Lexus RX test drive since 2008 SUV

Correction of the course

As the hero of the monologue Mikhail Zadornov said: in their clouded America there is everything. Check if this is really so, we went to Solar California, to one of the most beautiful and blessed regions to the attacked attacked. The reason was the presentation of the third generation of the Lexus RX 350 luxury cro-command.
 
During the years that have passed from the release of the aforementioned monologue until today, the United States has constantly increased its power and well -being. Production volumes increased, trade unions knocked out all salaries, with zeal, increasing the standard of living of each individual. The question at what price few were interested in. Meanwhile, the country's external debt increased every year, like a snowball, providing the dollar fell, credit policy was far from optimal. In recent years, enterprises in the States, without knowing it, went on the razor's blade, but continued to remove the profits from the enriched population.
Lexus did not lag behind. In the late 90s and in the first decade of the 21st century, the company became megapopular in the United States, and its products were bought as Habmurgers. The RX crossover was especially loved for 10 years more than a million buyers! And 100 thousand cars from this million sailed to Europe, of which 23 thousand reached Russia. Our position is strong, despite the notorious crisis. The total growth in 2008 amounted to 13 percent, and in December it was 61! Therefore, the appearance of a new generation RX 350 is very relevant. In our country, a European version will be sold with a regular spring, rather than a pneumatic suspension and an integrated VDIM stabilization system in the basic configuration.
The last of the Mogican went to the RX 350 rest. Until recently, the crossover was the only Lexus model, which was bypassed by the designer philosophy of L-Fancy. Now everything is under one comb. So it is supposed to be in the modern automobile world. And let the comb this is elegant, made, suppose, from a magnificent ivory, but RX after combing it became slightly puffy and swollen. Corporate, but heavy. The front part with a thick forehead and powerful sidewalls with huge arches, where even 19-inch wheels look small lightness, no matter how you fill up the roof line, no matter how you pull the rear transparent lanterns, no matter how you do thin stamping on the sides. Nevertheless, RX looks not just modern, but even looks into the future. A solid car. But it is obvious that lightness is lost. But the new hairstyle made it possible to achieve the best in the class of aerodynamics CC \u003d 0.32.
Much more Lexus liked it inside. Compared to the new RX, the interior of the past seems the day before yesterday. Who in our time will pose on this almost perfect symmetry, hanging a leverage with a machine gun lever and a frivolous combination of devices with three wells? Lexus interiorists did a huge job. The quality of the materials is elevated to an even higher level. Especially good asymmetric central console control unit with microclimate control and the Mark Levinson optional audio system is separated from the lower part with the Joystick of various systems (an analogue of a computer mouse) with a kind of black soft plastic tape, on which the lever of a new 6-speed automatic is located.
This tape, whispering, goes into the front panel, which is crowned with a bright and contrast display on organic diodes (OLED). A new tidy is in front of the driver's eyes; It carries not only the information load (the testimony is read perfectly), but the designer looks spectacular. And, of course, around the skin, the tree is villing rugs. The movement is complete silence. The work of a modernized 3.5-liter V6 is noticeable only by the tachometer. Having settled in a comfortable armchair (not too hard, but not American, with moderate lateral support), picking up the steering wheel with the right cross-section (it can be either completely leather or with wooden inserts), I go on the road on the winding among the winding among Numerous vineyards of the paths of the boss.
From the first kilometers of the journey I understand RX, it has become different, it goes much more fun than its predecessor! On a straight line stands like a glove and literally soars over the road, not paying attention to joints, patches, potholes in California roads. The new RX and the congress on the country primer were not afraid. All squabbles and potholes remained in the bowels of the suspension. Only a light swaying. On the solid coating, I note that the rolls characteristic of the past generation disappeared, the clinks were hidden during braking and a sharp set of speed, and the buildup disappeared. The chassis this time paid close attention.
A new suspension on the double cross levers appeared behind. Engineers replaced the vertical rear racks of a compact double -luggage system, thereby killed two birds with one stone, weighed an additional volume for the trunk and improved handling. The front suspension, although it did not change constructively, was completely processed. For example, the diameter of the pine stability stabilizer increased and became tougher than silent blocks. This is not to say that the new RX 350 is bitten into asphalt, but now you can go much faster and not without pleasure on it.
