Lexus plans to use more aluminium in the redesigned 2016 RX, as the company looks to shed kerb weight.

The Motor Report said the current RX 270 weighs 1,950kg,while the AWD RX 350 has a kerb weight of 2,085kg.

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At present, the Lexus IS line uses a bonnet [hood] made of aluminium while the CT 200h has aluminium tailgate and bonnet panels. The next RX will have alloy tailgate, bonnet and door skins.

With more parts made of aluminium, the fuel economy and performance of the model is expected to improve.

The company plans to launch the new model in the second half of 2015. The 2016 redesign will offer turbocharged four-cylinder, hybrid, six-cylinder and four-cylinder normally aspirated powertrains mated to eight-speed automatic transmissions.

Lexus also plans to offer the next RX with a seven-seat cabin.

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