2013 Lexus RX Facelift gets Spindle Grille and New F Sport Variant

The photos you see here are scans from a leaked brochure of the Japanese market 2012 Lexus RX that has received a mid-life facelift, three years after its market launch in early 2009. The updated RX will be available in North America as a 2013 model.

Following in the footsteps of its bigger brother, the 2013 Lexus LX 570 that was introduced in January, the refreshed RX gains a new fascia featuring Lexus's new trademark spindle grille along with revised headlamps sporting LED daytime running lights and a redesigned front bumper.

Also new are the tail lamp graphics and the alloy wheel designs.

The interior gets a news steering wheel design and refreshed trim options while as Carscoop tipster Leopaul pointed out; Lexus will also be offering a new optional rear-seat entertainment system on high-range models.

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Why You Shouldn't Put a Lexus to do a 4x4's Job

The Lexus RX is a competent crossover on the road but it's not the kind of vehicle that will excite you with its off-road capabilities nor will it get you out of trouble when nature gets tough. Then again, it wasn't designed as a thoroughbred 4x4.

A group of men, possibly from Russia or one of the surrounding countries of the former Soviet Union, found that the hard way when what appears to be a Lexus GX was stuck in the mud and an RX came in to help.

See what happens next in the video that follows right after the jump.

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New Study Reveals the Most Profitable Vehicles in the USA

All carmakers want their vehicles to sell in big numbers. And they make a big fuss out of it when they succeed, especially when they top the sales charts in their respective segments. However, high sale numbers don’t necessarily translate to high profits, especially with the discounts that have become a common practice to draw customers to dealerships.

A recent study conducted by Max Warburton of Bernstein Research, a market trends and analysis firm, reveals which models sold in the U.S. are the most profitable for automakers.

Despite being blamed for almost anything, from the greenhouse effect to the costly bailout a couple of years ago, the study shows that Detroit’s Big Three light-truck models lead the list of the most profitable vehicles in the U.S.

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More than 420,000 Toyota and Lexus Models Recalled in the States Over Steering Issue

Toyota just can't get pass its recall problems. Today, the troubled Japanese automaker issued a voluntary recall that involves approximately 283,200 Toyota and 137,000 Lexus vehicles equipped with V6 engines to replace the crankshaft pulley.

According to the company, there is a possibility that the outer ring of the engine's crankshaft pulley may become misaligned with the inner ring, causing noise and/or trigger a warning light on the dashboard.

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Toyota and Lexus Hybrids Recalled Over Stalling Issues

A problem with the electronics of the hybrid system, which could cause certain Lexus RX 400h and Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUVs to lose power or stop running, is the reason behind the Japanese carmaker’s latest recall.

Toyota said about 45,500 Highlander Hybrid and 36,700 Lexus RX 400h vehicles from the 2006 and 2007 model years sold in the USA are affected by the voluntary recall.

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Trapped Accelerator Pedals Come to Haunt Toyota and Lexus Again, 2.12 Million Vehicles Recalled in the USA

The Toyota Group may be off the hook over suspicions of unwanted sudden acceleration caused by software-driven throttles after the findings of the NHTSA-NASA study, but the Japanese automaker is once again making headlines over trapped accelerator pedals. Today, Toyota announced that it will conduct a voluntary safety recall of approximately 2.12 million vehicles in the United States to address accelerator pedals that could become entrapped in floor mats or jammed in carpeting.

More specifically, Toyota is recalling approximately 20,000 Lexus GS 300 and GS 350 All-Wheel Drive vehicles from the 2006-2007 model years to modify the shape of the plastic pad embedded in the driver’s side floor carpet. According to the company, if the floor carpet is not properly replaced in the correct position after a service operation, it is possible that the plastic pad embedded into the floor carpet may jam against the accelerator pedal and keep it from returning to the idle position.

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China's BYD Debuts Lexus RX-Inspired S6DM Dual-Mode Hybrid at Detroit Motor Show

Chinese automaker BYD marked its fourth consecutive appearance at the North American International Auto Show with the world premiere of the S6DM hybrid, with the DM in the name standing for "Dual-Mode".

The gasoline-electric hybrid is based on the Chinese firm's S6, a mid-size SUV model first introduced at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2009. And no, you're not the only one to find the overall styling of the S6 reminiscent of the previous generation Lexus RX.

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Lexus UK Winters-up RX 450h with New SE-I Special Edition

A new special edition model has been added to the UK range of the Lexus RX450h hybrid crossover. Named the SE-I, the new model sports a host of accessories said to be suited for those "who love the great outdoors" - always according to Lexus.

