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The Lexus RX is a Mid-size Entry-level Luxury Crossover SUV produced by Toyota Motor Corporation . It is the world's first mid-size crossover SUV. In North America , Europe , Oceania , and parts of Asia , including Singapore as a 2003 introduction, it is sold by Lexus , Toyota's luxury division, as the Lexus RX series (such as the RX 300, RX 330 and RX 350). It is currently sold in Japan and previously in Singapore as the '''Toyota Harrier'''. The RX first premiered in 1997 as a Lexus concept, followed several months later by debut of the production RX 300/Harrier models. In 2003, the second generation RX debuted in the U.S., and the redesigned RX 330/Harrier went on sale shortly after. In 2004, the RX line added the world's first luxury Hybrid , the RX 400h , and the RX 330 was upgraded to the RX 350 for model year 2007. As one of the first crossover SUVs on the market, the Lexus RX has served as a model for subsequent designs. Its commercial success as Lexus' best-selling model has been attributed to the strong reliability reputation of Lexus and the RX line. Lexus RX 350 Review, hotcarsearch.com The RX designation, coincidently similar to the unrelated Mazda RX-7 / RX-8 Coupe s and the Kia Rio RX-V Station Wagon in Canada , signifies its place in the Lexus lineup next to the larger GX and LX SUVs. The RX series is designed to combine the functional characteristics of a SUV with the ride and features of a luxury sedan. __TOC__ FIRST GENERATION (1998-2003)
In February 1997, Lexus debuted the Lexus Sport Luxury Vehicle Concept (SLV), a prototype crossover SUV, at the , the SLV concept appeared in first-generation Harrier form (codename SXU10 and MCU10 for the Front Wheel Drive models, and SXU15 and MCU15 for the Four Wheel Drive models) in December 1997. Two engines were available, the 2.2 L '' 5S-FE '' I4 which produced 139 hp JIS (102 kW) and 191 Nm (140 ft·lbf), and the 3.0 L '' 1MZ-FE '' V6 which produced 219 hp JIS (161 kW) and 304 Nm (224 ft·lbf). Both engines could be specified with either front or four wheel drive. All models came with an Automatic Transmission as standard. The vehicle was partly based on the Camry platform. The Lexus RX 300 made its sales debut in sound system was standard, while a Nakamichi premium customized sound system was available as an option. The Lexus RX was an immediate hit, and sold over 370,000 units in five years. Autochannel 2004 Lexus RX330 Review, theautochannel.com In Japan, the first-generation Harrier was a sales success, and many went to other right hand drive markets in Asia as Grey Import s. The Harrier continued largely unchanged until November 2000, when the 2.2 L '' 5S-FE '' engine was replaced by the 2.4 L '' 2AZ-FE '' 4-cylinder engine, producing 159 hp JIS (117 kW) and 221 Nm (163 ft·lbf). As before, the engine was offered with either front wheel drive or four wheel drive. The change in engine also meant a change in model code, which was now ACU10 for the front wheel drive version and ACU15 for the four wheel drive version. A small facelift was also performed on the Harrier. In 2002, Lexus introduced the limited RX 300 " Coach Edition," featuring perforated leather trim in the interior, honeycomb grille, Coach badging on the exterior and interior, and a set of Coach luggage. In 2000, the Lexus RX went on sale in Europe and Asia for the first time. Distinguishing features for these versions of the RX 300 included a different rear light cluster and larger wheels. The front wheel drive version was not offered in either Europe or Asia. A burgundy exterior color, Venetian Red Pearl, was only offered for 1999-2000 year models.1 SECOND GENERATION (2004-PRESENT)
