Course correction / Lexus test drives

From that famous monologue to the present day, the States have steadily increased their power and wealth. Production grew, unions won ever new concessions on wages, diligently raising the standard of living of every citizen. The question "at what cost" hardly bothered anyone. Meanwhile, the country's external debt grew year after year like a snowball, the dollar's backing weakened, and credit policy was far from ideal. In recent years, American enterprises, without knowing it, balanced on a razor's edge but continued to reap profits from a growing wealthy population.

Lexus also did not stand still. In the late 90s and the first decade of the new century, the brand became incredibly popular in the US, and its products sold like hotcakes. The RX crossover was especially loved — over ten years, more than a million people bought it! Moreover, 100 thousand of that million went to Europe, and of those, 23 thousand reached Russia. In our country, the brand's positions are strong despite the notorious crisis. Sales growth in 2008 was 13 percent, and in December — all 61! So the arrival of the new generation RX 350 is just in time. In our country, the European version will be sold — with a conventional spring suspension instead of air suspension and the comprehensive VDIM stabilization system already in the base.

The retired RX 350 is a kind of the last of the Mohicans. Until recently, this crossover remained the only Lexus model that the L-finesse design philosophy had bypassed. Now everything is under one comb. That's how it's done in the modern automotive world. And even if this comb is elegant, made, say, of beautiful ivory, the RX after such "combing" has become slightly puffy and swollen. Corporate, but... heavy. The front part with a thick forehead and massive sides with huge arches, where even 19-inch wheels seem small... There is no lightness, no matter how you slope the roofline, no matter how you stretch the rear transparent lights, no matter how you make thin stampings on the sides. Nevertheless, the RX looks not just modern, but even peeks into the future. A solid car. But it's obvious that lightness is lost. However, the new "hairstyle" allowed achieving the best aerodynamics in the class — Cx = 0.32.

But inside, the Lexus pleased much more. Compared to the new RX, the interior of the previous generation seems like the day before yesterday. Who would now covet this almost perfect symmetry, the overhanging ledge with the automatic lever, and the frivolous instrument cluster with three wells? Lexus interior designers have done a huge job. The quality of materials has been raised to an even higher level. The asymmetric center console is especially good — the climate control unit and the optional Mark Levinson audio system are separated from the lower part with a joystick for controlling various systems (an analog of a computer mouse) by a peculiar strip of black soft plastic, on which the lever of the new 6-speed automatic transmission is located.

This strip, fancifully winding, transitions into the front panel, which is crowned by a bright and contrasting display on organic diodes (OLED). In front of the driver's eyes is a new instrument panel; it carries not only informational load (readings are read perfectly) but also design load — it looks impressive. And, of course, leather, wood... fluffy mats all around. In motion — complete silence. The work of the modernized 3.5-liter V6 is noticeable only on the tachometer. Having settled into a comfortable seat (not too hard, but not American-soft either, with moderate lateral support), taking the steering wheel with the correct cross-section (it can be either fully leather or with wooden inserts), I set off along the paths of Napa winding among numerous vineyards.

From the very first kilometers, I understand — the RX has become different, it drives much more cheerfully than its predecessor! On a straight line, it stands as if glued and literally floats above the road, ignoring joints, patches, and potholes on California roads. The new RX was not afraid of turning onto a country dirt road either. All the squabbles and bumps remained in the depths of the suspension. Only a slight rocking. On hard surfaces, I note that the rolls characteristic of the previous generation have disappeared, nose dives during braking and sharp acceleration have hidden, and pitching has vanished. This time, the ride was given close attention.

At the rear, a new suspension on double wishbones appeared. Engineers replaced the vertical rear struts with a compact double-wishbone system, thereby "killing two birds with one stone" — they gained additional space for the trunk and improved handling. The front suspension, although not changed structurally, was completely reworked. For example, the diameter of the anti-roll bar increased and the silent blocks became stiffer. It cannot be said that the new RX 350 bites into the asphalt, but now you can drive it significantly faster and not without pleasure.

The limit of tire grip is high, and then an advanced stabilization system will back you up. It calmly and almost imperceptibly tucks the car into a turn. Instead of the locking viscous coupling that distributed torque in the previous model 50:50, an electromagnetic one was installed, which connects the rear axle only when necessary in difficult road conditions. Did they really aim at the European buyer? Did they really feel that something was missing "in their overfed America"? Instead of the previous hydraulic power steering, an electric one is now installed. The reasons are clear — it is lighter, and the car is more economical and cleaner. The viscosity of the steering that we repeatedly noted in almost all Lexus models is not here, but there is a quite clear "zero" and reactive action. This is especially felt on long California mountain serpentines, when the road darts from side to side.

