flipside909

January 26, 2007 – Torrance, CA - Lexus today announced manufacturers suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 2008 RX 350, the top-selling luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV). For 2008, the RX 350 receives exterior enhancements that include a freshened front-grille design and new exterior chrome door handles. New seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with a Liquid Graphite finish are available as an option. The 2008 RX 350 also adds two new exterior colors: Brandy Wine Mica and Desert Sage Metallic. Inside, the RX 350 offers an additional wood trim color, Black Bird's-Eye Maple, on units with a light gray interior.

The RX 350 retains its excellent value as the MSRP will remain unchanged from 2007. Prices for the RX 350 will remain at $37,400 for the front-wheel-drive model and $38,800 for the all-wheel-drive model. All optional equipment prices also remain unchanged.

Powerful Performance
Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the RX 350 produces 270 horsepower and 251 lb.-ft. of torque. Featuring all-aluminum construction, the V6 harnesses the benefits of advanced technologies to optimize performance, fuel economy and low emissions. The V6 enables the RX 350 to sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 7.3 seconds for the FWD model and 7.4 seconds for the AWD model.

The performance of the RX 350 is comparable to the output of some competitive V8 engines while still providing a fuel-economy rating among the best in class for non-hybrids. Its five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is tuned for refined drivability as well as excellent fuel efficiency. EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating for the RX 350 is 20 mpg (18 mpg city/23 mpg highway) for the FWD model and 19 mpg (17 mpg city/22 mpg highway) for the AWD. The RX 350 retains its ULEV II emissions certification.

The highly sophisticated engine uses electronically controlled sequential fuel injection, which optimizes the fuel mixture and creates a precise burn, higher output and lower emissions to aid drivability. In addition, an electronic throttle control presides over several systems to maintain superior control of power flow. This system, Electronic Throttle Control with intelligence (ETC-i), helps manage idle speed, cruise control, Traction Control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). The result is engine efficiency with excellent power and impressive fuel economy.

Refined Comfort and Luxury Features
The RX 350 produces minimal cabin noise allowing for a very quiet interior that provides an exceptional listening environment for its standard premium, satellite-ready, eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio player with in-dash six-CD autochanger. The audio system is compatible with MP3/WPA-formatted CDs and includes Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL), Radio Data System (RDS) and a digital signal processor. Commonly used audio functions are accessible via steering-wheel-mounted controls.

For true audiophiles, a Mark Levinson Premium Audio System is optionally available. This 11-speaker system features an in-dash six-disc DVD/CD autochanger, DVD-audio and DVD-video playback as well as remarkable sound clarity at all volumes (with 210 watts at 0.1% THD, 20-20,000 Hz). An available factory-installed, rear-seat DVD-entertainment system features a nine-inch fold-away video screen for convenient viewing.

The Lexus DVD-Navigation System is optionally available on the RX 350 and includes voice-recognition that will allow the driver to input a desired destination by voice command while driving.

Like other Lexus navigation systems, the system is offered in conjunction with a rear back-up camera to supplement the driver's visibility of the area behind the vehicle. The camera will provide the driver a view of what the camera lens can detect behind the vehicle, automatically projecting a color image on the navigation system's seven-inch VGA screen when the reverse gear is engaged.

In addition to English, the navigation system includes Spanish and French text-display options. The user can select the language preference at system start-up.

Lexus' craftsmanship and renowned attention to detail provide sumptuous comfort by design. Standard dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power front seats with available memory, a sliding center console, adjustable light in the visor vanity mirrors, and wood interior trim set the tone for luxury in the RX 350. Luxury extends to the smallest details, such as illuminated front cup holders and a wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel with integrated audio-system and trip-computer controls.
Premium options include a power-tilt/telescoping steering wheel with memory, and an illuminated entry system that lights the door handles, scuff plates, and front footwells.

A unique, wide-opening multipanel moonroof is an optional alternative to the optional conventional moonroof. With an open area that is 150-percent larger than a normal moonroof and an illumination area that is 250-percent larger, the multipanel moonroof is made of three separate glass panels. The front small panel is angled to reduce wind noise, the rear panel slides backwards on top of vehicle, while the middle glass panel slides backwards on top of rear panel.

Advanced All-Wheel-Drive
The AWD RX 350 model features a viscous limited-slip center differential, which enhances drivability in all types of driving conditions. The full-time AWD system provides a constant 50/50 front-to-rear power split. If slippage occurs, the viscous differential directs torque to the wheels with the most traction.

A direct-type Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system alerts the driver via a warning light on the instrument panel if a significant drop in tire pressure is detected in any of the tires.
Produced in Kyushu, Japan, and Cambridge in southern Ontario, Canada, the 2008 RX 350 will begin arriving at Lexus dealerships by the beginning of February.

Credit: Lexus USA

GFerg

2008 EPA Fuel Economy - AWD

17/22

2007 EPA Fuel Economy - AWD

19/24


Cant wait to see how the hybrid models are re-rated.

AJ

Why don't they use the IS 3.5 engine instead ? why make two engines with the same liters ?

GFerg

Doesnt look like they changed the grill to me.

LexFather

They do. 09 RX will get the hp bump.

Chrome door handles and the new wheels

blackwood with grey=

Lexus ownsz this segment and will continue to sell 100k a year

MR_F1

I hope in 09 when the RX is updated they move it to the IS/GS platform...

JZA80MHU38

I hope not. RX doesn't have to compete with the likes of FX, X5 and Cayenne directly. The pro of the RX is its ride comfort, space and utility, not sportiness. By moving to the IS/GS RWD platform and give it more "sportiness" and then step into a totally new battlefield may not be the best idea.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

I would say the chances of that, are, er, about zero.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

A lot of words for almost no change.

And still a 5 speed auto...

TRDFantasy

Those rims look similar to the hybrid RX. 5 speed won't get replaced until next-gen RX. And interesting to see the 2008 EPA numbers. The 2008 RX is one of the first vehicles that is tested under the new EPA fuel economy standards. Compared with 2007, EPA ratings went down only a little bit. Shows the efficiency of the 2GR motor.

flipside909

Because Toyota hasn't developed a 2GR-FE with hybrid synergy drive for a front drive platform. The only 2GR-FSE being used with Hybrid Synergy Drive is the GS450h. Because the current RX chassis was derived from 2003 as a 2004 model, we wont see a new RX-h motor until 2009 as Lexus follows the traditional Toyota 5 year model cycle. The first 2 years stay unchanged, the 3rd year is usually the powertrain revision, then the 4th into 5th year is an exterior update.

flipside909

The RX is a small to midsize crossover utility. It will always stay related to the FWD Camry/Avalon/ES platform using similar motors i.e. 2GR and etc. Unlikely the RX will transform into a RWD based chassis.

Gojirra99

Not going to happen, it's possible they *may* build a new X-over/van off the GS platform though (from the HPX concept, a VX ?)

doug_999

I continue to be impressed that they can give you so much car for the dollar. My wife's 2000 RX300 stickered at $40K back in late 1999. I think a comparable one is like $43K now. Very nice.

However, the competition is catching up fast - and they have three rows of seats. I personally do not think they will sell 100K this year - side bet Mike?

Nextourer

I think the added chrome grille surround. Was it chrome before? It might've been aluminium or satin finished, I don't remember.

Heck, it could be a different number of slates for all we know just like the difference between the 01 and 02 IS300.