The RX 350h is apparently going to combine a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated unit with an electric motor to mirror the NX 350h, followed by a more potent RX 450h+ as a plug-in hybrid with an 18.1-kWh battery pack. The PHEV could borrow the hardware from the smaller NX 450h+ where the total output stands at 305 hp (227 kW) and 391 Nm (288 lb-ft) from the combustion engine and front plus rear electric motors.

At the top of the range, Lexus is reportedly planning to have an RX 500h using an upgraded 2.4-liter turbo engine and a single electric motor. Codenamed T24A, the combustion engine would be shared with the base RX 350 while adding an e-motor for extra oomph. The four-cylinder mill was launched last year in the NX 350 where it makes 275 hp (205 kW) and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft). These output numbers should significantly grow courtesy of the electric motor.

Likely transitioning to the TNGA platform, the 2023 Lexus RX is expected to break cover in the second half of the year. It will utilize the company’s latest-generation infotainment and also feature up-to-date safety and driver assistance systems. Unconfirmed reports state it might come only with a two-row configuration to make room for a new TX model featuring three-row seating.

The hybridized RX will complement the fully electric RZ, representing a more luxurious version of the Toyota bZ4X and the mechanically related Subaru Solterra. It’s the first dedicated EV from Lexus after the UX300e based on the conventionally powered small crossover. The RZ represents a step towards the company’s goal to become an all-electric marque in the United States, China, and Europe by 2030. Just five years later, Lexus will discontinue all cars equipped with combustion engines.

Source: Creative311

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In addition, the report goes on to say the all-new RX will make use of an improved hybrid powertrain. Automotive News doesn’t go into details about the overhauled electrified setup, but we’ll remind you the current RX 450h has a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine working together with three electric motors: a starter generator, a 165-horsepower front motor, and a 67-horsepower rear motor. The combined output stands at 308 hp at 6,000 rpm while peak torque without the hybrid drive is 247 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm.

On a related note, Automotive News claims the next-gen GX is earmarked for the 2024 calendar year. It’s said to grow in size and ride on Toyota’s latest GA-F body-on-frame platform, with a hybrid powertrain planned for better efficiency. It too will benefit from the latest developments in terms of infotainment and safety to keep up with other tech-laden three-row luxury SUVs in the midsize segment.

In the United States, Lexus is allegedly planning to launch two purely electric vehicles in 2024 and 2025, but it’s not known at this point in which segments these vehicles will compete. Meanwhile, a production version of the LF-Z electric compact crossover is slated to hit dealerships in the United States in the latter half of next year.

We will have to see which of these rumors will pan out, but it’s pretty clear Lexus is working on an electric-focused portfolio after making a rather shy first attempt with the UX 300e, a zero-emissions small crossover only available in select markets.

Source: Automotive News

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