1999 LX 470 PROVIDES OUTSTANDING 4X4 PERFORMANCE IN PURE LUXURY

The 1999 Lexus LX 470 sport utility vehicle (SUV) is the best of the best.  The full-size premium luxury SUV offers a powerful and efficient V8 engine, a spacious and well-appointed interior, and a sophisticated adjustable-height hydropnuematic suspension system for optimal performance on and off road.

The LX 470 brings together more than forty years of truck and off-road heritage with the quality and luxury that only Lexus can deliver, resulting in the ultimate in luxury SUVs.  Its comprehensive list of features makes it a showcase of Lexus technologies.   This latest LX, which replaced the highly successful Lexus LX 450 in early 1998, is completely re-engineered with only the transmission and transfer case carried over from the previous model.  The 1999 LX 470 features a 32-valve, 4.7-liter V8, Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), independent front suspension and Adjustable Height Control (AHC).  The LX 470 comes nearly fully equipped, with only a tilt-and-slide moonroof and a newly available Nakamichi premium sound system upgrade as options.

Powertrain

The LX 470's powerful 4.7-liter engine is derived from the 4.0-liter V8 found in Lexus sedans and coupes, but specifically designed for best performance in an SUV.  It produces exceptional low rpm torque for responsive off-the-line performance, pulling and towing power on and off road.  Eighty percent of its peak output of the 320 lb. ft. of torque 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, producing 230 hp and 320 lbs. ft of torque.  The LX 470 accelerates from zero to 60 in just 10.1 seconds, an impressive result for a full size SUV.  Additionally, the powerplant is 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 locking center differential to distribute torque between front and rear axle, and a limited-slip rear differential.

Suspension and Handling

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 SUV's.

The independent front suspension uses lower torsion bars rather than coil springs for excellent 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 help prevent impact damage when driving off road.

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 18.6 mph.

Continuously changing shock valving individually at each wheel.  The computer system selects from a range of 64 different settings -- from softest to most firm -- depending on feedback from various road sensors.  The driver also is provided an adjustment switch to select a range of personal preference.

The LX incorporates rack and pinion steering, used for the first time in the large SUV class, 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.

Safety

The LX 470 has an abundance of safety features to help protect occupants in a number of different crash situations.  Its rigid frame, which uses nine cross members, is equipped with crumple zones at the front and rear for excellent energy absorption.

The ABS system remains operational even in low-range four-wheel drive while the center differential is locked.  The new system will determine road conditions according to changes in the wheels' turning speed.  As road roughness increases, ABS influence decreases.  The system also determines the slope of road.  As the slope increases, ABS influence decreases to help maintain control on rough surfaces and inclines.

Additional safety features include pretensioning and force-limiting seat belts, new brake pedal mechanism that controls pedal movement during a collision and limits pedal intrusion, daytime running lights and dual supplemental restraint system airbags for added security.

Comforts and Convenience

In keeping with its tradition of comfort and luxury, the LX 470 comes standard with many amenities.  Unique to the LX 470 is an in-dash, single-feed six-compact disc changer providing the convenience of easy-to-reach loading.  The standard 250-watt Pioneer sound system features seven speakers including four full-range enclosures, two front-mounted tweeters and a separately powered subwoofer contribute to excellent sound quality.  A280-watt Nakamichi brand premium sound system is available as an option.

One-touch up and down power windows are provided for all seats and optional moonroof.   For safety, each window has a jam prevention mechanism, which will stop the window if there is an obstruction.  The swing-type rear quarter windows are opened and closed electronically.

Outside rear-view mirrors feature remote-control electric retraction for ease in maneuvering and parking in tight situations.  For improved visibility, the outside mirrors have raindrop-removing heaters, while both inside and outside mirrors feature electrochromic self-dimming.

Auxiliary power outlets in the dash, center console and rear cargo area provide owners the versatility to supply electricity for a number of purposes.  Whether power is needed for a refrigerator, cellular phone, car vacuum cleaner or laptop computer, there's an outlet available.

The hydrocarbon air pollution sensor automatically switches the air to recirculate when certain levels of air contamination are detected.  A filter removes dust and pollen from the interior air stream.

The LX 470, one of six models in the Lexus line of six cars and SUVs, provides a more sophisticated, polished and better performing luxury SUV alternative to such competitors as as Range Rover and Lincoln Navigator.  The LX 470 joins the mid-sized RX 300, giving Lexus the only two-SUV lineup of any luxury brand.

Along with building the ultimate luxury SUV, Lexus also is determined to provide its customers the best dealership experience in the industry.  Lexus dealers have achieved the highest honors in customer satisfaction seven of the last eight years.