Making its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show on 6 March 2012, the face-lifted RX range, consisting of the RX 270, RX 350 and RX Hybrid, is set to arrive in Singapore in Q2 this year.
Amongst other improvements, the RX Hybrid’s Lexus Hybrid Drive system now has a Sport Mode, supplementing the full hybrid powertrain’s Normal, Eco and EV (Electric only) drive modes, which can now be activated with a separate switch. That's great for those who are into saving the world, but here in Burnpavement.com, we're interested in the F Sport package.
The new F SPORT grade comes with a bespoke exterior and interior design, providing a sportier appearance, and driving dynamics technology to provide an exhilarating driving performance. It looks set to be the perfect choice for the daddies who need to make trips to school, yet look cool!
F SPORT version of the facelift RX is instantly identifiable by significantly more aggressive, model-unique frontal styling. A deeper, more vertical front bumper incorporates a bigger lower section of the Lexus family ‘spindle’ grille design.
Incorporating a full-width, aerodynamic spoiler for improved high speed stability, the lower bumper’s flared extremities house deeply rebated fog lamps. Both upper and lower grilles feature a sporting, F SPORT-specific mesh design.
In profile, F SPORT models may be identified by exclusive, 19-inch shaded alloy wheels and front wing F SPORT badging.
The F SPORT-exclusive interior is hallmarked by a Black and White Grey colour scheme. It features black, smooth leather upholstery with white grey perforations and contrast stitching, steel silver painted trim inserts and a black ceiling to give the interior a more cockpit-like feel and aid driver concentration.
F SPORT models further benefit from the lateral performance damper system, which is designed to absorb and minimise undesirable body vibrations, offer a more linear steering feel and contribute to improved ride comfort. The installation of this new system has reduced vehicle floor vibrations across a wide frequency range, reduced body deformation through a drop in left and right front suspension tower displacement, and even lowered audio system white noise levels. This brings a new dimension of steering response, agility and ride comfort to the luxury SUV segment.
The RX 350 F SPORT version is now equipped with a steering wheel-mounted paddle shift control. The paddle switches can be used even with the gear selector in D range, allowing the driver to quickly change to fixed range mode without the need to engage S range via the gear lever.