Lexus
This press pack accompanied the UK launch of the Lexus RX300 in October 2000. Some changes were made to the model range during its time on sale, which can be tracked using the Timeline feature available on the Lexus RX300 archive web page. Additional assets and information relating to the RX300 range may be obtained from the Lexus press office if required.
LEXUS RX300 - A NEW DEFINITION FOR LEXUS
Key Points
• First offering from Lexus in the UK Premium off-road market
• All new car launched at NEC Motor Show on October 18th
• An innovative alternative to a conventional off-roader
• Four-wheel drive versatility plus Lexus class performance, ride and handling
• Trend setting external styling combined with luxurious and practical interior
• Biggest selling Lexus in America with over 55,000 sold January–August 2000
• Insurance group 15E/16E (TBC)
• 6 CD changer fitted as standard
• First ever fully active engine control mountings that cut vibration to a minimum
• New DVD Lexus GPS Navigator available as an option
• All new for Lexus 3.0 V6 VVT-i 201 hp all alloy engine
• Special console box, multi-storage compartment plus 14 other storage areas
• Top speed of 112mph, 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds.
• On the road price for RX300 £28,950, RX300 SE, £32,550.
LEXUS RX300
A NEW DEFINITION FOR LEXUS
Following huge success in America as the best-selling Lexus, the RX300 luxury sport utility vehicle is launched in the UK from October 2000. Powered by a super smooth 3-litre V6 engine with VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) for increased efficiency and flexibility, the RX300 has a passenger car-type unitary body design in contrast to the traditional separate body and ladder type chassis of conventional off-roaders.
The RX300 enters the Premium sector of the sport utility vehicle market with competitors such as Mercedes ML320, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0 and BMW X5 3.0. It is priced at £28,950 and £32,550 for the SE model.
A key to the success of the RX300 is that it offers off-road capability without the on-road compromises often associated with all-wheel drive vehicles. The unique design of RX300 offers levels of driving comfort and on–road performance in line with Lexus saloons and is aimed at satisfying the changing tastes of luxury car buyers. The passenger car-type unitary construction of RX300 is combined with fully independent suspension to provide the levels of ride, handling and responsiveness customarily associated with Lexus saloons.
It is exactly these features that allowed the Lexus RX300 to redefine the luxury 4x4 market in the USA. Despite being launched into a market that is regarded as the cradle of the 4X4 segment, the new Lexus leapt to the top of the American sales charts within months and has remained there ever since. Not only is the RX300 the best-selling Lexus in the USA, it is currently the best-selling Compact SUV with sales of 73,500 units in 1999 and over 55,000 units from January to August of this year.
Although it was clear that the concept of RX300 would suit European customers, driving styles and conditions in Europe are quite different from those in the US and Japan. Even before the car’s launch in the USA, development engineers in the Lexus Technical Centre in Brussels were actively involved in fine tuning the car for European driving conditions. Other powertrain and chassis refinements developed in Europe ensure optimum performance in European driving conditions. These include fine tuning the steering and suspension to offer greater driver response and feedback as well as the addition of safety items such as Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist.
Over the last four years the off-road sector in the UK has grown by almost 27 per cent, forming four and a half per cent of the total car market. Within this sector are the petrol-powered premium sport utility vehicles that have been dominating the market - the Jeep Grand Cherokee that sells an average of 2,600 units, the Mercedes M class selling 2,500 units and the Range Rover that sells 2,000 units each year. Predicted sales for 2001 (the RX300’s first full year on sale) will be approximately 2,200 units for the UK.
The average age of customers in this market sector is between 35 and 50, mostly married with children and over 70 per cent have two or more cars in their household. Over 50 per cent of buyers are replacing a previously owned four wheel drive vehicle. These customers want four-wheel drive capabilities even if the vehicle is seldom used off-road.
The RX300 breaks new ground in the Lexus range with its futuristic body styling. The overall shape combines a careful balance between luxury car and sport utility vehicle proportions. One feature of the styling is that it is neither overly rugged nor overly soft. As a result it attracts both male and female buyers. The RX300 has a commanding driving position, giving a feeling of safety without the seat height being too tall, enabling ease of access.
The exterior of the RX300 has newly designed halogen headlights integrated into the body style by a hallmark Lexus green tinted lamp extension, three dimensional circular element rear lamps echoing the styling of other Lexus models along with a new distinctive front grille. New design alloy wheels have also been included.
The interior of the RX300 provides the expected Lexus standards of luxury, equipment and innovation with a trendsetting style for the next generation of SUV’s. The facia design is a classic example of function and style combined. The use of an electronically controlled transmission has enabled the shift lever to be positioned in the centre of the lower console. This provides floor space between the front seats for storage of small packages and aids access to the multi-storage console, which features different sized compartments as well as adjustable cup-holders.
