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Lexus Announces Prices for 1999 RX 300 Sport Utility

6 January 1998

    DETROIT, Jan. 6 -- Lexus Division today announced that
pricing for its innovative RX 300 luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) will
start at $31,550.
    The RX 300 is an all-new Lexus model, based on the highly acclaimed SLV
concept vehicle displayed at last year's Chicago Auto Show.  Incorporating the
most desirable aspects of both luxury sedans and 4x4s into a new kind of SUV,
the RX 300 provides off-road ground clearance and available full-time four-
wheel-drive for poor weather and road conditions, yet step-in height is lower
than other SUVs for more convenient entry and exit.  Its roomy and versatile
interior accommodates five people and cargo in a variety of configurations.
At the same time, its driving comfort, maneuverability and on-road performance
will please owners of luxury sedans.
    The front-drive 4x2 RX 300 will have a manufacturer's suggested retail
price (MSRP) of $31,550.  MSRP for the full-time 4x4 model was set at $32,950.
The 1999 RX 300 will go on sale in March of this year.
    The RX 300 will come with a generous list of standard features, including
automatic climate control, side-impact airbags for the front seats,
pretensioning and force-limiting front seat belts, genuine walnut trim,
premium audio, 5-1/2 inch liquid crystal multi-display screen for
ventilation/audio/trip computer/outside temperature displays, keyless remote
entry, microchip transponder engine immobilizer anti-theft system, vibration-
canceling fully active engine mounts, automatic dawn/dusk headlight activation
and auto up/down power windows and moonroof with pinch-protection sensors.
    Very well-equipped with optional leather seating, in-dash six-CD
autochanger, power tilt and slide moonroof, memory power front seats, micron
interior air filtration, automatic dimming inside and heated outside mirrors
and Homelink-compatible programmable garage-door opener, the typical RX 300
4x4 will list for $36,860, offering a better comparably-equipped value than
its chief competitors.
    "The RX is a new breed of luxury SUV," commented Lexus Senior Vice
President and General Manager Jim Press. "It's just right for anybody who
finds traditional SUVs too cumbersome, inefficient and rough riding."
    Unlike conventional truck-based SUVs, the RX 300 combines the best
attributes of sport-utility vehicles and luxury sport sedans on a unique
unibody platform.  Among newly developed components not shared with other
Lexus or Toyota products are the under-body floorpan, upper body structure,
interior, engine, transaxle, rear subframe and suspension struts.
    The RX 300 is powered by a new 3.0-liter Lexus V6 engine with continuously
variable valve timing (VVT-i), producing 220 hp and 222 lb.-ft. of torque.
This powerplant is the first application of variable valve timing in a sport
utility vehicle and provides the RX with robust low-rpm torque, power for
passing and excellent fuel economy.  The RX 300's high-technology V6 provides
more horsepower and better fuel economy than Mercedes ML320, Infiniti QX4 and
Jeep Grand Cherokee.  In addition, the RX 300 qualifies as a low emission
vehicle by California standards.
    The RX 300 will complement the highly successful Lexus LX when it joins
the lineup in March.  The LX 450 was the first SUV to be offered by a luxury
carmaker and the all-new V8-powered LX 470 will provide the ultimate in
rugged, go-anywhere capabilities combined with luxurious comfort and
accommodations.  Pricing for the 1998 LX 470 will be announced at a later
date.
    The introduction of the RX 300 and the LX 470 will make Lexus the only
full-line luxury brand offering two distinct sport-utility platforms in the
U.S.

SOURCE  Toyota Motor Sales, U. S. A., Inc.