On the outside the so-called Lifestyle model adds roof rails and a rear bumper protect, plus front and rear under-run plates. Interior features of the package include a tough boot liner, claimed to be designed to cope with muddy boots, and a warm / cold storage box.

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Lexus bringing Five Customized Hybrids Plus CT 200h F-Sport to SEMA Show

Hitting the SEMA Show floors next week will be an array of customized Lexus hybrid models. The Japanese firm's lineup in Las Vegas will include the RX 450h SUV tuned by Paul Tolson, a race-spec GS 450h sedan, the VIP Auto Salon-prepped HS 250h sedan and two modified LS 600h L limos.

Lexus will also show off the CT 200h F-Sport concept fitted with 18-inch wheels shod in Pirelli P-Zero Nero 225/40 tires, a big brake kit with cross drilled rotors and an adjustable sport suspension. Full details and pictures after the break.

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New Toyota Recall, this time for Toyota Avalon and Highlander, and Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350

Toyota has announced a voluntary recall of some 740,000 vehicles in the United States to address a potential leak problem with a seal in the brake master cylinder. The models that are being recalled in the U.S. are the 2005-2006MY Toyota Avalon, 2004-2006MY Highlander (non Hybrid) and Lexus RX330, and 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350. Another 600,898 vehicles were recalled in Japan and approximately 200,000 in China for the same issue.

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Tesla Working on All-Electric Toyota RAV4 and Lexus RX Prototypes

Electric car partners Toyota Motor Corp. and Tesla Motors will develop battery-powered prototypes of the Japanese automaker's Toyota RAV4 and Lexus RX crossovers according to a news report from Businessweek citing "a person familiar with the matter". Toyota declined to confirm the models.

Earlier this month, a Tesla executive announced that the maker of the electric Roadster will deliver two EV prototypes to Toyota by the end of July, without providing any specific details about the cars.

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Wald International gives the Lexus RX350 - RX450h the Black Bison Treatment

Feast your eyes on one of Wald International's latest Black Bison styling packages that give the Lexus RX350 and its hybrid counterpart, the RX450h an aggressive new look. The cosmetic makeover includes a new front bumper with large air-inlets, matching side skirts, a new rear bumper that houses a diffuser, different treatment for the grille and a pair of twin tail pipes.

A roof spoiler and Wald International's multispoke alloy wheels shod in chunkier rubber help complete the new look for the Japanese automaker's luxury SUV. Customers can also upgrade the car with interior enhancements such as an alloy pedal set and specific floor mats.

Via: Autoblog.nl , Source: Wald

Lexus Prices 2010 RX450h Hybrid from $41,660, Lower than '09MY

The difficult economic environment in the U.S. seems to have 'forced' Lexus to take a more aggressive approach on the all-new 2010 RX450h Hybrid SUV's pricing which at $41,660 for the front-wheel drive (FWD) model and $43,250 for the all-wheel drive (AWD) version, is $460 and $230 respectively cheaper than the outgoing '09 RX400h model. Set to arrive at Lexus dealerships in mid-summer, the new RX450h introduces an updated version of Lexus Hybrid Drive, featuring a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson-cycle engine, lighter electric motors and a smaller and lighter power-control unit.

In terms of fuel economy, this translates to an EPA-estimated 32 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (30 mpg combined) for the front-wheel drive model and 30 mpg city, 28 mpg highway (29 mpg combined) for the AWD, meaning that it achieves 16 to 20 percent better fuel economy than its les powerful predecessor.

China's BYD Auto launches S6 Lexus RX Clone, Holds European Patent for Design Copyrights...

These are the first photos of BYD Auto's newest proposal in the SUV / Crossover segment, the S6 that is bound to make its debut at next month's 2009 Shanghai Auto Show that runs from April 20 to 28. If you haven't noticed it already, the Chinese automaker's SUV looks remarkably similar to the previous generation Lexus RX350. Sure the S6 has a different grille and revised headlamps / tail lights but unless your paycheck is coming from BYD Auto, few will disagree with us when we say that overall, its design shamelessly copies that of the RX350.

But what makes this story even more intriguing and apparently quite frustrating for Toyota / Lexus officials, is that believe it or not, we discovered that BYD Auto has actually succeeded in patenting the S6's design (see photo gallery bellow) at the European trademark office!

We don't have any other information on the S6 other than it is scheduled to go on sale in China later on in the year. However, what we really would like to find out is what Toyota and Lexus have to say about this latest cloning incident from China.

