1999 RX 300 Challenges Conventional
Ideas About Sport Utility Vehicles

Incorporating the most desirable aspects of both luxury sedans and 4x4s into a new-breed of sport utility vehicle (SUV), the 1999 Lexus RX 300 luxury SUV goes beyond the conventional limits of existing products on the market. It 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.

Moving into the Future - Buy The RX300 Here

The RX 300 will satisfy the changing tastes of today's luxury vehicle buyers who want the style, versatility, commanding visibility and poor-weather traction of an all-wheel-drive SUV, but did not consider one because on-road performance, ride comfort, fuel economy or ease of entry/exit did not meet their expectations. Thanks to an exceptionally rapid design process, Lexus planners and engineers were able to respond to the latest trends in SUV customer preferences. As a result, the RX 300 signals the direction for SUVs of the future. The RX 300 is a completely new model and its basic floorpan and platform were specially developed and are not shared with other Lexus or Toyota vehicles. In size, the RX 300 is slightly longer and wider than a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Combined front- and second-seat leg room is more than Grand Cherokee, Infiniti QX4 or Range Rover Discovery. Overall height and floor height are lower than the M-Class or Infiniti QX4 for easy entry and exit, yet the RX 300 has a generous ground clearance of 7.7 inches.

Rugged Look with Urban Sophistication - Buy The RX300 Here

Based on the highly acclaimed Lexus Sport Luxury Vehicle (SLV) Concept which debuted at the Chicago Auto Show, the RX 300 faithfully retains the concept vehicle's combination of rugged, yet sporty styling that is at home in sophisticated urban settings. Individual round headlamp reflectors are housed under aerodynamic clear covers, with projector-beam foglamps just below. The dramatic tail lamp housings each contain four separate round lenses, grouped to complement the headlamp theme. Overall height, width, wheelbase and track width give the RX a just-right size and stance. The sleek shape produces an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of just 0.36, the lowest of any sport utility vehicle and in the same league as many sporty cars and sedans. Very careful attention to packaging and body structure design offers ground clearance and approach and departure angles that are competitive with other SUVs, yet step-in and seat cushion height are much more comfortable and convenient. Traditional SUVs dictate stepping up into the seat, while in a sedan, occupants step down to the seat height. The RX 300 maintains an ideal balance of height, making it easy to step aboard.

Variable Valve Timing a First in an SUV - Buy The RX300 Here

The RX 300 is powered by the most sophisticated and refined engine under the hood of an SUV. The 3.0-liter, all-aluminum V6 employs four cams and 24 valves to produce 220 horsepower and 222 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to Lexus continuously variable valve timing, a three-stage variable intake system and a two-way bypass exhaust system, this newest Lexus engine generates healthy low-end torque for more pulling power and standing-start response. Eighty percent of peak torque is available as low as 1,600 rpm. The RX 300 employs the first use of variable valve timing in a sport utility vehicle. Introduced on the high-performance GS 400 and 300 sedans, the Lexus VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing, intelligent) system optimizes valve overlap throughout the engine's rpm range and in all operating conditions. VVT-i eliminates the traditional compromises between low-end torque and high-rpm horsepower. At the same time it enhances fuel economy and reduces emissions so effectively that it eliminates the need for such emissions devices as exhaust gas recirculation.

The RX 300's variable intake system tunes manifold lengths according to engine speed to enhance torque and horsepower. Located within the muffler, the exhaust bypass provides optimum back pressure for low end torque and quiet operation, yet opens to create a free-flow muffler at high rpm for more horsepower Four-wheel-drive estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 city and 22 highway, and front-drive figures of 19 and 24 stand out among SUVs and are more normally associated with mid-size sedans. The RX 300's powerplant is clean enough to qualify as a California Low Emission Vehicle {LEV) and also complies with On-Board Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR) regulations proposed for all 50 states. To assure the smoothest operation, a new active engine mount cancels idle vibration and is controlled directly by each combustion stroke of the engine. A solenoid-controlled diaphragm creates pulses which are equal but opposite to the engine's movements to counteract vibrations. The fully active engine mount is a first in the industry.

