Lil4X

You and I (and thousands of other RX owners) would seem to agree. Just looking at the cargo hold last night while unloading the accumulated purchases of the day, it looks like in order to install a functional third seat, the RX would have to be stretched at least eight to ten inches - just to squeeze a footwell in front of the spare. It would also eliminate those handy bins (on the 330/350) at the rear of the load floor.

For a huge segment of the market, the RX is the perfect size. If the number of seats gets to be a bragging issue in your neighborhood, you can probably make a good deal on a slightly used Greyhound . . . bus, that is . . . "Yes, I was telling Buffy last night not to forget the kids in row 23 . . . . "

Lexmex

I wonder with it possibly growing (remember the RAV4), if there will be something to fill the original RX size void maybe to take on something like the RDX should that pan out well for Acura. The reason I say that is that manufacturers are paying more attention to gas prices.

tfischer

LEXMEX, and others who did not read the Edmund's article mentioned in the original post -- the article does not state that the RX will be enlarged in the next iteration. It states that the longer model with a 3rd row of seats will be offered along with the standard RX we have come to know and love:

"According to our sources, the biggest change for the next-generation RX will be the introduction of a long-wheelbase model with room for seven. A standard five-passenger model will continue as the base version."

And of course, you have to add a pinch of salt to help the speculation factor go down. ("our sources" indeed!)

DakotaRX

I like the idea that they would come out with a longer version of the RX. I love the look of the RX now and like the size it is as well (otherwise I would have bought the GX for the more room). But at the same time I wouldn't mind an extra 6 to 10 inches more room in the back. As for a third seat, no thank you. Having a bit more space in the back would be nice and still keeping the little bins under the cover. One other advantage to the longer style might be the fact that the wheelbase would be moved out as well. The longer wheelbase would make for an even better ride on top of the great ride it is now. I do like the visual look shown in the article. Granted it does appear to take on a slightly FX look, but I still see the RX there. I think part of the FX look comes from artists making vehicles all look like they have 20 or 22 inch rims with 20/30 series tires. A V8 would also be nice but I don't really look at the RX as being a "Performance" vehicle, it's an SUV. The extra cylinders would be more for the power needed for a longer and heavier vehicle created by a third row seat and hauling capacity. One way or the other I'm looking forward to the next generation of the RX and 2009 or 2010 would be about the time for me to look for a replacement for my 2005.
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2005 RX330 Thundercloud, Thundercloud Mist, Gray/Black interior with Black Birdseye Maple, NAV, ML, HID w/AFS, Tow Package (Lexus hitch), Rain Sensing Wipers, Clear Bra, 18" Thundercloud rims with Michelin MXV4's.