Most speculation has pegged this prototype (top) as the 2009 Lexus RX350. After closer inspection and a chance encounter with yet another Lexus prototype, we think it's the 2009 Lexus JX 350/460.
What's a JX 460? It's yet another luxury sport ute, but unlike the softly sprung RX, the JX will be a performance-oriented crossover along the lines of Infiniti's FX line. It was previewed as the HPX concept seen above, and judging by the profile of this prototype, the production JX won't change much from the concept. It will ride on the same platform as the next GS sedan, so it will most likely offer both rear- and all-wheel drive and either a 3.5-liter V6 or 4.6-liter V8.
Additional confirmation of our theory was provided when our own news editor spotted yet another Lexus prototype on the way to work this morning. She wasn't able to get a full set of shots, but the one pic she did manage to snag clearly shows a prototype closer in size, shape and proportion to the RX 350. It's getting a redesign for 2009 as well as it moves to Toyota's latest midsize front wheel drive platform. Look for both the JX and RX to debut by next spring with sales starting by the end of next year.
tp660 says:
06:33 PM, 08/ 9/07
I think this information is wrong. The RX is supposed to be getting bigger so it can have three rows of seats. The last pic looks the the current RX and it seems to be the same size as the current RX. Now the crossover in the other pics that are supposed to be the JX looks big enough for a third row of seats. But if it's a performance crossover wouldn't you want to make it smaller for the sake of performance? Which is why I think that the first two spy photos are of the next RX and the last pic is the JX hiding under current RX sheetmetal.
ahightower says:
06:59 PM, 08/ 9/07
I know many hate the "that looks like a..." game, but is it just me, or does that JX concept look like an Acura? Not an existing Acura, but if they made the TL into a crossover? The headlights especially.
autoboy16 says:
09:56 PM, 08/ 9/07
i agree with tp! That rx in the last phot really looks the same so it just may be a cover for some hidden platform.
The Toyota Harrier get a panoramic Moonroof as does the Lexus ES. I think it would go nicely on the RX AS AN OPTION!!
I hope nLexus renews th eSC before the RX. The RX is still a hot seller!
The "JX" is the LF-C concept. I hope they build the LF-C concept as an IS coupe/convertible!
-Cj
roar02ram says:
05:09 AM, 08/10/07
I'm a little suspicious of the bottom picture because those are the rims that are on the just-introduced 2008 Highlander Hybrid. Plus, that vehicle (or one similar in appearance and camouflage) appeared alongside a "Prius" a few months back prior to the '08 Highlander's unveiling.
autoboy-
The current RX already has a panoramic moonroof option. There just aren't many running around.
albook says:
08:53 AM, 08/10/07
The one that is supposedly the JX looks huge! I think Lexus might be aiming at the Buick Enclave. That would be a first. A Lexus aimimg toward a Buick!
But I hope it doesn't look like that concept. That concept looks ugly.
jim118 says:
11:37 AM, 08/10/07
Most of the text with these photos is wrong.
To start, the production version of the HPX concept was cancelled quite a while back.
The all-new SUV that is actually in the pipe-line is an entry level SUV/CUV. It will be somewhat based on the Rav4. It is this vehicle that may or may not be called JX.
The photo with the Edmunds watermark is just a current RX. For whatever reason, Toyota is putting camouflage on some of their mules lately. Had a few in at my place of employment a few weeks ago. The BP pics are the next gen RX. We had one in with the group of mules.
ateixeira says:
10:35 AM, 08/13/07
I dunno, that looks a lot bigger than the current RX. It may be using some RX panels as a disguise, though.
Must be the new one, 3 rows and all.
momad says:
10:45 AM, 11/15/07
Earlier I requested that my username be changed from MOMAD to NOMAD. Please make the correction.
Thank you,
NOMAD
luvmy4runner says:
10:45 AM, 07/18/08
why are they getting rid of the GX470? I really liked it. I was hoping they would make a Lexus-based Sequoia but I guess that's not going to happen. What a shame!
wwest says:
08:56 AM, 08/10/08
An "RX" with the GS R/AWD system and the V6 DFI engine....??
Where do I sign up...??!!
Could the GS/h adaptation be far behind....