Efficient Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive - Buy The RX300 Here

Te technologically advanced RX 300 powerplant is linked to an equally sophisticated drive train that provides poor-weather and off-road traction without unnecessary weight and power-robbing inefficiency. Its heart is a completely new four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with integrated transfer case and viscous limited-slip center differential coupling. Its unusually small size and efficiency help the RX provide excellent on-road driving performance. The RX 300 is available with two different drivelines: full-time four-wheel drive and sure-footed front-wheel drive for customers in milder climates who want the utility of an SUV with even better performance and fuel economy. The RX four-wheel-drive system requires no activation by the driver and splits engine torque 50/50 to front and rear axles. The viscous center differential coupling directs torque to the wheels with most traction whenever slippage occurs. An optional torque-sensing, limited-slip rear differential further prevents loss of traction between left and right wheels. The RX 300 four-wheel-drive system does not depend on the vehicle's braking system and is fully compatible with the use of ABS in all driving conditions. RX 300 traction is easily up to the on- and off-road tasks its owners will encounter, without need for a seldom-used low-range transfer case and itc associated cost, weight and maintenance. While "performance" and "sport-utility-vehicle" might be regarded as contradictory terms, excellent power-to-weight ratios give both RX 300 models performance rivaling many sport sedans. The four-wheel-drive RX 300 hits 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. The front-wheel-drive RX 300 is the sportiest member of the Lexus SUV family. Its relatively light weight gives it acceleration performance from 0-60 mph of 8.5 seconds. When equipped with optional electronic traction control, the front-drive RX model is well-suited for everyday driving in all kinds of inclement weather.

A New Level of Safety in its Class - Buy The RX300 Here

In addition to its responsive on-road performance, the RX 300 has been designed with consideration of the most severe crash-test requirements of the major intemational regulatory agencies. These tests include front and rear impact, offset frontal impact and side impact collisions. Side doors are equipped with tubular steel impact beams. Although not yet required by law, the upper interior pillars and roof sides employ hidden ribbed energy-absorbing material to help reduce head injuries in an accident. The RX 300 is equipped with driver- and front-passenger airbags. Seat-mounted side-impact activated airbags are provided for front-seat occupants as are shoulder belts with pretensioners and force limiters. The force-limiting device eaccident.ases belt loads on an occupant's torso during an Other safety features include four-wheel anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, projector-beam fog lights, and optional electrochromic inside and outside rear view mirrors, which dim only when necessary to retain maximum night-time vision. Safety and security are in every detail of the RX, including power windows and moonroof with pinch protection sensors for the auto open and close functions. A new four-link wiper mechanism sweeps 89 percent of the windshield area for maximum visibility. Headlights switch on and off automatically at dusk or dawn, or when entering dimly lighted areas.

Innovative Interior Design - Buy The RX300 Here

Versatility is perhaps the number-one reason SUV owners chose their vehicles. The RX 300 combines the most useful aspects of both SUVs and sedans to deliver on that expectation. Yet that versatility comes with a look of style, luxury and adventure unequaled by typical SUVs. Rather than a conventional center console, the RX 300 provides an especially useful area between the front seats. With its shift lever conveniently mounted in the center instrument panel, floor space is available for storing small items such as packages, purses or drive-through meal containers. The open foot space makes it a bit easier to move from side to side of the vehicle, if desired. Between the seat cushions is a multi-level console with two drawers sized for CDs and tapes, as well as four cup holders. Rear seats slide forward and aft 4.7 inches to create more rear leg room or cargo room as needed. The seats also recline individually and the 60/40 split rear seat backs fold formrard individually making a nearly-flat load floor. The rear area is equipped with a retractable tonneau cover and handy rails for securing cargo with straps or nets.

Thoughtful, Comprehensive Equipment - Buy The RX300 Here

Audio, heating, air conditioning, and trip computer functions are monitored by a standard 5.8-inch (diagonal) liquid crystal screen in the center instrument cluster. Automatic climate control is standard and a micron air filtration system is available as part of an option package. As with all Lexus vehicles, the RX features a standard premium audio system by Pioneer. A 190-watt audiophile-level Nakamichi brand system is available as an option. Additional factory optional equipment includes leather seating surfaces and door trim, one-touch power tilt/slide moonroof, heated front seats, in-dash 6-CD autochanger, electronic traction control (front-wheel-drive models only) and premium package including self-dimming inside and exterior rear-view mirrors, driver's seat memory power adjustment, micron air filtration system and programmable Homelink-compatible garage door transmitter. Because it is a new vehicle concept, no directly comparable products are offered by competitors. The RX is expected to provide a sophisticated altemative to traditional truck-based SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, Infiniti QX4, and Range Rover Discovery, as well as new entries such as the Mercedes ML320. The RX 300 will complement the highly successful Lexus LX when it joins the lineup in March of 1998. The LX450 was the first SUV to be offered by a luxury carmaker, and provides the ultimate in rugged, go-anywhere capabilities combined with luxurious comfort and accomodations. The introduction fo the RX 300 and the all-new LX 470 will make Lexus the only full-line luxury brand offering two distinct sport-utility platforms in the U.S.

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