2007 Lexus RX 330 Opps, "350"

http://www.autospies.com/images/uploads/large/SP32-20051206-211038.jpg (javascript:PopupPic('/images/uploads/large/SP32-20051206-211038.jpg'))http://www.autospies.com/images/uploads/large/SP32-20051206-211020.jpg (javascript:PopupPic('/images/uploads/large/SP32-20051206-211020.jpg'))Hopefully not a repost.

is it just me, or that looks like the Gen 1's or currents? no noticiable changes :dunno:

it looks the same as the 2nd generation. Exxactly same body style and the tailights can be seen wich look eactly the same.

Might just be a mule.

What puzzles me is those large rear wheels, like it made a move to RWD (picture 2, on the right). Interesting. Then again, the picture on the left looks like the front wheels are bigger than the rears. Eh, the pictures are so low quality, it's hard to tell anything.

It's just a mid-cycle update.

Like Tideland said it is jsut the mid-cycle refresh. only thing that will change on the exterior will probably be headlights and taillights. WHich would explain why they are covered.

What puzzles me is those large rear wheels, like it made a move to RWD (picture 2, on the right). Interesting. Then again, the picture on the left looks like the front wheels are bigger than the rears. Eh, the pictures are so low quality, it's hard to tell anything. Extortion.

It's getting the 3.5L in it, hence the name RX350. In my Motor Trend there is a little tiny advertisement in it for the 350. I couldn't notice any difference, though it was only a front picture.

Will the Sienna get the 3.5?

All of the Camry based platforms will receive the 3.5L eventually. So, I guess the RX350 will receive LED tails, instead of just the RX400h. There's really nothing else to do to the tails to make them more elegant. The front should be designed to fit more in line with the rest of the Lexus line.

So, I guess the RX350 will receive LED tails, instead of just the RX400h. There's really nothing else to do to the tails to make them more elegant. The front should be designed to fit more in line with the rest of the Lexus line.[/QUOTE]

The Lexus RX 330 already hads LED tail lights!!

The 3.5L (2GR-FE) on the Lexus RX (a.k.a Toyota Harrier) was introduced on January 10th, 2006 in Japan.

http://toyota.jp/harrier/dynamism/engin/index.html

North America should see the RX350 very soon.

The Lexus RX 330 already hads LED tail lights!!
Really? I only thought that the 400h had the LEDs.

Alright, just got back from lexus.com, they say nothing about LEDs in the RX330. They do, however, point them out in the RX400h.

Alright, just got back from lexus.com, they say nothing about LEDs in the RX330. They do, however, point them out in the RX400h.

It may not say on the site, but if you look at every Lexus RX 330, they will have LEDs. Guaranteed. LEDs are more important on Hybrids because they save energy so that may be why they say that.

RX 350 – European Premiere

On sale throughout Europe in April 2006, the Lexus RX 350 further refines driving pleasure through the class-leading performance of a new 3.5 litre V6 petrol powerplant. Equipped with an ultra-smooth, 5-speed automatic
transmission, this outstanding powertrain offers increased power and torque of 203 kW/276 DIN hp at 6,200 rpm and 342 Nm at 4,700rpm whilst reducing fuel consumption by some 8% over the previous RX 300.
Enhanced Noise Vibration and Harshness measures result in even further reduction in noise levels at all vehicle speeds, whilst the new luxury SUV also features a new Mark Levinson Premium audio system, as well as a new, high definition and fast response Lexus Navigation System.


The Lexus press conference will take place on Tuesday, the 28th of February at 14.30, Hall 4.

It may not say on the site, but if you look at every Lexus RX 330, they will have LEDs. Guaranteed. LEDs are more important on Hybrids because they save energy so that may be why they say that.
Well, I'll look around at some newer RX330s, only problem is I live in Montana where you see one about every month or two.

Makes sense. The RX330 had a city rating of 12.xL/100km. The 3.5 litre should lower that down to the low 11s, high 10s.

If it reduces fuel consumption, shouldnt the mpg go higher? I think they meant it will be more fuel efficient. Most new Toyota/Lexus Vehicles improve their fuel consumption after a redesign.

yeah.. mpg goes up but L/100km goes down ;)

It may not say on the site, but if you look at every Lexus RX 330, they will have LEDs. Guaranteed. LEDs are more important on Hybrids because they save energy so that may be why they say that.

So every RX looks like this:
http://www.lexus.com/assets/models/gallery/photos_popup/main_assets/exterior/rxh_ext_gal_img_4_lg.jpg

I don't think so. Only the 400h has LEDs.

So every RX looks like this:
http://www.lexus.com/assets/models/gallery/photos_popup/main_assets/exterior/rxh_ext_gal_img_4_lg.jpg

I don't think so. Only the 400h has LEDs.Both the 330, and 400h have LED'S. they just have a unique design.http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/evox/stills/gallery/1737_44.jpg

saw an RX350 ad in MT's most recent issue. How come it said 270hp from the 3.5 litre and the disclaimer was "tested with premium fuel" kinda thing. 2hp gain from premium fuel?

saw an RX350 ad in MT's most recent issue. How come it said 270hp from the 3.5 litre and the disclaimer was "tested with premium fuel" kinda thing. 2hp gain from premium fuel?

Yep, and you gain more torque too. It has to do with knock sensors. The MZs were horrible, which is why when testing with 87 octane, it dropped their ratings so much under the new SAE J1349 specs. All Lexus engines are tested with 91 octane, while Toyota tests with 87 octane. Better marketing.

