October24
Lexus currently sells three different SUVs. Its smallest one — the RX 350, –sells the most. Since early this year, rumors from Japan have indicated the luxury automaker intends to get on car-based crossover bandwagon with a compact SUV of its own. For the 2009 model year Lexus is expected to introduce a new crossover SUV that will be smaller in size than the current RX 350.
The new crossover will use a modified Toyota RAV4 platform and a version of its 3.5 liter V6 engine. Size will be similar to the BMW X3 and Acura RDX. This artist’s sketch, based on the latest information from Japan, gives an idea of what the new Lexus crossover might look like. Full image after the jump…
I hope the actual product looks better than the rendering… Looks too much like a Mazda with an Altima nose on it.
But I’m liking the idea. It’s gonna take some serious effort on the part of Toyota to pull off an X3 fighter thou. And given their “Pedestrian” and “Appliance” way of vehicle design, I am a bit skeptical that they won’t hit the mark. And if they do, it will be so f’n hampered by electronic nannies that will sap any kind of fun out of the thing to make it interesting.
C’mon Toyota, show us some real “Drivers car” performance for once.
looks like a mazda. stop copying. get your own design
A smaller SUV/crossover based on the IS is inevitable for the Lexus lineup, and would be the perfect successor to the previous IS Sportcross model. However, it would have to be much more radically styled than the illustration, with a shorter front overhang and the wheels pushed to the corners to play up its R/AWD architecture and distinguish it from lesser Highlanders and RAV4s.
Just re-read the article.. basing it on the F/AWD RAV4 platform would be a BIG mistake.
Lexus will build a small SUV on the RAV4 and it’ll be hailed a marvel of technology and refinement, and oh what a great platform it is.. blah blah blah.
Cadillac will, more than likely, build the so called BRX on an Equinox platform and no matter how rock solid it is… “Just a rebadged Equinox, etc”
Hmmm - this is so Opel Signum…
…i’d rather see an IS wagon.
Acura did it, Infiniti is working on one, so of course Lexus must be there too.
I don’t like the styling- too generic.
Difference between the RAV and the junkuinox is the Toyota is a class leading product to begin with. Cannot say the same for the 185hp weezing pile of crap.
Poor comparison.
seems many of you have forgotten, but the lexus rx300 is the *original* premium CUV, the one that started the whole deal… the one that the x3 and mdx and ml and srx and fx imitated.
and before more idiots like “anonymous” crawl out of the woodwork with comments like “stop copying, get your own design”, keep in mind that this is not a lexus sketch, but some random artist’s. moreover, the original rx was quite a revolutionary design to begin with.
Stop getting worked up over one man (who does not work for Toyota) and his drawing. And Infiniti is working on one? I would love to see a baby fx.
Good idea, nice try at a rendering, but this ain’t L-finesse.
I love everyone here trying to somehow parallel this to domestic maufacturers and their tendency to clone terrible vehicles across multiple lines. Stick to the topic, morons.
There is going to be a new snall Infiniti called the CX25/CX35. There is also going to be a smaller Benz MLK. The small premium crossover market is gonna get really hot very soon.
Lexus needs to nail the styling on this one.
That doesnt look like a SUV, that thing looks like a big hatchback
Will Lexus suceed in producing a Hybrid AWD model in its IS model ? Also will Lexus produce a diesel powered Hybrid AWD in its IS or LS ( i.e. LS 600h L) models now or in the near future?
If the answers to these above questions are in the affirmative, then Lexus will be setting the pace (regarding super automotive handling combining with exceptional fuel economy / efficiency) against its German, American, French or other automobile producing rivals.
Well done Lexus!
Try to improve on the acceleration of diesel models to match your gasoline model counterparts (of course lexus models) during the production of your diesel AWD Hybrid models.
i think you meant RDX Maxim
I like the X3. It is not a mushy Jap style SUV.
It is quite numble.
Tough to beat.
just and FYI to garbagemotorcos.
its the mercedes GLK not the MLK.. but same vechile
Looks like the love child of the new Civic and the new Mondeo. I think it needs a third window on the side to keep it from looking like just a tall hatchback.
Toyota/Lexus are going after performance hybrids, not diesels, as their fuel-efficient high-performance alternatives. This could be a great vehicle, the RAV4 platform provides a reliable, comfortable and fast place to begin workign from. If Lexus could only provide good steering feel from its vehicles, it would win me over.
Pfft. This POS ain’t gonna compete against anything. Lexus is for losers.
Lexus builds one heck of an appliance. Buld quality and interior design are top notch. Find an auto Rag that doesn’t praise Lexus for that and I’ll eat my hat.
Now it’s time for them to inject a bit of “Passion” in the driving experience and a bit less “Passion” for numb perfection…
we already know this will have better build quality and nicer interior than the x3. track performance from an suv? give me a break you haters, your x3 sucks just as much ass…
Oh god, here we go again. Lexus trying to conquer BMW in every single way possible. But we all know just how soulless this appliance will be…
At least the RDX is on a new platform and not based of the CR-V. I am sure Lexus will pull this off and since it will cost them almost nothing more to build then a Top of the line RAV4 they will make a ton of money on it.
In addition to previous comments concerning lexus, in order to increment its technology further, I think Lexus should also consider having an external recharger-battery plug-in point as a further addition to its ((gasoline) self rechargeable electric hybrid) technology such that in a suitation in which fuel is scarce or not available, the electrically plug-in-point recharge would be able to top up the vehicle batteries. This will aid in the ability to use the vehicle regardless of the availability (or non availability) of fuel (octant or cetane), as periodic battery charging (perhaps overnight) from the external plug-in-point will make this possible. If this is combined with a diesel engine technology, this will make Lexus one of the most fuel efficient sedans in the world.
This is of course to the additional ‘’self recharging” gasolene/electric technology.