Lexus ‘Ruby Red Rims’ RX takes inspiration from ‘The Wizard of Oz’

MANILA: Lexus has reinvented Dorothy's ruby red slippers from The Wizard of Oz in partnership with Harris Reed, the renowned fashion designer famous for defying stereotypes. The 50th anniversary party for W Magazine in New York, USA featured a star-studded unveiling of “Ruby Red Rims.”

The concept, created under license from Warner Bros. Consumer Products, is an extension of the all-new 2023 Lexus RX's launch campaign and serves as a reminder to never lose our edge through a modern interpretation of one of the greatest movies of all time.

Reed and Lexus present the RX with the “Ruby Red Rims” as the ideal vehicle for inspiring drivers to take the road less traveled.  The “Ruby Red Rims” RX was placed at the event's entrance, welcoming the fashion icons, celebrities, and personalities who were featured on W's cover throughout the decades and establishing the mood for the '70s-themed event.

“As a gender fluid designer, I’ve always been fueled and inspired by choosing the path less traveled. With the bold new design of the Lexus RX and the cinematic Hollywood classic, The Wizard of Oz, I took inspiration from the literal interpretation of choosing your own path and pursuing a new journey down the red brick road, with a nod to the film’s iconic ruby slippers and my own designs,” Reed stated.

Reed drew inspiration for the “Ruby Red Rims” from two of the iconic hats in his Spring 2023 ready-to-wear collection. Gloss-sealed glitter adorns the backs of the solid aluminum rims. The Lexus logo and ruby core are placed in the center. They are illuminated by LED lights and are embedded in a polished ruby red color. A magical moment that honors the iconic power of the shoes and the rims is created when fins reveal the ruby red hue in various angles. A spectacular color change denotes the passage between worlds, drawing spectators into the journey.

“With The Wizard of Oz as a foundation for our all-new RX launch spot, we were excited about the possibilities of connecting our wheels to Dorothy’s ruby red slippers. The final design and thoughtful interpretation of the ‘Ruby Red Rims’ far exceeded our expectations. We are grateful for the incomparable, trailblazing designer, Harris Reed, who helped us reimagine the ruby slipper in the most striking way for W’s milestone 50th celebration,” Lexus Vice President for Marketing Vinay Shahani stated.

The 2023 Lexus RX is the best RX ever produced, thanks to cutting-edge computational analysis, the use of improved materials, and consistent high-stress testing carried out at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama in Japan.

The 2023 Lexus RX aspires to surpass customer expectations by incorporating a wide range of revolutionary, aesthetic, and technological advancements. Lexus RX offers a wide range of engine options, including Lexus Electrified models and the first-ever Direct4 all-wheel drive system from Lexus. A plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) variant will be also offered for the first time ever.

The Lexus Driving Signature principles are upgraded even further with the new RX. At the slightest depression of the Lexus RX's accelerator or tilt of the steering wheel, direct response, with control at the top of mind, are recognized and appreciated, enabling precise input and response.

The all-new RX will be available in six grades: Standard, Premium, Premium+, Luxury, F Sport Handling, and F Sport Performance.

Understanding the demands of customers is a core competency for Lexus RX, as seen on the new, more robust Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform, spacious cabin, outstanding exterior's aerodynamics, and the seamless power distribution and delivery via Direct4 AWD.

The GA-K platform weighs 198 pounds less than the previous platform. With the use of firmer metals, such as 1180 MPa steel on side rockers, 1470MPa steel for the roof, and 2GPa steel for B-pillars, as well as cutting-edge adhesives and welds, its center of gravity is 0.6 inches lower than its predecessor.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 275hp and 317lb-ft of torque. This engine incorporates cutting-edge technology such as a continuously variable capacity oil pump to modify discharge volume based on running conditions, a center injection system for more stable combustion, and lightweight, spherical lipless pistons for high-speed combustion. It is mated to a short-ratio eight-speed Direct Shift-8AT that enables smooth acceleration and deceleration. The electronically controlled full-time AWD continuously changes the front-to-rear driving force distribution from 75:25 to 50:50, depending on the situation.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350h, on the other hand, is powered by a hybrid motor paired to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine that generates a total system output of 246hp and 233lb-ft of torque. It also comes with a high-output, low-resistance nickel-metal hydride battery that provides excellent fuel efficiency. The 216-cell battery is housed below the rear seat, improving storage space and passenger comfort. The E-Four all-wheel drive system from Lexus, which can be added to the RX HEV, uses a motor at the rear axle to apply drive force almost instantly in low-grip or acceleration situations.

Lexus 450h+, which will be rolled out in the US at a later date, features the nameplate’s first plug-in powertrain, which is composed of  a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an 18.1-kWh lithium-ion battery, and a rear E-Four motor.

Meanwhile, Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance comes with a hybrid powertrain that is composed of a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, integrated Power Control Unit, electric motor, and a six-speed automatic gearbox. With a high-output, low-resistance nickel-metal hydride battery, the system produces a total of 366hp and 406lb-ft of torque. By synchronizing a seamless, direct application of drive force between the front and rear axles in milliseconds, the Direct4 all-wheel drive system improves handling, maneuverability, and comfort.

The “Ruby Red Rims” RX will make more appearances across the US later this year until 2023.

Photos from Lexus

Also read: Lexus’ campaign for new ‘Black Panther’ movie features all-electric RZ 450e