Above the gear lever at the centre of the dashboard is the 14.7cm Multi-Information Display screen which is of liquid crystal display type and displays audio information, heating, climate control, trip computer functions and is also the basis for the optional DVD Lexus Navigator system. A six-disc CD multi changer with six speakers is fitted as standard.
Eight -way electrically operated seats are standard equipment on the RX300 as are rear seats that can be reclined and also slid forwards or backwards by up to 12cm to create more leg room or luggage space as required.
The RX300 is true to the Lexus values of refinement, comfort and quality, yet at the same time offers a real alternative to a traditional SUV or luxury saloon.
RX300 ENGINE AND DRIVETRAIN
Engine and Drive-train guarantee Lexus-Refinement
The Lexus RX300 is powered by the 1MZ-FE unit: a 3.0-litre, twin cam, all aluminium V6 engine, with VVT-i to offer an unrivalled combination of performance, efficiency and low emissions.
The Lexus VVT-i engine optimises valve overlap throughout the engine’s rpm range to eliminate the traditional compromises between low-end torque and high-end horsepower. The result is an engine that develops a class-leading 201 DIN hp at 5600rpm and 283 Nm of torque at 4400rpm. 80 per cent of peak torque is produced as low as 1600rpm for optimum pulling power and standing-start performance.
Active Engine Control Mountings
The smoothness and refinement of the V6 engine is further enhanced by the use of the first-ever fully active engine control mountings controlled directly by each combustion stroke of the engine. The negative pressure of the engine is used to move the solenoid-controlled diaphragm which creates pulses equal, but opposite to the engine’s movements. The result is greatly reduced vibration during idling, which contributes to making the RX300 one of the quietest 4x4 vehicles in its class.
Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS)
The engine is also equipped with the ACIS (Acoustic Control Induction System). This system switches between three stages of the inlet manifold in accordance with the engine speed and throttle opening angle through the use of control valves fitted along the length of the induction path. This system greatly improves induction efficiency and torque in the low and medium speed ranges.
Electronically Controlled Transaxle (ECT)
The Lexus RX300 features a four speed electronically-controlled transaxle. It is a lightweight and highly rigid unit that is matched to a sophisticated four wheel drive system featuring a viscous limited slip differential. The transfer box unit and front and centre differentials are integrated into the compact transaxle unit.
This sophisticated four-wheel drive system requires no activation by the driver in slippery conditions and automatically transfers torque when required to the wheels that have the most traction. In addition, the VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) steps in as soon as wheel spin is detected in one of the wheels.
The resulting levels of traction combined with the engine’s power characteristics mean the RX300 is capable of meeting off-road tasks without the need for a seldom-used low-range transfer gearbox and differential locks with their associated cost, weight and maintenance implications.
Sophisticated Drivetrain and Suspension
Specifically designed to meet the needs of customers who are already used to the standards of refinement and performance set by Lexus saloons, the RX300 drivetrain and suspension are well in advance of traditional SUV’s in terms of driveability and comfort.
Matching the RX300’s straight-line performance is its ride, handling and cornering ability. While it has the size and stance of a compact sport utility vehicle, it is built on a passenger car-style unibody platform rather than the body-on-chassis design still used by many off-roaders. This along with fully independent Macpherson strut-type suspension, power assisted rack and pinion steering and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, ensures luxury car levels of agility and stability.
Stability, Response and Handling, Engineered in Europe
To further enhance its class-leading performance, the RX300 has been comprehensively re-engineered to suit European driving styles and conditions. Even before its launch in the USA, the Toyota Motor Europe Technical Centre in Brussels was actively involved in fine tuning the new model for European driving conditions.
“European driving involves higher sustained speeds, harder acceleration and later braking than driving in Japan or the USA and we aim to develop cars that respond better in those conditions,” said Jos De Boes, General Manager, Vehicle Engineering in Brussels.
“The RX300 basic design was very good right from the start, the first prototypes reacted to changes very well,” said De Boes. “We developed new springs, dampers and stabiliser bars to suit the European driving styles and remapped the power steering system to give levels of weighting, feedback and responsiveness more appropriate to European specifications. We are confident that RX300 is dynamically at the top of its class.
“We also paid particular attention to brake tuning, to ensure the optimum high-speed braking stability, very important in a large, high-bodied vehicle of this kind. It wasn’t just a case of fine-tuning the discs and pads; in this case we also changed the type of brake servo to offer more pedal feel and high-speed controllability.”
The Lexus RX300 for Europe also features a revised NVH package, again developed with the higher European cruising speeds of 70-80mph in mind, as opposed to 60mph in the USA and Japan. “Door sealing is just one area where we paid particular attention, to minimise wind roar at high speed,” said engineer De Boes.
