Automotive Engineering - February 2023 - 15

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vehicle pitching and provide a direct acceleration sensation. "
When cornering, the system distributes torque closer to the
front (70:30 to 50:50) at the start of steering and closer to
the rear (50:50 to 20:80) when exiting a corner. The result of
this seamless transitioning: minimal body movement and extremely
smooth turns that reminds this is still primarily a luxury
vehicle but with a healthy dose of dynamism.
Aiding maneuverability is an exclusive-to-RX 500h Dynamic
Rear Steering (DRS) system that enables the rear wheels to
turn up to 4 degrees, in phase or counter-phase to the front
wheels depending on speed. F Sport models offer an Adaptive
Variable Suspension (AVS) system that uses linear solenoidtype
actuators to modify shock absorbers' damping force
based on driving operation and road conditions.
While the RX 450h+ PHEV won't be available in the U.S. until
later (production-year timing was not announced), other markets
will launch with the PHEV, a spokesperson said. RX's first
plug-in powertrain combines the 2.5-L four-cylinder engine with
an 18.1-kWh lithium-ion battery and rear eFour AWD motor.
In the RX 350 (FWD/AWD), the 2.4-L inline four turbo realizes
higher torque and output - 317 lb-ft (430 Nm) and 275 hp
(205 kW) - thanks to technologies such as a center injection
system for more stable combustion, spherical lipless pistons for
high-speed combustion, and a continuously variable capacity
oil pump. The eight-speed Direct Shift-8AT offers improved
shift control, and the on-demand eFour AWD varies front-torear
driving force from 75:25 to 50:50.
Safety and convenience
As expected for a luxury SUV starting at $48,550 for the RX
350 FWD - $62,750 for the 500h F Sport Performance AWD
- there are driver-assist and safety technologies aplenty.
Lexus was quick to differentiate between the RX's " convenience "
versus safety features, for legal purposes. For example,
Traffic Jam Assist is categorized as a convenience feature
since it's optional and not part of the Lexus Safety System+
3.0 that is standard on all RX vehicles.
Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 provides additional features and
an available driver monitor system. Pre-Collision System
(PCS) can detect a potential frontal collision and prepare
Brake Assist for increased brake force, in some cases automatically
braking the vehicle to a stop. Enhanced radar and
camera capabilities make it possible to detect a motorcycle or
bicyclist in daytime and pedestrians in daytime and low-light
conditions. PCS has left-turn intersection detection capability
for a pedestrian and vehicle.
DRCC with Curve Speed Management works in conjunction
with LTA to help drivers stay centered in their lanes. Lanerecognition
performance reportedly has been enhanced to realize
smoother and less-disruptive steering support. Curve-speed
reduction is unable to be turned off, Lexus said, but sensitivity
can be adjusted via the touchscreen.
The 2023 RX is built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada
and Toyota Motor Kyushu. It went on sale in late 2022.
Ryan Gehm
AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING
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February 2023 15
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Automotive Engineering - February 2023

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