Here's some comparisons:

3MZ:
Camry SE - 210hp/220lb-ft (87)
ES330 - 218hp/236lb-ft (91)

2GR:
Camry/Avalon - 268hp/248lb-ft (87)
ES350 - 272hp/254lb-ft (91)

Same engines, different octanes. Funny, huh?

Both the 330, and 400h have LED'S. they just have a unique design.http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/evox/stills/gallery/1737_44.jpg

Oh and we're both right. Haha! We should be more specific. The RX330 has LEDs from 2005 on. RX330 = reflective, RX400h = direct.

but is the extra hp/tq really noticeable and worth the extra 10¢/litre (91) or 15¢/litre (94) over regular?

but is the extra hp/tq really noticeable and worth the extra 10¢/litre (91) or 15¢/litre (94) over regular?

On GR series engines, no it's not noticeable, and the engine is smooth with either octane. On MZ engines, yes, definitely. The MZ's ignition maps run all over the place when you use 87, and you feel a distinct loss of torque.

Yeah, don't the MZ engine's knock sensors cause the loss of HP with lower octane fuel?

Yeah, don't the MZ engine's knock sensors cause the loss of HP with lower octane fuel?

Yep. That's why Toyota got some flak when they released the new SAE specs on their engines. It made it look like they were advertising false numbers previously, but as I've researched, the MZ engines just have over-reactive knock sensors. So, when they re-tested all the MZ engines with 87, they all took a big hit.

Yep. That's why Toyota got some flak when they released the new SAE specs on their engines. It made it look like they were advertising false numbers previously, but as I've researched, the MZ engines just have over-reactive knock sensors. So, when they re-tested all the MZ engines with 87, they all took a big hit.
It's a good thing that the MZ engines are almost done. It's a good, smooth, quiet, reliable engine, but the 2GR-FE gives you much more power while giving you better fuel-economy.

ahh I see. Then why not use regular? Will fuel consumption be different?

ahh I see. Then why not use regular? Will fuel consumption be different?
Hmm, I don't know. I don't see why the mpg would decrease with 87 octane. Bottom line, you'll get more power with premium.:D

but is 4hp really noticeable in a luxury car?

4??? Thats it???? WHY LEXUS!!!

Couldn't they at least bump it to 285, so between the Camry/Avalon and the IS350?

The RX350 only has 2 more hp for a total of 270hp.

but is 4hp really noticeable in a luxury car?
Well, in ricerland a 4hp increase is like a turbocharger, so ask them.

2007 RX350 is now shown on Lexus' official website (http://www.lexus.com/models/rx/index.html). Doesn't look like the exterior has changed, since it was already refreshed, but this is more of a powertrain upgrade. The kind BMW likes to do to keep things fresh.

Couldn't they at least bump it to 285, so between the Camry/Avalon and the IS350?

The RX350 only has 2 more hp for a total of 270hp.

How much power do you need in a freakin' luxury car!? Are you gonna race it? No. My mom's RX330 has 223hp, and that thing hauls ass. So you're basically adding an extra 50hp to a car that weighs the same. How much more do you really need?

None, but it makes it easier for Toyota to have the cars use the same engine. And if it uses te same amount or even less than before, then why not? The MZ series is old as some people have mentioned here.

Toyota could bump all of their engines horsepower ratings, but they're more concerned about increased emissions standards (especially in California). Currently, the 2GR engines are certified ULEV-II rated engines. That's a pretty big accomplishment for the amount of power they produce.

The 2GR-FE is capable of 300hp with a little fine tuning and perhaps some more lift in the cams, and the 2GR-FSE is capable of 450hp with better tuning, cams, and an 8000rpm rev limit. Power drops off more in the regular 2GR-FE than the 2GR-FSE after their respective 6200rpm and 6400rpm redlines. The 2GR-FSE has a very slow decreasing torque band even after it has redlined, indicating Toyota held back on power output.

The 2GR-FE is capable of 300hp with a little fine tuning and perhaps some more lift in the cams, and the 2GR-FSE is capable of 450hp . . .

:eek: 450 hp from a 2GR-FSE?? Naturally-aspirated? That seems like a bit of a stretch. Did you mean to type "350"?

No 2GR-FSE has even approached 350 hp to my knowledge. But, I'm willing to concede that I might be mistaken. If you can elaborate on why you think 450 hp, please do. Thanks.

Well, the Lexus dude (can't remember his position) said that they 3.5 litre is capable of more than the 306hp currently offered in the IS350. Just how much more is probably a secret.

:eek: 450 hp from a 2GR-FSE?? Naturally-aspirated? That seems like a bit of a stretch. Did you mean to type "350"?

No 2GR-FSE has even approached 350 hp to my knowledge. But, I'm willing to concede that I might be mistaken. If you can elaborate on why you think 450 hp, please do. Thanks.

Yes normally aspirated. I did say with cams, an 8,000rpm limit, and some really good tuning, but it goes WAY beyond that. That means you'd have to go to a standalone engine management system, but I thought that was implied. The 2GR-FSE continues to produce over 250lb-ft of torque after 6400rpm (the 2GR-FE falls off more). With more valve lift from the cams, you can stretch that to 8,000rpm, and reach around 450hp(~396whp). Granted, it will take over $50,000 to achieve something like that, but it IS possible. It might not be able to run on pump gas, either. The heads are already a low-friction, high flow design, which contradicts the usual F series heads. Practically every part in the engine would have to be replaced, and one of the piston rings would have to be removed for less friction. The oil ring and other piston ring would have to be coated with anti-friction material. Fuel management has to be extremely precise, and by utilizing the extra 6 port injectors, they can cool the cylinders if things begin to run too hot. Pistons have to be custom, high heat resistant, forged and lightweight, but extremely durable.

The list is endless.