Detroit Auto Show: Lexus Introduces New RX 330
Luxury Utility Vehicle
DETROIT, Jan. 6, 2003; Five years ago, the Lexus RX 300
created the luxury crossover segment. Lexus will once again revolutionize
this segment with its all-new 2004 RX 330 which made its worldwide debut at a
press conference yesterday at the North American International Auto Show in
Detroit. The second generation RX will go on sale in April and will offer
luxury amenities and technology not available in other vehicles in its class.
"The original RX 300 became the template for a new kind of luxury vehicle,
one that many competitors are now following," said Denny Clements, Lexus group
vice president and general manager. "The RX 330 was designed to surpass its
successful predecessor in every way and set a new benchmark in the segment."
The RX 330 will become the first Lexus to be manufactured in North America
when production begins on a new line at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada,
seven months after initial production starts at the Kyushu plant in Japan.
The 2004 RX 330 is an integral part of the unique three-SUV strategy that
has allowed Lexus to lead this category of the market. It will have an annual
sales target of 75,000 units and the base price for the RX is expected to
remain at about $35,000.
Several new features help the RX 330 raise the standard in the
entry-luxury SUV segment. Examples include the innovative Adaptive Front
lighting System (AFS), adjustable-height air suspension, adaptive cruise
control, power rear liftgate, and rear backup camera.
The sleek new RX 330 has more room than the previous generation afforded
by a 6.1-inch longer body and a wheelbase that is almost four inches longer.
Width has also grown by 1.1 inches while height has grown by just under half
an inch.
Lexus optimized interior comfort and utility in the RX 330 for five
passengers. The second-row seats both slide and recline while the seatbacks
feature a new 40/20/40 split design. The available power rear liftgate is
controlled from the standard in-key remote entry system. An
automatic-retracting tonneau cover adds a measure of security and convenience.
The RX will be one of the first U.S. vehicles with AFS. It features
swiveling headlamps to help illuminate the driver's path on curves. The RX 330
also offers a unique adaptive laser cruise control system like that on the
brand's LS 430 flagship sedan.
A revised V6 engine displacing 3.3 liters and producing 230 horsepower and
242 lb-ft. of torque powers the RX 330. It features a new electronic
drive-by-wire throttle and continuously Variable Valve Timing with
intelligence (VVT-i) system for excellent response. A ULEV rating is also
achieved.
Teamed to a new five-speed electronic automatic transmission, the larger
V6 gives the RX 330 all-wheel drive model a best-in-class zero-to-60 mph time
of 7.8 seconds (vs. 8.8 for the RX 300) while providing EPA estimated fuel
mileage of 18 mpg city/ 24 mpg highway (+1 mpg on each cycle over the RX 300).
The 2004 RX 330 provides an even smoother and quieter ride than the
previous RX, thanks to a stiffer body structure, a redesigned active engine
mount, new sound-absorption materials and refined aerodynamic details. Noise
from the powertrain, road and wind have all been reduced to nearly the same
levels as in the Lexus ES 300 sedan.
The stiffer platform, newly standard 17-inch wheels and revised steering
help to optimize handling response in the RX 330. Eighteen-inch wheels also
are available. The optional air suspension system provides automatic leveling
and four selectable height settings which allow the driver to tailor the RX
330 to specific driving conditions or needs, including an access mode to
provide easier entry, exit and cargo loading. A multi-mode automatic
(sequential) transmission is standard on air suspension-equipped models.
All RX 330 models come equipped with the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
system, which helps control loss of lateral traction while cornering. VSC and
the Brake Assist feature work with the standard four-wheel anti-lock brake
system (ABS). A tire pressure monitor alerts the driver with a light on the
instrument panel in the event of tire under-inflation.
The high-strength cabin and a comprehensive new supplemental restraint
system are designed to help provide a new level of crash energy management for
occupants in the RX 330.
Supplemental restraint systems (SRS) include multi-stage front airbags for
the driver and passenger, side-curtain airbags, a new knee airbag for the
driver and a new large side airbag in the front seats that covers the torso,
abdomen and pelvis.
Available rain-sensing windshield wipers, AFS and High-Intensity Discharge
(HID) headlights with washers enhance visibility in poor-weather and night
driving. The RX 330 can also be ordered with the optional Lexus Link system.
Lexus craftsmanship and attention to the smallest details provide true
luxury by design. Dual-zone automatic climate control and an eight-way power
front driver seat with memory (four-way for the passenger seat) highlight the
front cabin. The three-spoke steering wheel comes with standard, easy-to-use
controls for the audio system and trip computer.
A sliding center console, adjustable light in the visor vanity mirrors and
a choice of two genuine wood interior trim options are among the luxurious
details that set the tone for luxury in the RX 330.
The high-performance CD audio system upholds the Lexus tradition of making
premium-quality sound standard. RX customers will be able to upgrade to an
optional Mark Levinson 11-speaker system with an in-dash 6-disc CD changer. A
factory-installed rear DVD entertainment system is also available.
Lexus has been adding premium-level options to its entry-luxury models,
and notable examples for the RX 330 include a power tilt/telescoping steering
wheel with memory, a wide-opening multi-panel moonroof and a new illuminated
entry system that lights the door handles, scuff plates and front foot wells.
A DVD-based Lexus Navigation System with a rear back-up camera also is
optional. The rear back-up camera automatically projects a color image of what
is behind the vehicle onto the navigation screen when the vehicle is in the
reverse gear.
The RX 330 will be available in nine colors, six of which are all-new to
the model.
