All-New LX 470 Sports Powerful V8 Engine and Increased Comfort and Style
29 December 1997
All-New LX 470 Sports Powerful V8 Engine and Increased Comfort and StyleLOS ANGELES, Dec. 29 -- Replacing the highly successful Lexus LX 450 sport utility vehicle, the completely re-engineered LX 470 offers more power and more room, while enhancing the high level of sophistication and luxury that is standard for any Lexus. The new LX is prepared to perform on- or off-road with its powerful new V8 engine, roomier size and sophisticated adjustable-height hydropneumatic suspension. The 1998 LX 470 is a completely new platform, with only the transmission and transfer case carried over from the previous LX 450. Among the latest model's highlights are a new 32-valve, 4.7-liter V8 engine derived from the Lexus V8, Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), independent front suspension and Adjustable Height Control suspension (AHC). The new LX 470 comes nearly fully equipped, making it the best standard-equipped vehicle in the Lexus family. A tilt-and-slide moonroof is the only factory option. "This new generation of the LX marries Lexus engine, interior and suspension expertise with nearly 50 years of off-road experience, giving us the ultimate luxury sport utility vehicle," said Jim Press, Lexus senior vice president and general manager. "The LX 470 has been fine tuned to meet the needs of discriminating customers, and I'm sure it will become the standard against which luxury SUVs will be measured." Spacious and Smooth The LX 470 conveys Lexus heritage through its distinctive front grille and headlights. The exterior design has been made more muscular, yet its appearance is sleeker and more refined than the previous model. Genuine wood trim and Optitron instrumentation further identify the LX as a member of the Lexus family. The windshield has been moved forward, while the split-sliding rear quarter windows have been replaced by one-piece glass for a cleaner look. Door openings have been enlarged for better accessibility. As for roominess, overall length has been increased by 2.8 inches and total interior length has been expanded 3.5 inches. The cab has been moved forward to create more rear-seat space, and despite its three rows of seating for eight, the LX 470's overall length is less than an LS 400 for ease of parking. The interior shoulder room has been improved by nearly 3 inches, while only increasing overall width 0.4 inches. Front and rear track are wider, while overall height remains the same. The additional roominess without adding to the overall dimensions is in line with development objectives to keep the LX 470 at a reasonable size for city traffic and parking in a typical two-car garage. In addition to its increased space, the LX 470 offers smooth and quiet ride comfort. One notable feature is the new hydropneumatically operated Adjustable Height Control (AHC) suspension system specifically developed for the LX 470. With three ride-height settings ranging nearly four inches, it affords owners the option of choosing off-road ground clearance or a lowered ride height for easier entry and exit around town. Engine noise has been reduced 3 decibels and wind noise at 75 mph is 6 decibels quieter. V8 Power with Full-Time Four-Wheel-Drive While based on the famous Lexus 4.0-liter V8, the LX 470's new 4.7-liter powerplant is specifically designed for best performance in an SUV. It produces exceptional low rpm torque for responsive off-the-line performance, towing power and pulling power on and off-road. Fully 80 percent of its peak output of the 320 pound-feet is available at engine speeds as low as 1,100 rpm. Unlike typical SUV engines derived from truck powertrains, the LX 470 engine is highly sophisticated, smooth and efficient. Designated 2UZ-FE, it is the first four-cam, 32-valve V8 to be offered in a sport utility vehicle. This 4.7- liter V8 produces 230 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 18 horsepower and 45 pound-feet of torque over the previous model's six-cylinder engine. With its increased power, the LX 470 accelerates from a standing start to 60 mph in 9.9 seconds - nearly a two-second improvement over the LX 450. It also will be certified as a low emission vehicle by the California Air Resources Board. Adding to its off-road ability is the LX 470's full-time four-wheel-drive system. The system is permanently engaged, utilizing a limited-slip center differential to distribute torque between front and rear axle. Responsive On- and Off-Road In their efforts to create the best-performing full-size SUV in the industry, Lexus engineers have developed sophisticated suspension features for added convenience and performance on- and off-road. With its rigid chassis, independent front suspension, Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and Adjustable Height Control suspension (AHC), the LX 470 promises superior ride characteristics among large SUVs. The independent front suspension uses lower torsion bars rather than coil springs for improved on-road performance and comfort, yet it affords exceptionally long travel and the ruggedness necessary for the most severe off-road conditions. The front torsion bars are