subject: 2013 Lexus Rx At The 2012 Geneva International Motor Show [print this page] Gas and hybrid versions of Lexus' popular midsize crossover get a face-lift for the 2013 model year. The Lexus RX now wears what the automaker calls a bolder version of its signature "spindle grille," and it gets an updated interior, more standard equipment and new appearance packages for the model year.
The five-passenger SUV continues to seat five and reprises last year's powertrains. The gas and hybrid models are available with front- or all-wheel drive. The RX 350 pairs a 270-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid RX 450h combines a 3.5-liter gas V-6 with an electric motor for a total of 295 hp.
A Sport mode is available this year on the hybrid model. It tunes steering, throttle and transmission shift points to make more efficient use of the powertrain, Lexus says.
Other exterior updates include a revised front bumper, new headlamp design with LED daytime running lights and rear-end styling tweaks. Four new exterior colors are available: Silver Lining Metallic, Claret Mica, Deep Sea Mica and Fire Agate Pearl. They replace Tungsten Pearl, Matador Red Mica and Cerulean Blue Metallic.
A new optional Sport Appearance Package adds 19-inch chrome wheels, a unique front bumper and halogen headlamps. Available on the 450h is the F-Sport trim. It adds features such as a honeycomb-style grill insert, body aero package, tinted lights, larger wheels and sport seats, sport steering wheel and alloy pedals.
Inside, a power liftgate and USB port are now standard. A redesigned steering wheel should provide a more comfortable and relaxing grip, according to Lexus. Other interior design tweaks include new metallic trim throughout the cabin, Ebony Birds-Eye Maple wood trim, Saddle-colored leather surfaces with contrast stitching and a redesigned center console.
The new RX gets an updated version of the Remote Touch interface that should make the multimedia system more intuitive to use, Lexus says. The system uses a computer-mouse-like device to control climate, navigation and audio functions. It also uses the next generation of Lexus' Enform application system, which manages apps like Pandora, Bing, FaceBook, Yelp and more.
Lexuss plan to develop a new visual brand identity for its entire product line continues with the revamped RX. As our first images indicated, the inverted-trapezoid upper and lower grilles have been integrated into a single element; the familial Lexus spindles aggressively pinch the horizontal bars within. Daytime running lights using LED technology sit beneath the new-for-13 clear headlight clusters that can be outfitted with a choice of halogen, HID, or LED lamps. The rear lights get clear lenses, too. A new 19-inch wheel design joins the currently available 18- and 19-inch aluminum rollers, and four new colorsPlatinum Silver, Garnet Red, Fire Agate, and Lapis Lazulitake up residence on the list of exterior paints.
Inside, drivers are greeted by semi-aniline leather upholstery with diamond-shaped perforations and a new steering wheel with a varying circumference; wood-finish tillers are now available with heated rims. The multifunction remote-touch interface device (Lexuss funny mouse thing) has been modified to increase user-friendliness.
For 2013, RX450h models get a new Sport mode to complement the Normal, Eco, and EV drive modes found in the current RX hybrid. When engaged, Sport mode not only modifies the throttle and electric-power-steering settings for faster response, but also is said to provide less-intrusive operation of the cars stability- and traction-control systems. Thats a welcome change; we often find ourselves filling otherwise-serene Lexus cabins with the sound of angry beeps when attempting any sort of enthusiastic maneuver. Sport mode also changes the instrument panels illumination from a peaceful hybrid blue hue to a fiery red, a touch were not entirely convinced isnt an attempt at subliminal political commentary.
Overall, the LED lights are widely used for automotive lighting, and will come out with even more innovation in the future.
by: kinwater
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