Lexus RX: 2nd Generation

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.

There's been a lot of interest in just what song is playing in the recent Lexus Pebble Beach commercial, so I decided to look into it.

First off, here's the song in question:

As for the answer, the company responsible for the music is Robot Repair, specifically composer Kael Alden, who is also a member of the band Faded Paper Figures.

Now, according to a Faded Paper Figures blog post, there is a possibility that an extended version of the song will be released on iTunes, but there's nothing definite at this point. I'll be following this and will post if anything comes up.

(If you're interested in a short MP3 version of this song, some enterprising soul constructed a non-voiceover version and uploaded it here.)

Two pieces of Lexus Pebble Beach news today, first off, the much searched-for Pebble Beach commercial has surfaced on Youtube:

Not much to the commercial, it's strictly an announcement-style advertisement, but the Pebble Beach edition color really catches my attention. It's nice to see it on more than just the SC 430.

The other news has to do with pricing. The PBE RX 350 has been on the Lexus site since the middle of February, and costs a premium of $3,880 over the regular RX. However, the pricing for the ES 350 PBE was announced today, which will be a $4,170 option. (Remember, there's only to be 6,000 of each model made.)

Lexus UK has debuted an upgraded backseat entertainment package for the RX called ICE, which is short for In-Car Entertainment. It consists of two eight-inch LCD screens with an integrated DVD player, USB and SD card readers, plus more:

Two pairs of infrared headphones are provided, which are about 20 per cent smaller than before, making them easier for children to use. They are now foldable for easy storage. Reception has been sharpened and there is an auto power-off function. Each tablet has a manual control panel, or a remote control unit can be used, redesigned for a superior tactile quality and ease of use.

The tablets have RCA inputs for connecting compatible games consoles and a stereo 23.5mm jack point. The screens can be operated together or independently, should passengers choose to enjoy the same playback or their own choice of video, music or gaming.

This package comes standard on the the UK RX SE-L editions, but costs £2,200 on any other version. This translates into close to $4,400 USD, making it a very expensive setup, especially when similar, less stylized options exist for less than $1,000.

Still, it's hard to deny their attractiveness, and they would certainly be a welcome addition were you purchasing a RX SE-L anyway.

[Source: UCar Magazine]

The 2009 Lexus RX is now on the Lexus USA website, which should put all the rumors of an impending redesign to rest.

The only difference from 2008, it seems, is the addition of the Pebble Beach edition, which brings with it the Truffle Mica exterior color, a limited edition 18" wheel design, chrome grille and some assorted Pebble Beach badging.

The standard FWD RX 350 will start at $37,500 USD, and the Pebble Beach edition at $41,380.

Once solely reserved for the SC 430, Lexus announced today at the Chicago Auto Show that three more models will be available in the Pebble Beach Edition. It starts with the release of a PBE RX 350 in mid-February, followed by an ES 350 in March and a LS 600hL sometime in the fall.

Here's a breakdown of the RX 350 & ES 350 changes (the LS 600hL was only announced, no details were given):

RX 350

The RX 350 Pebble Beach Edition comes in three colors, an exclusive Truffle Mica (pictured above), Classic Silver Metallic, and Obsidian Black. There's also a color-coded rear wing, new 18" wheels, a chrome grille, a special interior trim, and a bunch of PBE badges.

ES 350

The ES 350 Pebble Beach Edition is also available in the Truffle Mica, Tungsten Pearl Silver and Obsidian Black exterior colors, but rather than a chrome grille and a rear wing, it gets 7-spoke 17-inch wheels with a liquid graphite finish and a decked out interior, with semi-aniline leather and a wood & leather steering wheel.

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These special editions, limited to 6,000 per model, are in partnership with the Pebble Beach Company, and aren't just limited to the vehicle's appearance; buyers will also be able to select an item from the Lexus Personalization Program, which ranges from golf clubs to cookware. Details are in the

Luxury utility vehicle and luxury sedan receive exclusive package for the first time

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 6 -- Lexus today introduced the Lexus Pebble Beach Collection of vehicles at the Chicago Auto Show. The RX 350 luxury utility vehicle and ES 350 luxury sedan will receive Pebble Beach Edition packages for the first time, extending a relationship with Pebble Beach Company that began in 2003 and has since produced an SC 430 Pebble Beach special edition luxury hardtop convertible every year.