The clutch limit of the tires is high, and then the advanced stabilization system will make it up. She will calmly and almost imperceptibly tie the car into a turn. Instead of blocking viscousyft, which distributed torque at the previous model 50: 50, it was installed electromagnetic, which connects the rear axle only if necessary under difficult road conditions. Really really rushed to the European buyer? Did you really feel that something was missing in their clouded America? In exchange for the previous hydraulic power steering, an electric one is now installed. The reasons are understandable, and the car is more economical and cleaner. Repeatedly noted by us the viscosity of the steering of almost all Lexus models is not here, but there is a clear zero and reactive action. This is especially felt on protracted mountain California serpentines, when the road rushes from side to side.
The dynamic indicators of the new Lexus RX remained almost at the same level about 8 seconds to 100 km/h despite the fact that the equipped mass increased by 100 kg. It was not for nothing that the engine was modernized, and, of course, a new six -speed Multimode automatic transmission has appeared. The switching of the machine is soft, but fast, almost invisible. And the adaptability of the unit is not in doubt Lexus as if it feels your mood. Now RX is quite capable of not only a calm defile along the vineyards, but also responds to the call to light with joy. The car was versatile and, most importantly, did not lose weight, but only multiplied premium and comfort.
NOTE
2GR-FE engine
V6 with a volume of 3456 cm modified and modernized version of 2GR-FE, installed on the RX 350 of the last generation since 2005. Despite the fact that in absolute numbers the growth of indicators is small (+1 hp and +4 Nm), the main achievement should be assumed that 90% of the maximum torque is now achieved in the widest speed range from 2300 to 6100 rpm. An important role in this achievement is played by a system for adjusting the phase of gas distribution at the inlet and release of the third generation Dual VVT-I (Variable Valve Timing). In the design of the engine, aluminum is widely used. From it, for example, a cylinder block and an intake manifold are made. The exhaust system is significantly improved and facilitated. The harmful emissions of this V6 were reduced by 5% compared to its predecessor, and the average declared fuel consumption is 10.6 l/100 km. The motor has become less vibrated and quiet.
Transmission
For the first time, the Multimode automatic KP with six steps is used on the RX model. Despite one extra gear, the machine gun became easier than 6 kg (95 kg instead of 101). This is one of the lightest and most compact units in the classroom. In order to ensure the most smooth and quick switching, and it is also better to adapt to driving manner, the highly intellectual box is equipped with a whole set of electronic systems: ETCS-I (Electronic Throttle Control System-Intelligent), Direct Chart SHIFTROL and AIRTIFILIFT (ARTIFILIFT (ARTIFICIAL Control). The second generation of the Lexus all -wheel drive system is called Active Torque Control AWD. Its mass is also reduced by 16 kg. Based on the signals coming from various sensors (ABS, speed, roll, rotation of the steering wheel, etc.), the system in Auto mode itself selects the optimal distribution of torque between the axes from 100: 1 (in favor of the front) to 50: 50. At a speed of less than 40 km/h, the Lock mode is also available when the central differential is locked in a ratio of 50: 50. The functions of inter -idle differentials partially take on the safety and exchange stability systems VDIM and VSC.
Suspension and steering
The new generation of the Lexus RX 350 uses a completely new rear pendulum suspension on double transverse levers. The use of winged metal made it possible to make it quite light, and the compactness of the design increased the volume of the luggage compartment. All in order to provide the sneaker of the handling and comfort of the business sedan. Already now it can be stated that the RX 350 behavior has become much more interesting and correct, apparently, thanks to the rear suspension, since the front has not constructively changed. But at the same time, a large number of improvements caused by an increase in the length of the wheelbase and the expansion of the track were also included in it. Nevertheless, the turning radius of the turn remained the same 5.7 m. It helps to turn the front wheels the latest steering with EPS (Electric Power Steering) electric power power power steering. It has become more accurate and helps to save fuel.
The history of the model
The history of RX began in 1998. The ideas of fusing several automobile classes was precisely then actively hung in the air, and the Lexus with its model RX 300 decided to combine the practicality of a universal body with the comfort and respectability of a solid sedan. This symbiosis turned out to be so successful that 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 small external modernization (radiator grille, rear lights, steering wheel), the car began to be supplied to Europe. The second generation RX has been produced since 2003. Then RX first appeared on the Russian market. The appearance, interior decoration changed, the machine became five-speed, and added a 3-liter V6 in power. In 2004, a modification of the RX 330 appeared with a slightly larger engine. Since 2005, an additional two electric motors could operate with this engine a hybrid version of the RX 400H. After another year, the engine volume increased to 3.5 liters (276 hp, 342 nm), respectively, the model received the designation RX 350
Alexander Goryunov

 
 
 
 
 
 

Source: Motor magazine [January 2009]