BYD AUTO S6 vs 2007 LEXUS RX350

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BYD AUTO S6 European Design Patents

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BYD S6 pics: Sina

2010 Lexus RX350 Pricing Announced, Cheaper Than its Predecessor

More often than not, an all-new model comes to the market with a slightly higher price tag than its predecessor, but that's not the case with the 2010 Lexus RX350 that arrives at U.S. dealerships this month. The new gasoline-powered RX carries a base MSRP of $36,800 for the front-wheel drive (FWD) model and $38,200 for the all-wheel drive (AWD) version meaning that it is priced $900 lower than the outgoing RX350 that cost $37,700 and $39,100 respectively.

The 2010 RX 350 mates a revised 275-horsepower strong 3.5-liter V6 engine with an all-new six-speed Multi-Mode Automatic Transmission. The luxury SUV's standard equipment includes among other things, 10 airbags, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and SmartAccess keyless-entry.

New Lexus RX 350 to Make Australian Debut at Melbourne Show

Lexus will stage the Australian debut of its new RX 350 at the 75th annual Melbourne Motor Show that runs from 27 February to 9 March at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. The 2010 RX-350 is fitted with an upgraded 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine that develops 204 kW / 275HP and is mated to an electronically controlled, sequential-shift, six-speed transmission which replaces the five-speed automatic of the previous model. Along with the RX 350, the Japanese automaker will also show its LF-A Roadster concept

Lexus UK Launches New Limited Edition RX400hs

With the all-new Lexus RX just around the corner (UK sales begin this summer), Lexus is apparently trying to push out as many examples of the current model as possible. Release right after the New Year, the RX 400h Limited Edition and Executive Limited Edition promise to deliver an array of otherwise extra features at a competitive price. Beginning with the RX 400h Limited Edition that costs £35,995, it comes with luxury features including leather upholstery, heated electrically adjustable front seats, and the Lexus Multimedia system .

The RX400h Executive Limited Edition which is priced at £37,995, extends the standard equipment specification with electric tilt and slide sunroof, electrically adjustable steering wheel, memory settings for the driver's seat, steering wheel and door mirrors, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, entry lighting system and a power tailgate.

Both new RX 400h special editions come with a two-year/20,000-mile servicing package. Included in the on-the-road price, this covers all routine vehicle servicing during the stated period, with a customer value of around £360.

Lexus Rolls Out 2010 RX350 and RX450h at LA Show

In case you weren't sure, this is in fact the brand-new, third-generation Lexus RX that was revealed to the world for the first time at the 2008 LA Auto Show. Like its predecessor, the new RX will be offered in two flavors, the gasoline only RX350 and the gasoline-hybrid RX450h. The exterior of the all-new RX features a sort-of blink-and-you'll-miss-it bland evolutionary styling that combines the silhouette of the current model with a few modern knickknacks from Lexus design cupboard like sculpted lower part of the doors and 'L-Finesse' molding around the side windows.

Furthermore, the RX 450h hybrid receive its own unique styling features, including an different grille, hybrid badging with blue-trimmed Lexus logos, a restyled front bumper, a special 19-inch optional wheel design, blue-tinted headlamps and taillamps, and optional LED headlamps.

Inside, the 2010 RX gets a more modern dashboard full of swoops and curves and what Lexus calls, a "dual-zone cockpit design" with two different display systems. Despite the various rumors for a seven-seat version, the RX will be offered excursively as a five-seater. However, the larger overall exterior dimensions of the luxury crossover promise to better passenger space compared to the current RX.

At the heart of the new RX models beat two improved V6 powertrains. The range-topping RX 450h features an enhanced version of the company's Lexus Hybrid Drive system with a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine that crank out a combined output of 295HP, 27 more horsepower than the current generation RX hybrid. Lexus also added two new systems that improve the RX450h's efficiency. The first is an exhaust-heat recovery system that reduces engine warm-up time allowing it to stop earlier, more often, and for longer periods while the second is a cooled exhaust-gas recirculation system that reduces engine pumping losses, also helping to improve economy.

The entry-level 2010 RX 350 is powered by the same powerplant as the RX450h, sans the hybrid system. In this case, the 3.5-liter V6 engine produces an output of 275HP and is mated to an electrically controlled, sequential-shift six-speed transmission.

According to Lexus, the 2010 RX 350 will go on sale in the U.S. next February, while the 2010 RX 450h will reach dealerships nationwide in the spring. European will have to wait until next summer for both variants of the new RX.