“We also worked hard on minimising the road noise normally generated by the big wheels and tyres of a 4x4 at high speed. We are certainly ahead of every competitor and harder still, we’ve reached Lexus standards - some of these modifications are now being carried back into the RX300s being built for the USA.”
With all its innovations, the RX300 is true to the Lexus values of refinement, comfort and quality and at the same time offers a real alternative to traditional SUV’s or luxury saloon cars.
Pricing and Specification Comparison
Continuing the Lexus tradition both new RX300 models will be very highly equipped. Electronic traction and stability control, CD autochanger and sunroof are all fitted as standard. Comparing the SE against the main rivals, the Lexus customer gets much more. In fact it is not possible to purchase the items needed to bring the Jeep, Mercedes and Land Rover up to the same specification level. If you could it would cost at least £3,400 to do so. For example the rivals do not offer reclining and sliding rear seat and heated front seats are available as standard only on the Jeep.
SPECIFICATION/PRICING COMPARISONS
| |LEXUS |JEEP |MERCEDES |LANDROVER |AUDI |BMW |
|CD autochanger* |4 |( |£380.00 |4 |£403.00 |£440.00 |
|Trip computer |4 |4 |£190.00 |£200.00 |4 |4 |
|Sunroof |4 |£900.00 |£1,070.00 |4 |£1,021.00 |£990.00 |
|Side airbag* |4 |( |4 |( |4 |4 |
|Leather seats |4 |4 |£1,090.00 |( |£1,633.00 |4 |
|Heated front seats |4 |4 |£145.00 |£245.00 |£354.00 |£320.00 |
|Electrically adjustable front seats |4 |4 |£290.00 |£225.00 |4 |4 |
|Front seat-belt pre-tensioners |4 |£65.00 |4 |4 |4 |4 |
|Reclining rear seat |4 |( |( |( |( |( |
|Electronic traction control |4 |£600.00 |4 |4 |4 |4 |
|Stability control |4 |( |( |( |4 |4 |
|Climate control |4 |4 |( |( |4 |4 |
|Mica paint |4 |( |£590.00 |£299.00 |4 |( |
| | | | | | | |
|Specification adjustment Vs Lexus RX300 |- |
|Engine Type |1MZ-FE |
|Valve Mechanism |24 valve, DOHC |
|Block Material |Aluminium |
|Head Material |Aluminium |
|Displacement (cc) |2995 |
|Bore x Stroke (mm) |87.5 x 83.0 |
|Compression ratio |10.5:1 |
|Fuel Injection Type |EFI |
|Ignition System |Transistorised |
|Octane Rating |95 or higher |
|Max. Power (DIN hp/rpm) |201 @ 5600 (148kW) |
|Max. Torque (Nm/rpm) |283 @ 4400 |
| ACCELERATION (sec) | |
|0-62mph |9.2 |
|0-400m |16.7 |
|Max. speed |112 |
|DIMENSIONS | |
|Overall length (mm) |4580 |
|Overall width (mm) |1815 |
|Overall height (mm) |1660 |
|Wheelbase (mm) |2615 |
|Tread (mm) front |1565 |
|Tread (mm) rear |1550 |
|Overhang (mm) front |930 |
|Overhang (mm) rear |1035 |
|Coefficient of Drag (Cd) |0.35 |
|Approach Angle (°) |28 |
|Departure Angle (°) |22 |
|Break over Angle (°) |17 |
|Minimum turning radius (m) |5.7 |
|Fuel tank capacity (L) Gallons |(75) 16.5 |
|INTERIOR DIMENSIONS | |
|Interior room length (mm) |1985 |
|Interior room width (mm) |1500 |
|Interior room height (mm) |1205 |
|Luggage capacity (cu ft) |37.9 |
|WEIGHTS (kg) | |
|Kerb weight |1820 |
|Gross vehicle weight |2270 |
|Towing capacity (w/brake) |2000 |
|Towing capacity (w/o brake) |700 |
|TRANSMISSION | |
|Type |U140F |
|Gearbox type |Automatic Super ECT |
|Gear ratios | |
|1st |3.938 |
|2nd |2.194 |
|3rd |1.411 |
|4th |1.019 |
|Reverse |3.141 |
|Differential Gear Ratio |3.291 |
|FUEL CONSUMPTION AND EMISSIONS | |
|Combined |21.7 Mpg |
|Extra Urban |27.4 Mpg |
|Urban |15.9 Mpg |
|CO2 emission (g/km) |311 |
| SUSPENSION | |
|Front |MacPherson strut |
|Rear |MacPherson strut |
|BRAKES | |
|Front (size mm) |Ventilated Disc (296x28) |
|Rear (size mm) |Solid Disc (288x10) |
|Parking Brake Type (size mm) |Drum (170) |
|Master Cylinder Type (size) |Tandem (25.4) |
|Brake Booster Type (size) |Tandem (216+217) |
|Additional features |Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Brake Assist, Traction Control, |
| |Vehicle Stability Control |
|STEERING | |
|Type |Rack and pinion |
|Gear Ratio |15.7 |
|Power Steering Type |Engine revolution sensing |
|Turns (lock to lock) |2.8 |
|TYRES AND WHEELS | |
|Tyre size |215/70 R 16 |
|Wheel size |6.5J Alloy |
RX300 EQUIPMENT LIST
The new RX300 is available in six pearlescent paint colours and two standard colours.
