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Autoworld.com - David Lee The Lexus RX 300 has set the direction for future sport utility vehicles (SUV)
to follow, a point validated by its best-seller status in the mid-size luxury SUV
segment and its numerous industry awards. The RX 300 made its mark by combining the
SUV traits that most customers want - four-wheel drive traction for poor weather and
typical off-road conditions, commanding visibility and utility - with the luxury, safety
and documented quality of a Lexus passenger car.
Newly introduced for 1999, the Lexus RX 300 won Motor Trend
magazine's inaugural Sport-Utility of the Year award, as well as "Most Appealing Luxury Sport-Utility" in the J.D. Power and Associates APEAL Study. A resounding success
with customers, the RX 300 enters 2000 with minimal changes, including a new
color, Mineral Green Opalescent. A new optional rear spoiler echoes the look of the
Sport Luxury Vehicle (SLV) concept that foreshadowed the RX 300.
Sophisticated Performance
Performance that exceeds even some sport/luxury sedans forms
the cornerstone of the RX 300 package. Its sophisticated 3.0-liter double-overhead camV6 engine produces 220 horsepower and 222 lb.-ft of peak torque,
performance usually associated with larger engines. The four-wheel drive RX 300 accelerates from0-60 mph in just 8.8 seconds; the front-wheel drive model is even quicker at
8.5seconds.
Perhaps more significant than its test track numbers, the RX 300 meets
the challenge of "real world" performance demands with quick response and strong
pulling power at all engine speeds. The RX 300 engine produces 80 percent of its peak torque- 177 lb.ft. - at a very low 1,600 rpm. That's a performance number the customer
can actually feel and appreciate in everyday driving situations, such as merging into rush-hour traffic or driving up a steep grade with a full load of
passengers.
Efficient, Clean Power
Three Lexus technologies help make this 3.0-liter engine behave as it had another half-liter
of displacement, without the fuel consumption of an engine that size. In the RX 300 engine, the
industry's first application of continuously variable valve timing optimizes valve overlap
throughout
the engine's speed range and in all operating conditions. The Lexus Variable Valve Timing with
intelligence system (WT-i) eliminates the traditional compromise between low-end torque and
high-rpm horsepower. In addition, a three-stage variable intake system and a two-way bypass
exhaust system optimize breathing in the RX 300 engine.
Not only does the Lexus RX 300 outrun competitors at the test track, it passes them at the
gas pumps with fuel efficiency that compares favorably to mid-size sedans. The four-wheel drive
RX 300 achieves admirable EPA fuel mileage estimates of 19 mpg on the city cycle and 22
mpg on
the highway. The front-wheel drive version achieves 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway ratings. The
RX 300 meets the stringent California Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) criteria for passenger cars and
complies with the On-Board Refueling Vapor Recovery regulations proposed for all 50 states.
Integrated Safety Approach
The RX 300 not only helps protect its occupants, but it is more crash-compatible with
passengers cars. Lexus based the RX 300 on a strong unibody platform, rather than a
conventional truck-based body-on-frame design. The structure features a high integrity passenger
compartment protected by progressively absorbent front and rear crumple zones.
The array of safety features includes dual front and side impact airbag Supplemental
Restraint Systems. Lexus located the side airbags in the front seat backs so that they can help
provide optimal protection regardless of the seat position. The front seat belts feature
pretensioners and force limiters, as well as height-adjustable anchors. The rear seat includes
three-point seat belts for the outboard positions, two-point seat belt for center seat and separate
head rests for all three seating positions. Upper interior energy-absorbing materials help reduce
the risk of injury in a collision.
Like all Lexus vehicles, the RX 300 comes with four-wheel anti-lock brakes as standard
equipment. Known for creating luxury in even the smallest details, Lexus applies a similar
philosophy to safety, as well. Optimal visibility helps the driver avoid hazards, and the RX 300
provides this benefit with daytime running lights, projector-beam fog lights and a four-link wiper
mechanism that sweeps 89 percent of the windshield area.
An automatic headlight switch turns the lights on and off at dusk or dawn, and when
entering and exiting dimly lit areas, such as tunnels. Optional electrochromic auto-dimming inside
and rear-view mirrors reduce glare from following vehicles.