The dynamic performance of the new Lexus RX remained almost at the same level — about 8 seconds to 100 km/h — despite the fact that the curb weight increased by 100 kg. It was not in vain that the engine was modernized, and, of course, a new six-speed automatic transmission Multimode appeared. The shifts of the "automatic" are soft but fast, almost imperceptible. And the "adaptability" of the unit is beyond doubt — the Lexus seems to feel your mood. Now the RX is quite capable not only of a calm parade along the vineyards but also gladly responds to the call to "light up." It turned out to be a versatile car and, most importantly, it did not lose but only increased its premiumness and comfort.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Engine 2GR-FE

V6 with a volume of 3456 cm³ — a refined and modernized version of the 2GR-FE installed on the RX 350 of the previous generation since 2005. Despite the fact that in absolute figures the increase in indicators is small (+1 hp and +4 Nm), the main achievement should be considered that 90% of the maximum torque value is now achieved in a wide range of speeds — from 2300 to 6100 rpm. A significant role in this achievement is played by the third-generation variable valve timing system on intake and exhaust — Dual VVT-I (Variable Valve Timing). Aluminum is widely used in the engine design. For example, the cylinder block and intake manifold are made of it. The exhaust system has been significantly improved and lightened. The harmful emissions of this V6 are reduced by 5% compared to its predecessor, and the average claimed fuel consumption is 10.6 l/100 km. The engine has become less vibration-loaded and quiet.

Transmission

For the first time, the new Lexus RX is equipped with a six-speed Multimode automatic transmission. Despite the additional gear, the transmission has become 6 kg lighter — 95 kg instead of the previous 101. It is one of the most compact and lightweight units in its class. To make shifts as fast and smooth as possible, and to better adapt to driving style, the "smart" gearbox has received a set of electronic systems: ETCS-I (intelligent throttle control), Direct Downshift Control, and AI-SHIFT (artificial intelligence shift control). The second generation of the Lexus all-wheel drive system is called Active Torque Control AWD, and its weight has also decreased — by 16 kg. In AUTO mode, the system, analyzing signals from ABS sensors, speed, roll, steering angle, and others, independently selects the optimal torque distribution between the axles — from 100:1 in favor of the front to 50:50. At speeds up to 40 km/h, LOCK mode is available with forced locking of the center differential in a 50:50 ratio. Some of the functions of inter-wheel locks are taken over by the VDIM and VSC stabilization systems. **Suspension and steering** The new generation RX 350 features a completely new trailing-arm rear suspension with double wishbones. Thanks to the use of "winged" metal, it turned out to be quite light, and the compact design allowed increasing the trunk volume. All this is done so that the crossover combines the handling and comfort of a business sedan. It is already clear that the behavior of the RX 350 on the road has become noticeably more interesting and correct — probably due to the rear suspension, since the front one has remained structurally the same. However, many improvements have been made to it as well, caused by the increase in wheelbase and track width. At the same time, the turning radius remains the same — 5.7 m. The front wheels are assisted by the latest EPS (Electric Power Steering) steering system. It has become more precise and also contributes to fuel economy. **MODEL HISTORY** The history of the RX began in 1998. It was then that ideas of mixing car classes were in the air, and Lexus with its RX 300 model decided to combine the practicality of a station wagon with the comfort and respectability of a solid sedan. The symbiosis turned out to be so successful that the RX became the company's bestseller for many years. Initially, the crossover was equipped with a 3-liter V6 and a four-speed automatic transmission and was sold only in the USA. In 2000, after a slight exterior modernization (radiator grille, rear lights, steering wheel), the car began to be supplied to Europe as well. The second generation RX has been produced since 2003, and then the model first appeared on the Russian market. The appearance, interior trim changed, the "automatic" became five-speed, and the 3-liter V6 gained power. In 2004, the RX 330 modification with a slightly larger engine appeared. Since 2005, two electric motors could work in conjunction with this engine — this is how the hybrid version RX 400h appeared. A year later, the engine displacement increased to 3.5 liters (276 hp, 342 Nm), and the model received the designation RX 350.