At long last, the full details about the Lexus RX 450h F Sport package have been released — in order to cover all the bases, I’m going to republish all available information from the Geneva press kit.
Further enhancing the dynamic and sporting character of the new RX and attracting new customers to the model range, a new F SPORT version is now available.
Expected to account for up to 30% of all future RX sales in a new, 4 grade model range structure, the F SPORT grade features bespoke exterior and interior design and driving dynamics technology.
Exterior Design
F SPORT versions of the new RX are instantly identifiable by significantly more aggressive, model-unique frontal styling. A deeper, more vertical front bumper incorporates a bigger lower section of the Lexus family ‘spindle’ grille design.
Incorporating a full-width, aerodynamic spoiler for improved high speed stability, the lower bumper’s flared extremities house deeply rebated fog lamps. Both upper and lower grilles feature a sporting, F SPORT-specific mesh design.
In profile, F SPORT models may be identified by exclusive, 19” shaded alloy wheels and front wing F SPORT badging.
Interior Design
The F SPORT-exclusive interior is hallmarked by an exclusive, Black and White Grey colour scheme. It features black, smooth leather upholstery with white grey perforations and contrast stitching, steel silver painted trim inserts and a black ceiling to give the interior a more cockpit-like feel and aid driver concentration.
Performance Dampers
F SPORT models further benefit from the lateral performance damper system, which is designed to absorb and minimise undesirable body vibrations, offer a more linear steering feel and contribute to improved ride comfort.
In lieu of conventional fixed bracing, the system features a front performance damper connecting the left and right front suspension towers, and a rear damper connecting the left and right sides of the rear lower back panel.
With a construction similar to that of a typical monotube suspension damper, the front and rear performance damper assemblies differ according to the variations in body rigidity, noise and vibration of their surroundings, optimising their ability to absorb body torsion, flexure and fine vibrations.
Their installation has reduced vehicle floor vibrations across a wide frequency range, reduced body deformation through a drop in left and right front suspension tower displacement, and even lowered audio system white noise levels.
Though difficult to analyse even using Computer Aided Design, micron- sized, minuscule vibrations manifest themselves as a slight discomfort when turning the wheel and minute deviations in vehicle behaviour during straight line acceleration. Their elimination brings a new dimension of steering response, agility and ride comfort to the premium SUV segment.
6-Speed Multi-mode Automatic Transmission with Paddle Shift Control
The 6-speed automatic transmission of the RX 350 F SPORT versions is now equipped with a steering wheel-mounted paddle shift control. The paddle switches can be used even with the gear selector in D range, allowing the driver to quickly change to fixed range mode without the need to engage S range via the gear lever.
[Source: Lexus Geneva Press Kit]
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