RX350 generation
#1
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Hi! I am new to this forum and I am impressed that it is very informative. Am curious to know if anyone can tell me how many generation of different model the RX has gone through? Is the latest RX350 model the 5th generation?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
#2
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I believe that the RX 350 is still the second generation. Go to Edmunds.com to see more info. The first generation here in the US was the RX300. The second generation was RX330 but is now the RX350 because of the new engine. The rest of the RX350 is very similar to the RX330 so I would still consider it the same generation. Maybe call it generation 2.5 ![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Kan-O-Z
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Kan-O-Z
#3
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You can perform a search on the differences between the RX330 and the RX350. However, they are almost identical cosmetically. The major difference is the 3.5L engine as opposed to the 3.3L. Some minor changes include better sound insulation including a sound dampening windshield. Because of these changes (and name change), one could argue this is the third generation for the RX.
1st - RX 300
2nd - RX 330
3rd - RX 350
If I find the post that lists the differences, I'll list it here.
1st - RX 300
2nd - RX 330
3rd - RX 350
If I find the post that lists the differences, I'll list it here.
#7
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Two tenths of a liter ...
A completely new engine design with higher compression, improved fuel injection system and dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence..
This is for both intake and exhaust camshafts.
A completely new engine design with higher compression, improved fuel injection system and dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence..
This is for both intake and exhaust camshafts.
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#8
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I heard that the gear change from 1st to 2nd was not that smooth in the RX300 and that it require a bigger engine to smoothen the change and that is resolved in the RX350.
Any truth?
I personally have not driven the RX300 nor RX330. Only had the RX350 2 weeks ago and am enjoying it.
Thanks.
Any truth?
I personally have not driven the RX300 nor RX330. Only had the RX350 2 weeks ago and am enjoying it.
Thanks.
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Kan-O-Z
#11
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You can perform a search on the differences between the RX330 and the RX350. However, they are almost identical cosmetically. The major difference is the 3.5L engine as opposed to the 3.3L. Some minor changes include better sound insulation including a sound dampening windshield. Because of these changes (and name change), one could argue this is the third generation for the RX.
1st - RX 300
2nd - RX 330
3rd - RX 350
If I find the post that lists the differences, I'll list it here.
1st - RX 300
2nd - RX 330
3rd - RX 350
If I find the post that lists the differences, I'll list it here.
Lexus has changed the way they "upgrade" their cars. Look at the GS. With the 3rd, gen, they've already upgraded the GS330 to the GS350. The GS430 will soon be the GS460. Then there is the GS450h. This is all withing the first 2 years of a new model release.
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#14
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From Wikipedia~
Second generation (2004-present)
In January 2003, Lexus unveiled the second-generation model of its best-selling luxury SUV at the North American International Auto Show, featuring a newer, sleeker body style [6]. In February 2003, the second generation Harrier (codename ACU30 and MCU30 for the front wheel drive models, and ACU35 and MCU35 for the four wheel drive models) was launched in Japan. Remaining as Lexus's entry-level SUV, the second-generation Lexus model gained as competitors the BMW X3, Land Rover Freelander and the new Infiniti FX35, following the introduction of the Lexus GX, a large midsize SUV slotted between the Lexus RX and the Lexus LX. Mechanical specification was largely similar to the first-generation Harrier, with the same engine and drivetrain combinations available (2.4 L and 3.0 L V6 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, now called the RX 330 for the North American and Middle Eastern markets, began sales in March 2003 [7]. The North American-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 223 hp SAE and (238 ft·lbf), and is available in either front or four wheel drive. "AIRS" air-suspension is again an option on the four wheel drive models. The new model sports a drag coefficent of 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 European and Asian markets in early 2003, where it continues to be a 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.
The Harrier Hybrid went on sale in Japan on March 2005, and the hybrid Lexus RX 400h went on sale in North America in April 2005 [8]. Europe and Asia also received the Hybrid RX in 2006. The 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 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 badging was added to further distinguish the hybrid models.
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, 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.
In January 2003, Lexus unveiled the second-generation model of its best-selling luxury SUV at the North American International Auto Show, featuring a newer, sleeker body style [6]. In February 2003, the second generation Harrier (codename ACU30 and MCU30 for the front wheel drive models, and ACU35 and MCU35 for the four wheel drive models) was launched in Japan. Remaining as Lexus's entry-level SUV, the second-generation Lexus model gained as competitors the BMW X3, Land Rover Freelander and the new Infiniti FX35, following the introduction of the Lexus GX, a large midsize SUV slotted between the Lexus RX and the Lexus LX. Mechanical specification was largely similar to the first-generation Harrier, with the same engine and drivetrain combinations available (2.4 L and 3.0 L V6 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, now called the RX 330 for the North American and Middle Eastern markets, began sales in March 2003 [7]. The North American-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 223 hp SAE and (238 ft·lbf), and is available in either front or four wheel drive. "AIRS" air-suspension is again an option on the four wheel drive models. The new model sports a drag coefficent of 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 European and Asian markets in early 2003, where it continues to be a 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.
The Harrier Hybrid went on sale in Japan on March 2005, and the hybrid Lexus RX 400h went on sale in North America in April 2005 [8]. Europe and Asia also received the Hybrid RX in 2006. The 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 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 badging was added to further distinguish the hybrid models.
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, 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.
#15
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Well, even before the RX reached our shores, the Harrier had been alive and well for a few years with a 2.2 L 5SFE (we have a new member in the RX300 forum with one) and later the 2.4 L 2AZFE.