positioned higher than the underbody and the frame side rails to prevent impact damage when driving off road. Overall frame torsional stiffness has been increased 95 percent, and the cross section of the fully boxed frame rails is 26 percent larger. The new suspension offers long wheel travel with low unsprung weight, for superior off-road comfort. Adjustable Height Control suspension (AHC) allows the driver to adjust the vehicle ride height to three levels - high, normal and low. The high mode provides improved drivability over rough terrain, while the low mode affords improved ease of in and out access. The height control switch and indicator light work to help the driver know at what height the vehicle is as well as to indicate the optimal height control depending on driving conditions. If set in the high mode, the AHC will automatically lower the LX to the normal mode when the vehicle exceeds 19 mph. When parked in low mode, the suspension will automatically raise to normal height when pulling away from a stop. The Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), a semi-active shock absorber system, can react as fast as 2.5 milliseconds, continuously changing shock valving individually at each wheel. The computer system selects from a range of 16 different settings -- one being softest and 16 being firmest - in four range groups depending on feedback from various road sensors. The AVS system senses road bumps and continuously adjusts shocks to a stiffer or softer value as needed. The driver also is provided an adjustment switch for personal preference. The LX incorporates rack and pinion steering, giving the vehicle more precise steering response and feel. Additionally, the rugged rack and pinion mechanism is located above the frame cross member to protect it from off- roading impacts. First-Class Safety The LX 470 has an abundance of safety features to help protect occupants in many different crash situations. Its more rigid frame, which uses nine cross members instead of the previous six, is equipped with axial-compression collapsible zones for excellent energy absorption. All upper interior surfaces have been designed to help prevent head injury in the event of a collision, meeting 1999 federal requirements ahead of schedule. The ABS system is designed to enhance off-road braking performance, allowing ABS control on poor-traction surfaces, while avoiding early activation on steep slopes. The system's brake master cylinder features a hydraulically operated brake booster to reduce brake pedal effort and improve brake feel. Front brakes feature opposed four-pot calipers, which reduce drag and enhance fuel economy. Brake pads have been enlarged from the previous LX model for improved performance and longer life. Additional safety features include pretensioning and force-limiting seat belts, daytime running lights and dual supplemental restraint system airbags. Comfort, Convenience and the Lexus Touch In keeping with the tradition of comfort and luxury, the LX 470 comes standard with many amenities including an in-dash, single-feed six-compact disc changer, heated and power-retracting outside mirrors, heated front seats, rear air conditioning, outside temperature gauge, three auxiliary power outlets, electronically controlled tilt and telescope steering column, individually reclining second row seats, running boards and automatic hydrocarbon air pollution sensor with cabin filter. One-touch up and down power windows are provided for all seats and optional moonroof. To help increase safety, each window has a jam prevention mechanism which will stop the window and lower it 7 inches if there is an obstruction. The swing-type rear quarter windows are opened and closed electrically. Outside rear-view mirrors feature remote-control electric retraction for ease in maneuvering and parking in tight situations. For improved visibility, the outside mirrors are heated to evaporate frost and dew, while both inside and outside mirrors feature electrochromic self-dimming. Auxiliary power outlets in the dash, center console and rear cargo area provide owners convenience for operation of accessories such as cellular phone, car vacuum cleaner, laptop computer or portable refrigerator. The hydrocarbon air pollution sensor automatically switches the air to re-circulate when certain levels of air contamination are detected. An activated charcoal micron filter removes dust, pollen and many odors from the interior air stream. The LX 470 is available in six Lexus colors: Golden Pearl, Smokey Topaz Mica, Riverrock Green Mica, Black Onyx, Cashmere Beige Metallic and Woodland Pearl. Interior colors include gray and oak, with supple Lexus leather as standard. The LX 470 joins the Lexus line of six cars and SUVs and provides a more sophisticated and better performing luxury SUV alternative to such competitive entries as Range Rover and Lincoln Navigator. Along with building the ultimate luxury SUV, Lexus also is determined to provide its customers the ultimate service. Lexus dealers have achieved the highest honors in customer satisfaction six out of the last seven years. The LX 470 will be available in March of 1998 through 174 dealers nationwide. SOURCE Toyota Lexus