I found this picture and it seems Lexus has confirmed it will produce a smaller version of the RX. This is not an actual picture but a rendering. Interesting.

 

Makes sense. Would make more sense if they make a hybrid as well. Definitely would consider that one

 

Smaller RX or bigger CT? I'd vote for the latter.

 

The thing is that Toyota made the highlander a 7 seater this time around to make room for the Venza. However, they didnt do that to the RX. Also the RX is still only priced in the high 30s. I dont see them creating a smaller 5 seater ute and pricing it in the low 30s. There isnt enough of a difference.

With BMW and MB, they have the X5 and ML which is priced in the high 40s which is why they can make a cute ute in the 30s

 

Toyota have a prius and a prius v.
Lexus has a CT200h and.. this can be a CT200h v.
why pay for a Toyota in the 30's if you can buy a Lexus RX "lite" priced at $34.000?

 

This same topic is being discussed here:https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...mpact-cuv.html

 

I have a feeling the next gen RX it is going to be moving up the price ladder when they give it the direct injection engine and the 8 spd auto, etc. Just like they did with the GX when they revamped it, gave it that $10k + split in price from the RX. When that happens then they can introduce a low $30k model.

 

All of the current models and as far as I know all of the previous US spec Lexus models have/had direct injection http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasoline_direct_injection .

Hard to say for sure anything certain about the rendering but it looks like an early rendering of the CT that had an RX type front and door panels. But it's above my pay grade so .......

 

I think the 3.5 V6 in IS and GS models has direct injection. They have 25-30 more hp vs. non-direct injection.

The 3.5 in RX, ES and various Toyota models isn't direct injected. Maybe someone else can chime in, but I think that's how it is for now at least.

 

I think everything Lexus does now is port (multipoint or direct) injection

 

Lexbob2 you are correct. In fact the new GS 450h is the first use of direct injection on an Atkinson cycle engine.

 

The GS and the LS has both direct and port injection.

 

Well whatever it is, one good thing is that it has a hybrid badge on side trim. Seems like an older design because it does not have the full spindle grille setup (although I like the mild spindle grill in the picture better). I would be interested in a smaller RX, if it got great mileage in hybrid trim. But, my experience driving both the CT and HS is that when Lexus builds a smaller hybrid car they seem to lose the Lexus traits (quiet, nice ride quality) that I like ... so not much point to me.

 

Infinity has something similar with the EX. Basically a smaller, quicker and more maneuverable FX that gets a little better gas mileage. I could definitely see Lexus going that route.

 

Talking hybrid only, 45 miles per gallon. I am torn right now as my dealer wants to buy me out of my lease 8 months early and put me in a comparable 2012 RX for the same payment. I was thinking of waiting for the CX for the fantastic mileage. The CT is just too small.