The goal of the Pebble Beach Collection is to evoke the feeling of exclusivity that comes with an excursion to the Pebble Beach Resorts. Both the RX and ES Pebble Beach Editions will feature signature colors, popular options and unique badging. Additionally, Pebble Beach Edition owners will have the opportunity to customize their ownership experience by selecting from one of three distinctive merchandise packages: Callaway Golf Experience, Travel Package or Epicurean Encounter.

Production of the Pebble Beach Collection RX and ES is limited to 6,000 vehicles each and will be available beginning in mid-February for the RX and mid-March for the ES models. In addition, a sixth version of the successful SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition model will be introduced this summer. To culminate the collection, an LS 600h L Pebble Beach Edition will debut this fall and will include a luxury travel experience to the world-famous Pebble Beach Resorts.

RX 350 Pebble Beach(R) Edition

The RX 350 Pebble Beach Edition will be available in three colors: Classic Silver Metallic, Obsidian Black and Truffle Mica. Truffle Mica is available on the RX only with this special edition package. The RX will feature new and unique design 18-inch wheels and chrome grille, a color-keyed rear spoiler and a special interior trim combination. Customized floormats, featuring Pebble Beach Company's signature The Lone Cypress(TM) logo, are included. On the exterior of the RX, Pebble Beach Edition badging will be on the front fenders. The RX 350 Pebble Beach Edition is offered in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive and marks the first Lexus special edition model built in North America at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the RX Pebble Beach Edition package is $3,880. The base MSRP of the front-wheel drive RX 350 is $37,500 and $38,900 for the all-wheel drive model.

ES Pebble Beach(R) Edition

The sleek ES 350 Pebble Beach Edition is available in the exclusive Truffle Mica color, as well as Tungsten Pearl Silver and Obsidian Black. The 7-spoke 17-inch wheels come with an exclusive liquid graphite finish while the interior of the ES features semi-aniline leather and a wood and leather steering wheel. The ES Pebble Beach Edition also features The Lone Cypress(TM) logoed floormats and special Pebble Beach Edition badging on the front fenders.

Lexus Personalization Program

Owners of an RX or ES Pebble Beach Edition can customize their ownership experience with the Lexus Personalization Program. Three distinct categories of packages are designed to invoke the unparalleled feel of the world-famous Pebble Beach Resorts: The Callaway Golf Experience, Travel Sets, and Epicurean Encounter. Owners can select from item(s) in one of the packages.

The Callaway Golf(R) Experience

Four exclusive packages are designed to improve the look and performance of one's golf game. One dozen personalized Callaway Golf Tour ix Golf Balls can be combined with a Callaway Golf Ft-I driver or Callaway Golf Hyper X driver and one X Hybrid. Three Callaway Golf X-Forged wedges and one Odyssey White Hot XG 2-Ball putter are matched to one dozen personalized Callaway Golf Tour ix Golf Balls. One case (12 dozen) of personalized Callaway Golf Tour ix Golf Balls is also available.

Travel Package

Pebble Beach Edition owners can carry style and refinement from their vehicle into a luxury hotel with one of three luxury luggage packages. A cafe- colored three-piece leather luggage set includes two cabin duffels, one carriage duffel, and personalized embossed luggage tags. Two pairs of Callaway Golf Eyewear complement the café-colored leather briefcase or the cafe-colored leather tote bag.

Epicurean Encounter

Those owners interested in improving their culinary skills can choose the Epicurean Encounter. They can select a six-piece Viking(R) Santoku Cutlery Set including 10-slot maple knife block or a four-piece Viking Cookware set. Both come with a Viking Cooking School $200 gift card redeemable for cooking classes or merchandise online at vikingrange.com. The package also offers the option of a cafe-colored leather wine tote and a diverse selection of wines from member wineries of the highly regarded Napa Valley Vintners.