At the request of TPP commenter WorldofLuxury, here is the full set of matte black Lexus LF-Xh photos from the Paris promotional kit suitable for use as background images.

Also for your viewing pleasure is this short commercial-like footage of the LF-Xh:

Early this morning, I was sent a dealership document outlining the full details of the North American Canadian 2010 Lexus RX 350, right down to the available packages (still no production model photos though, the pic above is the LF-Xh concept).

I’m going to break up the information over a series of posts today, starting with the specs:

• The 3.5L V6 engine remains the same, though it’s now pumping out an extra 5hp (to 275hp) and 6lb-ft of torque (to 257lb-ft).
• The suspension is also carried over, however a new sport-tuned suspension will be available as an option.
• The drivetrain is getting upgraded to a six-speed automatic with a Super Electronically Controlled Transmission. Hill-start Assist Control has been added as a standard feature, and VDIM will be available as an option.
• Overall vehicle length has been shortened increased 1.6″ (29mm) to 187.8″ (4,770mm).
• Overall vehicle width has been increased to 74.2″ (1,885mm), 1.6″ (41mm).
• The height has been bumped up significantly, up to 67.7″ (1,720mm) from 66.1″ (1,679mm).
• The wheelbase has been extended 1 “(29mm) to 107.9″ (2,740mm).
• Curb Weight has increased a whopping 640lbs to 4,510lbs.
• 18″ P235/60R18 wheels are now standard. 19″ P235/55R19 wheels are optional.

The biggest thing to notice is the increased height of the RX and the big weight bump, which are no doubt related. The sports-tuned suspension is interesting as well, but there’s still a lack of details to what that means exactly.

More shortly, next up is a full list of new and deleted features/options.

Update: This information is for the Canadian version of the RX, though it’s easily assumed that the new US RX will share most, if not all, of these features.

My least favorite German car magazine Auto Motor Und Sport has scooped up some footage of the next-generation Lexus RX making its way around Nürburgring:

Can’t say this was something I would have ever expected to see, an RX on the ‘ring. One thing’s for sure, I don’t ever want to see an RX going that fast again. The whole time on the track, and all I was worried about were the kids in the back seat.

A set of mildly-camoflagued Lexus RX prototypes have been spotted at Nürburgring in Germany, and the design is looking to be a successful merger of the current model and the LF-Xh concept shown at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show.

The most obvious element taken from the LF-Xh is the smoother, more flowing shape, looking lower and longer than the current model, let’s et’s compare and contrast:

I find the streamlining to be very attractive, eliminating my biggest complaint about the current RX’s styling. I think the front-end needs some reworking though. While I’m relieved the Ford Edge style grille of the LF-Xh was dropped, the resulting nose is looking rather ordinary.

To see the full image set, check out Jalopnik’s gallery.

During his visit to Toyota’s Mega Web complex in Tokyo, Flickr user mujitra took some photos of a matte black Lexus LF-Xh concept (click for larger versions):

The matte black paint, especially when combined with that great set of gunmetal wheels, makes this LF-Xh looks very menacing. It’s certainly an interesting way to display its next version of the people-mover RX, and one that I wholeheartedly approve of.

(I’m a huge fan of matte black, and judging from this, the 5Axis Project IS-F, and the LF-A racing prototype, I’d say Lexus is as well.)

As a way of extending their L-Finesse design language, Lexus has been taking part in the Milan Design Week since 2005. Always a collaboration with a unique comtemporary artist, the 2008 exhibit features work by Japanese design company nendo, and will be titled “Elastic Diamond”.

Here’s some details:

The 2008 Lexus exhibit, which has been conceived on a breathtakingly grand scale, will feature a dynamic installation exploring the perceptual contradictions of hard crystalline forms interacting with tactile and elastic materials.

The resulting fluid unity of lighting, movement and structure is designed to highlight the multi-faceted, yet seemingly contradictory elements, which distinguish Lexus L-finesse design.

The exhibition will also feature a molded model based on the Lexus LF-Xh Hybrid SUV concept car unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, as well as an art chair called “diamond chair” modeled by advanced technology and specially made for Lexus.

I understand that, in a way, Lexus is simply sponsoring a up-and-coming designer, but it just seems so gutsy to repeatedly connect L-Finesse to something much deeper than the shape of a vehicle.

(I particularly like the use of the word “contradictory” in describing L-Finesse.)

[Source: Lexus Japan]