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January 16, 2003
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This Week:

• Volkswagen Touran world première in Wolfsburg

• Chrysler Announces Pricing for All-New 2004 Pacifica

• Ford Motor Captures Majority Of Autoweek Editors' Choice Awards

• Lexus Introduces New RX 330 Luxury Utility Vehicle For 2004 

• GM Reveals Fuel-Efficient Military Truck To Army

• Sirius Satellite Radio Now Available In BMW 3 Series, 5 Series And X5

• smart city-coupé and smart cabrio in model year 2003 

• Fred Schwab ceases leadership at Porsche Cars North America

• MINI Sweeps Bevy Of Awards To Start 2003

• Edward C. Ohlin Named "Presidente Ejecutivo" Of Toyota Motor Sales De Mexico And Vice President, Mexico Operations, For Toyota Motor Sales USA

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Lexus Introduces New RX 330 Luxury Utility Vehicle For 2004 

Second Generation of Segment-Leading Model Sets New Luxury Standard

Photo: Automotive Intelligence

Detroit, MI - Lexus unveiled its all-new second-generation RX luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) at the 2003 North American International Auto Show. Lexus created the car-based, luxury SUV segment with the launch of its innovative RX 300 nearly five years ago. Even though the current RX is still at the top of its game, the all-new RX 330 is poised to take its place as the benchmark in the entry-level luxury SUV class. The 2004 RX 330 will have an annual sales target of 75,000 units and will be the first Lexus built in North America. The all-new RX will arrive at Lexus dealerships in spring 2003 and is expected to maintain a base price around $35,000. Larger than the RX 300 model it replaces, the RX 330 introduces an elegant and sleek new design, as well as significant enhancements to luxury content, and performance and advanced safety features. Lexus designed the RX 330 in particular to provide the quietest and smoothest ride quality of any entry luxury SUV. The RX 330 delivers all-weather, fun-to-drive performance in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models.

The 2004 RX 330, which will be built both in Japan at the Kyushu plant and in North America at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada, is an integral part of the unique three-SUV strategy that has allowed Lexus to lead this category of the market. The new GX 470 introduced for 2003 is a full-capability V8-powered SUV positioned between the RX 330 and the premium-luxury LX 470.

The new Lexus RX 330 is roomier than the previous model, yet still retains the efficient packaging that customers appreciated in the original. Wheelbase has been increased by nearly four inches, and length by 6.1 inches. Width has grown by 1.1 inches while height has grown by just under half an inch. The larger dimensions result in a gain of 1.8 inches of front legroom, and cargo capacity with the rear seatbacks lowered has increased from 75.0 cubic feet to 84.7 cubic feet.

Lexus optimized interior comfort and utility in the RX 330 for five passengers. The rear seatbacks feature a versatile 40/20/40 split design, and the seat offers both sliding and reclining adjustments. Lexus projects that most customers will select the available power rear liftgate, which can be controlled from the standard in-key remote entry system. An automatic-retracting tonneau cover adds a measure of security and convenience.

The RX 330 provides a host of high technology, safety and comfort features. The available air suspension is a feature more commonly seen in the high-end SUV segment. Available with air suspension is the Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), which helps illuminate a turn or curve as the driver steers into it. The available rear back-up camera enhances visibility when reversing, and the RX 330 offers a unique adaptive laser cruise control system like that on the brand's LS 430 flagship sedan.

More Powerful, Refined Drivetrain

The Lexus RX 330 is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine that produces 230 horsepower at 5,600 rpm (+10 hp over RX 300) and 242 lb-ft. of peak torque at 3,600 rpm (+20 lb-ft. over RX 300). A new electronic drive-by-wire throttle helps the new engine achieve the Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) standard. The continuously Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system helps optimize torque for quick and powerful response at all engine speeds.

Teamed to a new five-speed electronic automatic transmission, the larger V6 gives the RX 330 all-wheel drive model commendable EPA estimated fuel mileage ratings of 18 mpg city/ 24 mpg highway (+1 mpg on each cycle over the RX 300). The RX 330 has best-in-class zero-to-60 mph times of 7.7 and 7.8 seconds for the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models respectively (vs. 8.5 for the front-wheel drive and 8.8 for the all-wheel drive RX 300 models).

New VSC-Controlled All-Wheel Drive

Both the front-drive and all-wheel drive RX 330 models come equipped with the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, which helps control loss of lateral traction while cornering, as standard. The all-wheel drive system is simpler and lighter than before and driveshaft elements are situated in a straighter line, which helps reduce friction, driveline noise and vibration.

Like its predecessor, the RX 330 uses a center differential to split engine power evenly between the front and rear wheels. In the RX 330, if lateral wheelslip occurs, the VSC system re-apportions power front-to-rear and side-to-side, eliminating the need for the viscous coupling used on the RX 300. The VSC system helps keep the vehicle going on its intended course by detecting front wheel slide and rear-wheel slide during cornering and attempting to control either condition with torque intervention and/or by braking individual wheels.

New Safety Systems

A high-strength cabin design and comprehensive new supplemental restraint system are designed to help provide a new level of crash energy management for the occupant in the RX 330. Structurally, the RX 330 is designed to help keep the passenger cell intact even after front, side or rear impacts.

The supplemental restraint systems (SRS) include multi-stage front airbags for the driver and passenger, a new knee airbag for the driver and a new kind of large side airbag in the front seats that covers the torso, abdomen and pelvis. Side curtain airbags are designed to help offer additional crash energy management for the front and rear seat occupants. The technology behind the front airbags takes into account many factors, including crash severity, passenger weight and driver seat position on the seat track. Available rain-sensing windshield wipers, AFS and High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with washers help enhance visibility in poor-weather and night driving.

The RX 330 can be ordered with the optional Lexus Link system. At the press of a button, or automatically in certain emergency situations, Lexus Link combines GPS satellite and cellular phone technology to connect the customer with experienced and trained Lexus Link advisors at anytime, day or night, 365 days a year (when cellular and GPS services are available). Lexus Link services include automatic notification of air bag deployment, dispatch of emergency services, accident assistance, roadside assistance with location, theft notification and stolen vehicle tracking, plus remote door lock and unlock.

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 footwells. A power rear liftgate and a wood and leather steering wheel also are among the luxury amenities offered in the new RX.

(Jan. 10, 2003)