Lexus used the Los Angeles Auto Show to premier the next edition of its popular RX series of SUVS this morning.

Kicking Tires reports, "Lexus' wildly popular RX SUV has been withering on the vine, waiting for a redesign, for some time now. Lexus has finally delivered with an all-new 2010 model that shares a lot with the new Toyota Venza crossover. The new RX is slightly longer and wider than the 2009 model."  Its look on the outside "seems like an organic upgrade from the past, the interior is radically different."

Motor Trend explains, "Lexus has redesigned the dash with new gauges and a deeply recessed nav screen that's easier to glance at while keeping your eyes on the road. The gear selector has been moved up into the lower part of the center stack to make room for the Remote Touch, and though the center stack and center console blend together, they're differentiated by a metallic-colored trim plate on the center stack that sweeps across the center of the dash."  The dash itself is more curvaceous than what's found in the outgoing model, and new sport seats are more firmly bolstered.

But perhaps the biggest news, for Lexus fans, is the appearance of a new driver-interface that controls climate and entertainment functions through a single device.  Lexus has, until now, resisted the temptation to answer BMW's much-maligned iDrive.  Now, apparently, they have their own take on the idea.

Popular Mechanics reports, "Lexus has finally joined the haptic controller race with a new system called "Remote Touch." This controller acts similarly to BMW's iDrive and Audi's MMI systems, but instead of a fixed knob that spins to run various vehicle functions, the Lexus system acts more like a more sophisticated computer mouse­-moving on multiple planes. It can also be programmed for different levels of feedback." 

Lexus is treading on dangerous ground with the controller.  BMW's iDrive, Audi's MMI, Mercedes' COMAND - all past attempts at such an interface have won at least some high-profile scorn in the press.  Though reporters have been allowed to see the Remote Touch device, none have tried it yet - so we simply don't know whether Lexus has made the idea work at last.

Left Lane News reports, "The new RC is powered by an improved 275-horsepower V6 engine mated to an electronically controlled, sequential-shift six-speed gearbox."  A new double wishbone rear suspension is supposed to help "provide exceptional agility and control." 

Active Torque Control All-Wheel-Drive is also new, which may change the handling significantly - we'll let you know as soon as we get behind the wheel.  Pricing has not been announced.

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