The pearlescent paint finish is available as a £375 option.
|Astral Black |Standard |
|Desert Quartz |Standard |
|Platinum Ice |Pearlescent |
|Montrose Blue |Pearlescent |
|Sandhurst Green |Pearlescent |
|Glenmuir Blue |Pearlescent |
|Granite Sky |Pearlescent |
|Carradale Green |Pearlescent |
The RX300 is fitted as standard with black Kesteven cloth upholstery. The SE model is fitted with either Oakham ivory leather or Pembroke black leather.
|SAFETY |RX300 |RX300 SE |
|Driver & front passenger airbags |( |( |
|Driver & front passenger side |( |( |
|Passenger airbag detection function |( |( |
|Fuel cut safety system |( |( |
|Anti-lock braking system with EBD and Brake Assist |( |( |
|16” ventilated front disc brakes |( |( |
|15” solid rear disc brakes |( |( |
|Vehicle stability control |( |( |
|Traction control |( |( |
|Electronic sensing front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters |( |( |
|Five 3-point seat-belts and headrests |( |( |
|Seat integrated front seat belt anchorage and support |( |( |
|Seat belt warning system |( |( |
|Multi-link windscreen wiper system |( |( |
|Foot operated parking brake |( |( |
|Upper interior head impact protection |( |( |
|All-round double wishbone suspension with coil springs |( |( |
|Fuel cut control system |( |( |
|Rigid high-tensile steel cabin cage |( |( |
|Side impact door bars |( |( |
|Windshield wiper de-icer |( |( |
|Heated exterior rear view mirrors |( |( |
|Interior/exterior photochromic anti-glare rear view mirrors |( |( |
|INSTRUMENTS & CONTROLS |RX300 |RX300 SE |
|5.8 inch LCD touch-screen Multi-display |( |( |
|Lexus Optitron dashboard meters |( |( |
|Electric headlamp levelling |( |( |
|Instrument light dimmer |( |( |
|Digital odometer/trip meter |( |( |
|Engine management warning and fog lamp indicator lights |( |( |
|Lexus Navigator System |OPT |OPT |
|COMFORT & CONVENIENCE | | |
|Speed sensitive power assisted steering (PAS) |( |( |
|Front and rear door mounted electric window switches |( |( |
|3-stage acoustic control induction system (ACIS) |( |( |
|Active control engine mount |( |( |
|Snow mode |( |( |
|Adjustable steering column |( |( |
|Central locking with remote control and double locking |( |( |
|Remote fuel flap release |( |( |
|Driver and front passenger vanity mirrors |( |( |
|Illuminated ashtray |( |( |
|Heated rear window |( |( |
|Cruise control |( |( |
|3 spoke leather steering wheel |( |( |
|3 spoke leather & wood steering wheel |( |( |
|AUDIO | | |
|6 speaker stereo audio system with 3 wave-band radio and Dolby cassette |( |( |
|RDS radio with one –touch tuning and presets |( |( |
|Glovebox located 6 disc CD autochanger |( |( |
|VENTILATION | | |
|Climate control air conditioning |( |( |
|All window electric one touch up and down with safety anti-trap |( |( |
|Electric tilt/slide glass sunroof with shade and anti-trap |( |( |
| SECURITY | | |
|Key integrated remote control central locking system |( |( |
|Key integrated set/unset immobiliser |( |( |
|Steering column lock |( |( |
|Lockable glove box |( |( |
|Vehicle parts marking |( |( |
|Security window etching |( |( |
|Visible VIN |( |( |
|Double locking |( |( |
|Open/close locking facility for windows & sunroof |( |( |
|SEATING, UPHOLSTERY & TRIM | | |
|8-way electrically multi adjustable front seats with lumbar support |( |( |
|Front seat retractable arm rests |( |( |
|Rear seat 120mm slide |( |( |
|Rear seat 60:40 split |( |( |
|Heated driver and passenger seats |( |( |
|Cloth seat trim |( |( |
|Leather seat trim |( |( |
|Aluminium trim detailing |( |( |
|Wood trim detailing |( |( |
|BODY EXTERIOR | | |
|Wave reflection halogen headlamps |( |( |
|High mounted rear stop lamp (HMSL) |( |( |
|Front & rear fog lamps |( |( |
|Automatic light control system |( |( |
|16” alloy wheels with locking wheel nuts |( |( |
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