Performance Hybrids are the new buzz these days and Lexus has put a step forth with its latest Hybrid from the RX series. The new Lexus RX reflects the constant efforts gone in to achieve perfection and efficiency. This SUV returns with class leading CO2 emissions of a meager 148g/km which is comparable to typical 1600 family sedans.

The Lexus RX Hybrid SUV isn’t just about low emissions but the entire process right from the manufacturing outset is very eco-friendly. The plant (Kokura plant) where this SUV is manufactured is an ideal green facility something which the other manufactures should draw inspiration from. From welding robots to maintaining absolute silence at the facility, this is a plant where perfection is strived through discipline.

Check out the press release after the jump

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It was about time. One year after the PERFORMANCEHYBRID has been introduced, the new Lexus RX has been confirmed for release in July. Completely new luxury Sport Utility Vehicles, the most imporant changes are at the :

• RX350 – runs on a 3,5-litre petrol V6 engine that outputs some 273 hp (204kW) and 346Nm of torque; available in SX and XE specification levels
• RX450h – runs on a 3,5-litre petrol V6 engine but also adds two electric motors for a total output of 295 hp (220kW)
• PERFORMANCEHYBRID -  full hybrid technology on V8 engines

The RX400h was very well accepted by customers, accounting for 37% of RX sales despite our production allocation being heavily restricted,” says Kevin Flynn, General Manager of Lexus SA. “We expect the market share of hybrid to increase substantially with the new generation RX as the market continues to adopt the technology and begins to understand the benefits of petrol electric hybrid better.”

Competition for BMW X5 and Mercedes M-Classe, that’s all good news. Right guys?

Even though it’s scheduled for the summer of 2009, we’ve been all expecting at least leaked pictures or images of the new generation Lexus RX, the company’s petrol-only SUV model. But we’ve put our little tails at work and we managed to get the scoop so we’ve just heard that there’s a spy video of the new RX and there aren’t many styling modifications, at least not at the front. Apparently they’ve been working their arses on the “behind”.

There are rumors (which I believe are true) that it wil get the third row of seats, which will allow the new 2009 Lexus RX to play against the big boys like the BMW X5 for example. Is that the first time Lexus, builds a 7-seater SUV? Yup. Good job guys!