuel-efficient, boldly styled products, primarily from European automakers, but, for 2019, now including Japanese powerhouse Toyota’s upscale Lexus brand. If you’re prone to drinking the marketing Kool-Aid, the brand-new UX is, according to Lexus, “the urban explorer that Canadians have been waiting for with a style “designed to enable active lifestyles.” That’s a lot of hyperbole to swallow. The brand’s traditional strengths are sumptuous luxury, cosseting ride and silky-smooth engines in just about all of its product lineup, which now come under scrutiny in what has become the gateway vehicle to the Lexus family, and a supposedly sporting one at that. The biggest issue the UX is going to face — at least the $37,100 (to start) UX 200 — is whether consumers will buy into Lexus’s assertion that it is an actual SUV. You see, unlike the UX 250h (the hybrid version), the 200 is front-wheel drive only. This may not be as big a deal to the downtown snake people with which Lexus hopes to curry favour; this group supposedly more concerned with style, technology and connectivity than they are drivetrains. Being a noted contrarian, not to mention being significantly older than the targeted demographic, I view the UX 200 as essentially a spiffy sort of hatchback, considering its underpinnings are the same as those found underneath the outré Toyota C-HR. And, for many of us baby boomers, performance still matters. Which brings me to the second-biggest issue for the UX 200 — a big dose of “meh” under the hood. Currently, the small luxury crossover segment consists of the BMW X1 and X2, Mercedes GLA, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40. The common thread to all of these crossovers, in addition to all-wheel drivetrains, is that they are powered by 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinders. Horsepower ranges from 208 in the GLA 250 to 248 in the XC40. The UX 200, meanwhile, is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0L four-cylinder — the same as in the new Corolla Hatchback — putting out a meager 169 hp. (Anteing up for the UX 250h results in a net system output of just 181 hp from its 2.0L engine and electric motor.) And in both cases, power is routed through a continuously variable transmission, whereas the competition is fitted with regular automatics (or an available six-speed manual in the case of the Countryman). Even tipping the scales at a very trim 1,500 kilograms — partly attributable to the use of aluminum for the doors, front fenders and hood and tailgate frame — one of the UX 200’s strengths will not be scintillating acceleration. Switching from either Eco or Normal to Sport mode does give the impression of a little more urge. At least the engine is decently quiet under normal operation, though, like most small four-cylinders, turbocharged or not, it takes on a coarser edge at higher revs when passing power is called for. OK, the UX is left wanting in the powertrain and drivetrain areas; thankfully its handling dynamics are up to snuff. It hangs tough in the turns, thanks to a low centre of gravity, not to mention active cornering assist, a function integrated with the vehicle stability control system that helps the Lexus set a tight line through a turn by applying some brake control on the inside wheels, mitigating understeer. There’s a solid weight from the electric power steering as well. And its ride is quite comfortable as well, maybe not RX 350 comfy but more than acceptable considering its shorter wheelbase. 2019 Lexus UX Brian Harper / Driving The cabin, though not as luxurious as other Lexus products, is nonetheless cleanly styled with a modern yet simple vibe, a counterpoint to the UX’s boldly aggressive exterior. Some controls fall easily to hand, yet Lexus insists on retaining the “remote touch interface” (RTI) track pad — with haptic feedback — to work the functions featured on the centre console touchscreen. Designed, says Lexus, to feel as familiar to use as a smartphone, the RTI utilizes operations such as double tapping, squeezing to zoom and flicking to mimic common phone gestures. This works much better when the UX is stationary, not nearly as user friendly when it’s in motion, any bump in the road making the very sensitive pad frustrating to use. Further complicating things, the volume and tuning knobs for the audio system are now sliders located at the base of the armrest instead of on the centre stack where they can be easily seen. There’s plenty of room up front for taller
Origin: SUV Review: 2019 Lexus UX 200 F Sport
First look: 2020 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h
