As a next chapter, Lexus is working to create cars that meet the needs and lifestyles of a diverse market and contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society. How has the new RX, newly unveiled by Lexus, evolved? Fumio Ogawa, a motor journalist who attended a press event introducing Lexus's next-generation car manufacturing, reports.

For those who value functionality in an SUV but also desire emotion derived from driving and style, this might be it. This is the Lexus RX, unveiled globally for the first time on June 1, 2022.

The unveiling event was titled "LEXUS NEXT CHAPTER" and featured a roundtable (a briefing for a small group) introducing Lexus's car manufacturing. The new NX (November 2021), LX (January 2022), and RZ (scheduled for summer 2022) were displayed alongside it.

The Lexus RX is a core model for the brand. As of the end of April 2022, it has sold a cumulative total of approximately 3.5 million units in about 95 countries and regions. When the time came and the veil was lifted on the new RX, the会場 was filled with a great murmur at its innovative styling.

"The new RX is, in essence, a culmination," said Koichi Suga, General Manager of Lexus Design Division, who also served as the moderator for the roundtable along with the chief engineers of the four models mentioned above.

"Lexus's car manufacturing, which began with a renewed determination after once being criticized as 'boring,' is now entering its NEXT CHAPTER. The next-generation Lexus manufacturing approach, which thoroughly enhances the car's fundamentals, has culminated here, starting with the new NX."

The new RX features a new generation "spindle body" with an innovative front mask where the grille and body are integrated. This design theme was also seen in the BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) RZ, which was unveiled earlier.

Looking at the new RX, the window graphics (the outline of the side windows), which were a distinctive feature of the previous generation, have been inherited, giving it a similar image.

"But from a distance, you feel it's new, and as you get closer, you think it shares an image with the previous generation, and then as you get even closer, you realize it's a completely different design." Listening to Mr. Suga's explanation, I found myself nodding in agreement.

"In North America, one of our main markets, the previous generation, the fourth generation, has been selling very well, and they told us they didn't want us to change it much, including the size," revealed Takaaki Ohno of Toyota Motor Corporation, who served as the chief engineer, at the event.

"At the beginning of development, there was a mood of 'North America says we don't need to change it much...' However, the Master Driver (Akio Toyoda, Brand Holder) spurred us on, saying, 'Because it's a core model, let's challenge ourselves with change!' From there, the development team worked together as one."