Lexus has released full details and a big photo gallery with the all-new 2016 RX SUV in US-specification.
The sharper-looking new RX will be available in the US with two engine versions, the RX 350 and RX 450h hybrid, both offered with the optional F Sport package.
The RX 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter direct-injected V6 gasoline engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rated at 295hp at 6,300 rpm and 267lb-ft (362Nm) of torque at 4,700 rpm, the engine uses an all-new cylinder head design with reshaped intake ports and combustion chambers for added efficiency in the combustion process, as well as a D-4S fuel injection system that enables direct injection to the cylinders with high fuel pressure.
The engine has adopted Variable Valve Timing with intelligence Wide (VVT-iW) on the intake side and VVT-I on the exhaust side. The inclusion of VVT-iW has allowed the adoption of the Atkinson cycle to further improve fuel economy.
The RX 450h features a completely re-engineered 3.5-liter direct-injected V6 hybrid engine which is an evolution of the base six-cylinder drivetrain. Combined system output is 308hp at 6,000 rpm with 247lb-ft (335Nm) of torque at 4,600 rpm.
The hybrid drivetrain in the all-new Lexus RX is the latest iteration of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system. Key components and control systems have been enhanced and re-engineered to improve fuel economy, low emissions and on-road performance.
As before, the 2016 Lexus RX is available with all-wheel drive systems. The RX 350 AWD features the Dynamic Torque Control AWD system, while the RX 450h hybrid gets the sophisticated Lexus E-Four system.
Lexus says the suspension has been enhanced to provide better steering response and ride comfort, while steering feedback has been significantly improved.
For those who want sharper handling, Lexus offers the F Sport package, available for all-wheel drive models only. Besides sharper styling inside and out, F Sport brings the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system, which controls the damping force of the shock absorbers at each individual wheel in response to road surface conditions and driver inputs. The package also includes a sound generator aimed at enhancing the driving experience.