Different Traction Systems for Different Needs
Lexus offers two versions of the RX 300, one with full-time, four-wheel drive and another
with front-wheel drive. The four-wheel drive system features an electronically controlled four-speed
automatic transmission with an integrated transfer case and a viscous limited-slip center
differential. The RX 300 system provides poor-weather and off-road traction without the weight and
inefficiency of some other four-wheel drive systems.
The four-wheel drive system, which requires no activation by the driver, provides a normal
50/50 front-to-rear power split. If slippage occurs at the front or the rear, the viscous differential
directs torque to the wheels with the most traction. An optional torque-sensing limited-slip rear
differential directs torque to the individual rear wheel with the best traction.
The RX 300 four-wheel drive system will easily handle the on- and off-road driving that its
owners will encounter, without the cost, weight and maintenance of a seldom-used low-range
transfer case.
Customers who need only the traction offered by the front wheel-drive version of the RX
300 can extend that model's capability with an optional traction control system.
Luxury Built In, Not Added On
As the proliferation of truck-based SUVs in the $28,000-$35,000 range might indicate, price
alone does not create luxury. In the RX 300, luxury starts with the unibody platform. Not only does
this type of construction provide a strong structure, but it helps minimize noise, vibration and
harshness (NVH) - especially when compared to truck-based SUVs.
While the RX 300 features one of the smoothest-running V6 engines available in an SUV or
car, Lexus found a way to eliminate even the smallest vibrations with an industry-first active engine
mount. A solenoid-controlled diaphragm produces pulses equal but opposite to the those of the
engine, canceling out vibrations with every power stroke.
Four-wheel independent suspension, still rare among SUVs, contributes to the vehicle's
outstanding traction and smooth ride, both on and off-road. Both front and rear suspension
systems mount to anti-vibration subframes. The standard 225/70R-16 tires on five-spoke alloy
wheels provide an excellent combination of responsiveness and ride comfort.
Innovative and Versatile
The roomy and versatile RX 300 interior provides seating for five, and Lexus optimized
available space for both passengers and cargo. Mounting the automatic transmission shift lever in
the upper center console frees up floor space and makes it easy to access the console's two
drawers sized to fit CDs, cassette tapes and other small items. The console also houses four
cupholders, two for the front and two for the rear passengers.
The cleverly designed rear seat slides 4.7 inches forward and aft, allowing the RX 300
owner to custom-tailor the vehicle for carrying passengers and cargo, or both. With the 60/40 split
rear seat forward, the RX 300 holds an impressive 39.8 cu. ft. of cargo. The seat backs recline
individually for passenger comfort. Sliding the seat rearward maximizes passenger room and still
provides 30.4 cu. ft. of cargo space. Folding both seat backs down provides a nearly-flat load floor
and 75.0 cubic feet of space.
The instrument panel features the Lexus-signature Optitron eiectroluminescent gauges. A
5.8-inch (diagonal) liquid-crystal screen in the center console displays information for the standard
automatic climate control, 240-watt premium audio system, trip computer, outside temperature and
clock.
Extensive Standard Equipment
With an extensive roster of standard luxury features, the Lexus RX 300 delivers outstanding value
in its segment.
o Automatic climate control 0 Genuine walnut trim around center console
o 240-waft, 7-speaker premium audio and window switches
system with cassette player 0 Leather-covered steering wheel and shift
o 1 0-way power driver's seat and 4-way lever
power passenger seat 0 Rear vents for air conditioning and heat
o Cruise control 0 Front map lights and cargo area light
o Tilt-adjustable steering column 0 Two 12-volt power outlets (in addition to
o One-touch open/close power windows cigarette lighter); one in rear of console and
with pinch protection (all) the other in the cargo area.
o Power door locks 0 Tool kit and first aid kit
o Green tinted UV-filter glass on 0 Power-adjustable, heated outside mirrors
windshield and side doors
o Rear privacy glass
o Variable intermittent windshield wipers
o Rear intermittent wiper
Customers can enhance the luxury of the RX 300 with such options as leather seating
surfaces and trim, heated seats, a one-touch power moonroof, Lexus/Nakamichi 230-watt
premium audio system and six-disc CD changer (located in glovebox).
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