SANTA MONICA, CA — Lexus has always been a little ahead of the curve. Its first RX SUV, introduced way back when Jean Chrétien was still Prime Minister, seemed outrageous at the time. Lexus was crazy for building such an odd-shaped loon, I thought back then. But I also remember thinking, about the same time, those predictions that everyone would someday be walking around with a phone in their pocket sounded like lunacy. And yet here we are. Lexus was also ahead of the game when they decided to make quality and dealership experience hallmarks of the brand. No, Lexus models weren’t always as sassy as BMWs or Audis, but they sure as hell didn’t cost as much in maintenance either, consistently taking home “most dependable” and “most reliable” awards. In recent years, after adopting a design philosophy that was more angles and lines than a map of the constellations, Lexus cars and SUVs looked almost too futuristic, as if the brand was trying too hard. Only recently has that same design philosophy looked fitting for our time. But because the current, fourth-generation RX 350 and 450h has been in production since 2015, and because competition in this category is fierce, Lexus is freshening its most popular vehicle (also in three-row, RX L trim) for the 2020 model year. A cursory glance does not reveal that the front and rear fascias are new, or that it wears new 18-inch or 20-inch wheels. Triple-beam LED headlamps have been slimmed, and come standard starting on the Luxury grade. The fog lights have been moved lower and streamlined. Inside, an eight-inch touchscreen or optional 12.3-inch unit crowns the centre stack, paired with a remote touch pad located where your right hand naturally rests. And the multimedia system now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — finally — with six USB ports for devices. Those slimmer headlamps certainly accentuate the angry, angled look of the RX without being weirdly eccentric, and they work well with the brand’s hourglass grille to smartly freshen the RX’s front face. Rear tail lamps use an “L” motif across the top of the lamp, reflected by inverted Ls across the bottom. A power rear tailgate that can be activated by a kick sensor, is now available on the Executive package. All in all, it’s a big improvement on what was already an attractive vehicle. The ride, which was never objectionable, should see improvements too. Front and rear stabilizer bars are now hollow to reduce weight, yet thicker diameters and reinforced bushings will, Lexus says, help reduce body roll and improve steering response. Shock absorbers have been retuned to work with the stiffer roll bars, while upgraded dampers feature a new “friction control” device that helps to control high frequency vibrations for a smoother ride. To prevent understeer that occurs when turning into a corner too quickly, “active corner braking” brakes the inside rear tire to help keep the RX from sailing into the roadside shrubbery. Fifty more spot welds and adhesives are said to improve rigidity. Engines and transmissions remain the same — an eight-speed automatic hooked to a 3.5-litre V6 (295 hp; 268 lb.-ft) in the 350, and a 3.5-litre V6 with electric motor in the hybrid for 308 net horsepower and 247 lb.-ft. Safety, of course, has also made gains, much of it standard. A little like GM’s OnStar, “Enform Safety Connect” gives access to a live human 24/7 who can help in a crash or emergency. The pre-collision system has been improved so that it can now be aware of cyclists in the daytime — instead of just cars and pedestrians — in front of the vehicle. By increasing the camera’s sensitivity and dynamic range, pedestrians in low light conditions can be better seen as well. The system even has the ability to detect lane markings on the road to help with lane positioning; and if the markings are poor or non-existent, the RX will follow the vehicle in front of it when working with the RX’s radar cruise control. These all come standard. A new exterior colour, Moonbeam Beige Metallic, joins a new interior trim colour, Birch. A new RX F Sport package borrows a variable suspension system from the Lexus LC that’s more responsive than previous systems. F Sport packages also include a cold air intake, aluminum pedals, sportier steering with heated steering wheel, and an attractive red leather interior with bolstered sport seats. The 2020 RX and RX L will start production at Toyota’s Cambridge South plant in the third quarter of 2019. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date, but shouldn’t be too far off the current $55,000 starting
Origin: First look: 2020 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h
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