1999 RX 300 Gives SUV Buyers
Utility, Versatility and Luxury

Taking the luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) market by storm, the 1999 RX 300 represents a new breed of SUV and indicates the future of this popular product segment.

This latest Lexus provides ground clearance and 4X4 capability to handle a variety of typical off-road conditions, while offering driving comfort and on-road performance in line with Lexus sedans. The RX 300's unique design affords SUV buyers the opportunity to own the best of both worlds.

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 of typical truck-based SUVs did not meet their expectations.

EFFICIENT POWER

The RX 300 is powered by the most sophisticated and refined engine under the hood of an SUV. The 3.0-liter, four cam, 24-valve, all-aluminum V6 produces 220 hp and 222 lb.-ft. of torque. Thanks to Lexus continuously variable valve timing (WT-i), 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. 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 V6 goes beyond current light truck and even passenger car emission standards, and meets very stringent California Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) criteria for passenger cars. It also complies with future On-Board Refueling Vapor Recovery regulations proposed for all 50 states. Four-wheel drive fuel economy ratings of 19 city and 22 highway, and front-drive figures of 19 and 24 stand out in the SUV class and compare favorably to midsize sedans.

To assure the smoothest operation, an active engine control 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.

SAFETY

While the RX 300 has the substantial size and stance of an SUV, it is built on a unibody platform rather than a conventional truck's body-on-frame design. Its rigid passenger compartment and progressively absorbent crumple zones help protect the RX 300's occupants, and its car-based structure is more crash compatible with passenger cars.

The RX 300 also offers an array of safety features not usually found on truck-based SUVs, including front seat-mounted, side impact airbag Supplemental Restraint Systems, front seat pretensioning and force-limiting three-point seat belts, and upper interior energy-absorbent materials to help minimize injury in the event of an accident.

Other safety features include four-wheel anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, projector-beam fog lights and optional electrochromic dimming inside and outside rear-view mirrors. A new four-link wiper mechanism sweeps 89 percent of the windshield area for maximum visibility, while headlights switch on and off automatically at dusk or dawn, or when entering dimly lighted areas.

OUTSTANDING DRIVE TRAIN

The newly introduced four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with integrated transfer case and viscous limited-slip center differential coupling provides poor-weather and off-road traction without unnecessary weight and power-robbing inefficiency. The RX 300 is available with two different drive-ins: full-time four-wheel drive and front-wheel drive for customers in milder climates who want the utility of an SUV with even better performance and fuel economy.

The sophisticated four-wheel-drive system requires no activation by the driver and splits torque equally to front and rear axles. The viscous center differential coupling directs torque to the wheels with the 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's 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 its associated cost, weight and maintenance. Fully independent suspension, rare among SUVs, helps maintain traction at each wheel, while providing smoother ride comfort, on-and off-road.

To add to the front-wheel drive model's capability, there is optional electronic traction control, making it well suited for everyday driving in all kinds of inclement weather.

Another of the RX 300's notable features is its excellent power-to-weight ratio, which give both RX 300 models performance characteristics that rival some sport sedans. The fourwheel-drive RX 300 hits 60 mph in a quick 8.8 seconds. The front-wheel-drive model's relatively light weight gives it acceleration performance from 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds.

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE FEATURES

The RX 300 offers an innovative and versatile interior with an array of standard and optional equipment that gives this SUV its refined appeal.

With the shift lever conveniently mounted in the center instrument panel, floor space is available between the front seats to store small packages or to access the mufti-level console's two drawers sized for CD, tapes and other small items. The console also houses four cup holders.

Unusual in any vehicle is the design of the RX 300's rear seat, which slides forward and back 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 forward making nearly flat load floor.

The 5.8-inch (diagonal) liquid ~crystal screen in the center instrument cluster displays audio, heating, air conditioning control and trip computer functions. 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 300 features a standard 1 90-watt premium audio system by Pioneer. An optional 230-watt audiophile-level Nakamichi brand system also is available.

Additional factory optional equipment includes leather seating surfaces, one-touch power tilt/slide moonroof, heated front seats, in-dash 6-CD auto-changer, electronic traction control (front-wheel-drive models only) and premium package, which includes 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.

The RX 300 provides a sophisticated and stylish alternative to traditional SUVs like Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, Infiniti QX4, Range Rover Discovery and Mercedes ML320. The mid-sized RX 300 joins the Lexus LX 470 full-size luxury SUV making Lexus the only full-line luxury brand offering two distinct sport-utility platforms in the United States.