In January 2003, Lexus unveiled the second-generation model of its best-selling luxury SUV at the with or without four wheel drive). The main difference was a new 5-speed automatic transmission with +/- shift replacing the 4-speed item in the 3.0 L V6, and the availability of "AIRS" air-suspension on the 3.0 L V6 models. The second generation RX, called the RX 330 for the North American and n-market cars were initially built in Japan , with production of the RX 330 started at Toyota's Cambridge, Ontario , Canada plant in September 2003 (some North American RX 330/RX 350 models are still made in Japan). The RX 330 is powered by a 3.3 L '' 3MZ-FE '' V6 , producing 240 hp SAE and (238 ft·lbf), and is available in either front or four wheel drive. Height-adjustable "AIRS" air-suspension is again an option on the four wheel drive models. The new model sports a drag coefficent of Cd 0.35. The second-generation RX interior features Golden Bird's Eye Maple or Walnut wood trim, a sliding multi-level center storage console, dual-zone climate control, tilt steering column, and eight airbags. Available options include an 210-watt, 11-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, GPS navigation, rear seat DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones, and a panoramic, multi-panel moonroof. A power rear door is standard. The second generation Lexus RX was launched for Europe an and Asia n markets in early 2003 (including Singapore , where it succeeded the previously sold Harrier, South Korea , and Taiwan ), where it continues to be an RX 300 and is made in Japan . Mechanical specification is more or less identical to the 3.0 L V6 Harrier, with only the four wheel drive version available. Once again, air-suspension and Mark Levinson audio can be specified. In 2005, Lexus introduced the RX 330 "Thundercloud Edition" for the U.S. market, featuring a horizontal-slatted grille, aluminum alloy wheels, and select luxury options as standard. Sales of the second generation Lexus RX have continued the success of the RX series for Lexus. With the vehicle regularly logging over 100,000 units in sales annually in the U.S. alone, the Lexus RX has become one of the most popular luxury vehicles on the market. In 2006, the RX series sold to over 108,000 customers nationally, making the Lexus RX the highest-selling luxury vehicle in the United States. Autoblog - 2008 Lexus RX 350 pricing announced RX 400h See also Lexus RX 400h The Lexus RX 400h/Harrier Hybrid is the world's first luxury Hybrid SUV, and the first Hybrid luxury vehicle. The Lexus RX 400h features Lexus Hybrid Drive , which combines a V6 Engine and electric motors. This results in performance akin to V8s with improved fuel economy and lower emissions. The RX 400h first premiered at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and the equivalent '''Harrier Hybrid''' went on sale in Japan on March 2005. The Hybrid Lexus RX 400h went on sale in North America in April 2005. Cars.com - New Lexus Buying Guide, research.cars.com Europe and Asia also received the Hybrid RX in 2006. The debut model was an all-wheel drive version, and in 2006 a front-wheel drive version was also offered. The RX 400h features styling differences with the conventional gas-powered RX, including metal interior trim in place of wood, round foglights, and a different grille. For 2007, additional hybrid signifiers were added to the rear doors and aft emblems to further distinguish the hybrid models. A combination wood trim package was also added. RX 350 For 2007, the RX received a mid-cycle refresh consisting of a new '' 2GR-FE '' 3.5-liter V6 instead of the older '' 3MZ-FE '' 3.3-liter V6 Engine , changing the vehicle's name from RX 330 to RX 350. The RX 350 also featured an updated, Lexus Generation V DVD navigation system with improved graphics, voice controlled destination inputs, and a new feature called "bread crumbs." Bread crumbs will enable drivers to retrace their steps. The new navigation system also featured voice dial systems and the ability to enter destinations by voice address while driving. For the 2008 model year, the RX received a revised grille, chrome door handles, and available new seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels. A liquid graphite finish, and Brandy Wine Mica or Desert Sage Metallic were new exterior choices. Black Bird's Eye Maple wood with gray interior was a new interior option. FUTURE The RX will be totally redesigned for the 2009 model year and emphasize more sport and luxury and have much bolder styling than the current model. Expect an extended length version and an optional 4.6L/Hybrid engine. Pricing will most likely go north of $40,000 for the base model. Expect the RX 350, RX 350L, RX 460h, RX 460hL in spring of 2008. It is hoped that the newer models will also increase the towing capacity of the Lexus RX series to 2,500kg (braked) to bring it into line with other luxury SUVs. TRIVIA
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