Lexus RX350 in Depth

Press Release

Page 1: Overview
Page 2: Engine and Transmission
Page 3: Interior
Page 4: Specifications

Additional dynamism and refinement

• Further enhancing the world's most successful luxury SUV

• New 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine with Dual VVT-i, producing 276 DIN hp/ 203 kW and 342 Nm/ 252 lb.ft of torque

• Best acceleration (7.8 sec. from 0 to 100 km/h) and fuel economy (11.2 l/100km, combined) in the segment amongst conventional V6 petrol units

• Automatic transmission and by-wire throttle receive a new control logic that largely improves the vehicle's response

• Enhanced Noise Vibration and Harshness measures for quieter performance at all engine speeds

• New Lexus Multimedia and Navigation System brings improved Mark Levinson® Premium Audio System with DVD video playback capability, a new navigation system and Lexus Parking Assist Monitor

"After creating a new segment in 1997, the Lexus RX went on to become the best-selling luxury SUV in the world. The improvements introduced to the 2006 model bring additional dynamism and refinement that will consolidate the dominant position of RX in the global SUV market."

YOSHIHIKO MATSUDA, CHIEF ENGINEER, LEXUS RX 350

Over 1,000,000 RX units have been manufactured since launching the car in 1997. With the newest version, the

RX 350, Lexus brings the model to new technological heights, making the world's most successful luxury SUV

become even more appealing. A bestseller in its segment, the RX heads the sales of Lexus in the US; last year, the RX outperformed its most direct European competitors by at least times three, attracting 108,775 new drivers in this country. Complementing this success story, the RX sold 14,478 units in Europe in 2005, accumulating to a grand total of 53,000 sold vehicles since its European launch in 2000. This makes the RX the best selling Lexus model in Europe, taking a 21 percent share of the luxury petrol SUV market.

Reflecting Lexus' ongoing commitment to the pursuit of perfection in automotive quality, performance, technology and refinement, the RX model range has consistently topped the J.D. Power and Associates rankings. Awards include the North American IQS (Initial Quality Study) category in 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2005, as well as the APEAL (Automotive, Performance, Execution, Layout) category in 1998, 2003, 2004 and 2005.

Originator of today's luxury SUV as we know it, the permanent 4-wheel drive RX model range's unrivalled reputation is founded on aerodynamically class-leading styling (with the lowest drag coefficient of any luxury SUV, 0.33). This comes allied to excellent dynamic performance most notably in the fields of handling, ride comfort, NVH and braking, as well as a comprehensive range of advanced, technologically innovative features. Air suspension, Neural Network Control air conditioning, an electrically operated tailgate, 40:20:40 split/folding rear seats and Intelligent Adaptive Front Lighting System (I-AFS) are part of the offer. The RX range further benefits from the highest levels of active and passive safety, including a segment-first SRS Knee Airbag.

The 2006 Lexus RX 350 further refines driving pleasure through the class-leading performance of a new, state-of-theart, 3.5 litre V6 petrol powerplant. The 24 valve, 3456 cm3, aluminium block unit is the first engine in this segment to adopt Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent), an optimised, low pressure loss, variable intake and exhaust valve timing system. This is combined with roller rocker valve activation with HLA (Hydraulic Lash Adjuster) valve clearance adjustment, and an electrically activated ACIS (Acoustic Control Induction System), which varies air induction by automatically adjusting the intake pipe length according to engine rpm.

Achieving the optimum balance of high performance with low fuel consumption and emissions, the new, ultra-smooth Lexus V6 is the most powerful, yet the most economical 'conventional' 6-cylinder petrol engine in the premium SUV market segment. It generates 276 DIN hp/203 kW at 6,200 rpm and 342 Nm/252 lb.ft of torque at 4,700 rpm, giving the RX 350 a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 7.8 seconds - a 6-cylinder luxury SUV best - and an electronically governed top speed of 200 km/h. Conversely, the RX 350's combined cycle fuel consumption figure improves by some 8% to a class-leading 11.2 l/100km.

The RX 350's V6 powerplant is mated to a 5-speed, automatic transmission featuring a newly developed shift control logic, which promotes superior performance and excellent fuel economy. Moving the gearshift lever into 'S' mode activates a manual, 5-speed, sequential-shift system, offering enhanced engine braking, precise control and greater driving involvement. The gear indicator in the driver's instrument binnacle features an 'S' position, which displays each manually selected gear range.

The RX 350's permanent 4-wheel drive now adopts a new centre differential featuring a viscous coupling. The limited-slip function inherent in this system not only promotes the smooth delivery of the 35% increase in output generated by the new 3.5 litre V6, but also, allied to re-tuned Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control systems, further enhances traction and stability under all driving conditions.

The steering of the new Lexus SUV has also been reconfigured to provide a more direct and responsive feel appropriate to the increased power of the new V6. Furthermore, additional low speed steering assistance now compliments the RX 350's best-in-class 5.7 metre turning radius, further increasing the luxury SUV's urban versatility.

In refining the RX 350, particular attention has been paid to noise and vibration reduction, ensuring that, though substantially more powerful than its predecessor, the new Lexus luxury SUV is significantly quieter at all engine speeds. A new bonnet insulator, dashboard silencer and improvements to the exhaust system significantly reduce the transmission of engine noise and vibration into the cabin.

Noise levels have been reduced through the addition of a more effective transmission tunnel insulator and a sound-absorbent intermediate transmission shaft seal. Marked improvements in noise reduction have been achieved through the adoption of a new windscreen. This is equipped with an acoustic inner film boasting high noise damping characteristics, leading to a cabin noise reduction of up to 3 dB when driving.

New front floor carpeting further reduces road noise intrusion

The new RX 350's Lexus Multimedia and Navigation System features a peerless Mark Levinson® Premium Audio System with DVD video playback capability, the latest Lexus navigation technology incorporating Bluetooth® phone connectivity, and the Lexus Parking Assist Monitor. All systems are operated via the Electro Multi Vision, a 7-inch VGA LCD touch screen, for the ultimate in intuitive functionality.

The new Mark Levinson® system features a 7 channel, 210 Watt DSP amplifier and 11 speakers. It will play CD, DVD video and DVD audio discs as well as MP3 and WMA files. Via the Electro Multi Vision display screen the Mark Levinson® Premium Audio/Video system introduces Lexus owners to home theatre entertainment optimised for the playback of music, music videos and DVD films.

Employing a DVD disc to store map information of the entire Western Europe, the speed of calculation of the next generation Lexus Navigation System's processor, has increased an impressive 65%. The new Lexus Navigation System is equipped with a 3-language voice command system that can control several navigation, audio, climate and phone functions. In addition, voice guidance is available in 10 languages. Last but not least, integrated Bluetooth® connectivity allows for hands-free phone use in the car.

The Lexus Parking Assist Monitor features a rear mounted video camera which automatically projects a full-olour rear view of the surrounding, whenever reverse gear is engaged. Screen generated guidelines indicate the prospective course of the vehicle based on the current steering angle.