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Lexus RX 330

3939 messages,  Last post on Oct 15, 2012 at 9:35 PM

You are in the Lexus RX 300/330/350 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Lexus RX 330, SUV

Messages Page 23 of 394

#221 of 3939 New SUV by lenscap

Mar 31, 2003 (11:57 am)

For those looking at the RX 330 but maybe wanting something sportier, Lexus will be coming out with a new SUV based on the next generation GS. The SUV should be out either end of this year or early 2004.
 
The concept version, called the HPX (for high-performance crossover), will be unveiled at the New York Auto Show on April 16. Who knows, this may be the actual vehicle since the previous RX and GS were "concepts" that turned out to be the real things.
 
Lexus says the new SUV will "probe new automotive ground by combining sport sedan performance, maximum versatility and innovative luxury in a sleek package."

#222 of 3939 Lexus HPX by jryn

Mar 31, 2003 (12:17 pm)

The artist's rendition of the Lexus HPX makes it look like the Murano or FX35. I'll be curious to see if that segment of the market really takes off.
 
http://pressroom.toyota.com/photo_library/display_photo.html?recn- um=004253
 
If I weren't willing to trade a lot of performance for utility, I would stick with a car. I don't see the appeal in the new hybrids, esp. since these S(U)V's don't offer much more utility than you could get out of a sedan with fold-down rear seats. Makes me wonder if people just want the higher seating position.
 
Anyway, soon we'll have real photos to look at and we can better judge the HPX then.

#223 of 3939 RX330 sighting by lok888

Mar 31, 2003 (1:47 pm)

Just saw a Neptune blue mica RX300 in Boston yesterday. We both stopped at the light. I didn't pay much attention even with the daylight because of the color. Until I realized it was RX300, it spread away. The only thing I remember was seeing the shorty radio antenna on the roof near the rear liftgate and the clear tail light lens. Cool!

#224 of 3939 jryn by lenscap

Mar 31, 2003 (2:55 pm)

Thanks for posting that drawing!

#225 of 3939 by maxhonda99

Mar 31, 2003 (5:46 pm)

Jeez, ANother SUV from Lexus!

#226 of 3939 Davidcalhoun: Tariff Cost by mrrogers

Mar 31, 2003 (7:33 pm)

I am not sure, but 12% to 16% sounds right. If you are from Evendale, we have a mutual RX300 friend who lives in Marblehead.

#227 of 3939 AWD full-time or part-time by khanhvn

Mar 31, 2003 (7:34 pm)

Does anyone know if RX330 AWD is full-time (like Mercedes ML) or part-time (like XC90/MDX - i.e. it's mostly front drive in normal condition) ?

#228 of 3939 khanhvn by JBaumgart

Mar 31, 2003 (9:24 pm)

According to what I've read, the RX 330 - like the RX 300 - uses a center differential to split the engine power evenly (50-50) between the front and rear wheels under normal conditions, but the new VSC system is able to re-apportion power both front-to-rear and side-to-side if wheel slippage occurs. This has eliminated the need for a viscous coupling as was used on the RX 300. The VSC system is also able to control either front or rear wheel slide during cornering, and then apply either torque or braking intervention to individual wheels, in order to keep the vehicle pointed along its intended course. The new system is supposed to be lighter and mechanically simpler than before. And with the driveshaft elements situated in a straighter line, friction, driveline noise and vibration is supposed to be reduced.
 
If its real-world performance is able to match all the hype, it does sound like a significant advancement over the previous model.

#229 of 3939 RX330 Center Differential by outrigger

Apr 01, 2003 (8:35 am)

Both the Mercedes ML and now the RX330 have an open center diff. To find the wheel or wheels that have grip, the traction control system must apply the brake to the first slipping wheel, which will make torque to go another wheel (usually the other back wheel), then brake it also, which will then send torque to the front axle. This can take a few seconds and makes it more likely you can get stuck. (I know from personal experience in an ML.)
 
A viscous coupled center diff will send torque to BOTH the front & rear at virtually the same time, so you don't have to wait for the traction control system to brake both rears in order to get torque to the front.
 
Yes, an open center diff is simpler & cheaper, but better? I don't think so!!!!

#230 of 3939 Is Mark Levinson that great? by wco81

Apr 01, 2003 (12:05 pm)

It's high-end audio but you're still in a noisy auto environment. Or do you really need a fancy ML system to listen to loud rock?
 
Also, I'm surprised at how many people care about the Navigation Systems, which are a great boon to carmakers/dealers as high-priced, high-margin options but the utility of which to consumers is dubious.
 
Any dates yet on when the hybrid version of the 330 will be available and what pricing will be? And what options packages you'll be forced to take?

Messages Page 23 of 394

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