2009 Rx
08-17-07, 12:32 PM
#136
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Location: ny
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At least "L" version rumor gives people like me some hope
.
08-17-07, 12:39 PM
#137
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Maybe I was expecting a "Major" design change but from the spy photo's I'll be hard pressed to even consider upgrading to the 09 RX. Most of the body components are identical to the 04-08 run. To me this looks like a mild facelift, not a major design update. If this is the best that the Lexus designers can come up with after 5 years it will make me take a closer look at the competition. Why would I buy another vehicle that looks that close to the one I'm driving? I hope the spy shots are bogus.
08-17-07, 02:22 PM
#138
Maybe I was expecting a "Major" design change but from the spy photo's I'll be hard pressed to even consider upgrading to the 09 RX. Most of the body components are identical to the 04-08 run. To me this looks like a mild facelift, not a major design update. If this is the best that the Lexus designers can come up with after 5 years it will make me take a closer look at the competition. Why would I buy another vehicle that looks that close to the one I'm driving? I hope the spy shots are bogus.
It is the same thing when Honda tested the new supposed V10 NSX using a stretched S2000 body.
08-18-07, 06:53 PM
#139
'09 Lexus
08-21-07, 10:58 AM
#140
Lexus Test Driver
08-21-07, 04:40 PM
#141
I was hoping.....
In anticipation and noticing how the current new crop of Toyotas are coming along, I was hoping the new RX would be wider. I have always thought the 330/350 looks to narrow compared to it's competitors. I was hoping too for the 3rd row seat option, cause I don't like the GX, or the LX. I have always loved my two RX's. So seeing a wider version would be nice, the option to put some nice wheels and tires on other than 20's which I think don't look right on the current model, due to tires size.
Just my opinions and wishes...
Just my opinions and wishes...
08-22-07, 09:03 AM
#143
Moderator
Thread Starter
Hence the 255-55's look good, as if it were designed for it.
08-22-07, 10:27 AM
#144
Did you know that the Bridgestone Alenza tire in the 235/55/18 size has a 1.2 inch wider thread than the Goodyear RSA?
I was surprised. No speedo error and a wider tire. Better handling and quieter too. Looks much better on the car then the narrow Goodyears.
I was surprised. No speedo error and a wider tire. Better handling and quieter too. Looks much better on the car then the narrow Goodyears.
08-22-07, 11:10 AM
#145
Moderator
Thread Starter
Wow, awesome! My next set will be 255's! Perfect match!
08-22-07, 11:54 AM
#146
Just in case you missed it, the tire photo I posted was a 235/55/18 It does have a 1.2 inch wider tread than the same size Goodyear RSA.
The 255 size will give you about a 3% speedo/odo error, not a big deal. At 65 mph your speedo will read 67 and for every 100 miles traveled your odo will read 103 miles.
I'd be more concerned that the Alenza in 255/55/18 size is only available in an H speed rating while the 235/55/18 is a V rated tire. V rated tires have less sidewall flex and run cooler. I'd expect less body roll and a slightly firmer ride with a V rated tire, two factors that are good for this vehicle, IMO.
An additional factor is that the 255 is 5 pounds heavier per tire than the 235. Adding unsprung weight to the wheels only takes away from vehicle performance.
The 255 size will give you about a 3% speedo/odo error, not a big deal. At 65 mph your speedo will read 67 and for every 100 miles traveled your odo will read 103 miles.
I'd be more concerned that the Alenza in 255/55/18 size is only available in an H speed rating while the 235/55/18 is a V rated tire. V rated tires have less sidewall flex and run cooler. I'd expect less body roll and a slightly firmer ride with a V rated tire, two factors that are good for this vehicle, IMO.
An additional factor is that the 255 is 5 pounds heavier per tire than the 235. Adding unsprung weight to the wheels only takes away from vehicle performance.
08-22-07, 12:51 PM
#147
Moderator
Thread Starter
Got it! I forgot about it. The Alenzas with the 235 OEM is wider, hence no need to go to the 255's! Got it!
08-22-07, 12:52 PM
#148
Moderator
Thread Starter
How about the Michelins? Which is wider, Michelin or Goodyear?
08-27-07, 10:58 AM
#149
I don't understand what you mean by wider tread. The Goodyear and the Bridgestones are the same size. To get a wider tread at the same height you need to go to a 255/50/18 tire.
08-27-07, 02:11 PM
#150
They both have the same sidewall (section) width (9.5") but the Bridgestones have a wider tread width (7.7" vs. 6.5"). The manufacturers specs are shown in the links below. You can also verify this on the TireRack website. As you can see the Goodyear RSA just doesn't have as much rubber on the road.
235/55R18 size;
Goodyear RSA Tread Width = 6.5"
Bridgestone Dueler Alenza Tread Width = 7.7"
The Bridgestone is 1.2" wider where the tread hits the road. Go look at the tires in person and you will be quite surprised at the difference.
Goodyear RSA specs
http://www.goodyeartires.com/goodyea...8&sidewall=VSB
Bridgestone Dueler Alenza specs
http://www.bridgestonetire.com/tires...roduct_ID=1090