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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 Style

    LOS 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rear quarter windows have been replaced by one-piece glass for a cleaner look.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