Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino
LEXUS Manila recently hosted its biggest event of the year, when it unveiled the all-new RX model lines and the refreshed 2016 LX 570, inside their showroom in Bonifacio Global City. The occasion was spearheaded by no other than Lexus Manila Inc. President Daniel Isla, who expressed his gratitude to the attendees and enthusiasm for the company’s latest offerings.
“Tonight, Lexus will redefine luxury by getting out of the conservative box. You will see how Lexus will combine elegance with modern expressions of boldness and fierceness without losing the sophistication and refinement of luxury,” he said.
RX 350/450h (Hybrid) reinvented.
The all-new RX mid-size Sport-utility vehicle (SUV) evolved with a bolder styling, which uses a blend of sharp grooves and curvatures. Still prominent on the vehicle’s fascia, the Lexus’s signature spindle grille highlighted with chrome-plated borders and sleek looking triple L-shaped LED headlamps. The rear is equally striking with the L-shaped LED tail lights stretching to the rear fenders, together with the twin polished exhaust tips. Supplementing the wider stance is the 10-spoked, 20-inch alloy wheels for the premier and hybrid editions, while the F-Sport has the multispoke 20-inch alloy wheels. New and exclusive for the RX 450h is the touchless power back door, which allows users to open the rear hatch by simply placing a hand near the Lexus emblem. Another noteworthy feature is the floating roof illusion fashioned by the blackened portion of the C-pillar. The interior reveals a sophisticated and spacious cabin, adorned with the finest materials and trim. Every detail is matched with state-of-the-art functions and controls. The all-new RX also has a larger rear cargo space with enough room to fit bulky items.
There are two available powertrains that are both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Powering the RX 350 is the 3.5-liter direct-injected gasoline-powered V-6 engine (2GR-FKS), which produces 291 hp at 6,300 rpm and 360 N-m of torque at 4,700 rpm. Alternatively, the RX 450h is endowed with the completely reengineered 3.5-liter direct-injected V-6 hybrid engine (2GR-FXS), which generates a combined system output of 308 hp at 6,000 rpm with 335 N-m of torque at 4,600 rpm.
There are numerous safety features and technologies, such as SRS airbags consisting of dual-stage and dual-chamber front passenger’s airbag, driver’s knee airbag, front side airbags, rear side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags for front and rear passengers. A vehicle theft-deterrent and engine-immobilizer system, among others, are also included in the RX versions.
The RX 350 F-Sport is built around various distinctive aesthetic and performance elements. Drivers and passengers will appreciate the sporty internal motif, thanks to the dark rose colored quilted leather seats, three-spoke steering wheel with F-Sport badge and aluminum add-ons. Also, there is the unique 8-inch LCD instrumentation cluster with large, vivid gauge that combines a tachometer and a digital speed indicator. Aside from the all-wheel drivetrain, Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) System is installed to control the damping force depending on road conditions, while the Active Stabilizer System is employed to suppress body roll. What is more, a sound generator—through intake pulsations—creates sound frequencies to further enhance the acceleration experience in the mid to high engine rpm range.
The all-new RX 350 (Premier/F-Sport) and 450h is available in Graphite Black GF (Glass Flake), Amber CS (Crystal Shine), Deep Blue MC (Mica), Sonic Quartz, Sonic Titanium, Red Mica CS and White Nova GF. The variants are priced as follows: RX 450h (P5.978 million); RX 350 F-Sport (P4.938 million); and RX 350 Premier (P4.068 million).
LX 570 refreshed
Lexus’s flagship full-size luxury SUV has been transformed into a more aggressive yet stylish ride. Practically, only the door panels were left untouched. The front end radiates from the pronounced Lexus signature spindle grille outlined with chrome finish alongside the keen-looking LED head lamps. The luxurious and expansive interior showcases a long list of enrichments in terms of amenities and multimedia upgrades. Ventilated middle-row seats ensure consistent comfort, while the Climate Concierge automatically manages the four climate zones to adjust the seat temperature aside from the fan. The dual-screen Rear Seat Entertainment System now has bigger 11.6-inch screens. Likewise, the new 12.3-inch display with Remote Touch Interface with advanced connectivity upgrades enable full-screen navigation.
Under the hood is the massive 5.7-liter V8 32-valve engine with dual VVT-i coupled to a new eight-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift, which delivers 362 hp at 5,600 rpm and a staggering 530 N-m of torque at 3,200 rpm. Damping is controlled by AVS the that constantly adjusts the degree according to the current road condition.
The vehicle’s driver will be in full control of the desired dynamics via different drive-mode selections, such as Eco for optimum fuel efficiency; Comfort, which enables Avs damping for the smoothest ride possible; Sport S, which improves powertrain response and reduces steering assist for a sportier feel; and Sport S+, which produces firmer damping from AVS for handling agility. Moreover, the 2016 LX 570 is equipped a Torsen® limited slip-locking center differential that runs in full-time four-wheel drive and responds on the move to changing conditions, automatically adjusting the torque distribution as necessary.
The refreshed LX 570 can be had for P7.648 million.
Image credits: Randy Peregrino