Lexus
RX 330 Goes on Sale
The all-new 2004
Lexus RX 330 luxury utility vehicle hit showroom floors in late
March, providing more of what made the award-winning RX 300 successful
while adding some new twists of its own.
"The
original RX 300 became the template for a new kind of luxury vehicle,
one that many competitors are now following," said Denny
Clements, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "The
RX 330 was designed to surpass its successful predecessor in every
way and set a new benchmark in the segment."
Several
new features help the RX 330 raise the standard in the entry-luxury
SUV segment. Highlight features include: an Adaptive Front lighting
System, included in the available sport package, that swivels
the headlights independently to improve visibility on curving
roads; a power rear liftgate operated by the key remote or an
interior switch; an adaptive cruise control system; a rear backup
camera that projects an image from behind the vehicle onto the
navigation screen when the vehicle is in reverse.
The
sleek new RX 330 has more room than the previous generation afforded
by a 6.1-inch longer body and a wheelbase that is almost four
inches longer. Width has also grown by 1.1 inches while height
has grown by just under half an inch. Sliding split folding 40-20-40
rear seats and under-floor storage bins enhance cargo area utility.
A
larger 3.3-liter V6 engine provides increases in horsepower and
torque and is backed by a new 5-speed automatic transmission.
The results are exemplary performance in class with a 0-60 mph
time of 7.7 seconds and class-leading fuel economy of 20 mpg city/26
mpg highway (2WD models). The four-wheel drive model uses a sophisticated
new traction control system that eliminates the need for viscous
control of the center differential.
Improved
suspension systems, standard 17-inch wheels and tires, and a new,
stiffer body structure provide better steering and handling while
maintaining a supple ride. An optional sport package that includes
an adjustable-height air suspension system with 18-inch wheels
and tires further improves ride and handling, and provides automatic
load leveling as well as aiding vehicle access.
Safety
features on the all-new RX include a new driver's side knee airbag,
multi-stage front airbags, side-curtain airbags and a large new
side airbag for the front seats designed to protect the torso,
abdomen and pelvis. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) and brake assist are
also standard, along with a new tire pressure monitoring system
and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).
Smart
design, extensive luxury amenities and unexpected utility grace
the RX 330 interior. The new instrument panel features high contrast
electroluminescent gauges and a redesigned center stack with metallic
trim. A large-capacity sliding center console adds an unusual
measure of utility to the front seat area. Standard genuine wood
trim and optional leather surrounds the occupants. A dual-zone
automatic climate control with dust filter is standard and is
complemented by an available one-touch open/close power moonroof
or a wide-opening multi-panel moonroof.
With
all of its improvements, the all-new RX 330 will continue to offer
outstanding value with a base MSRP of $35,025 for the two-wheel
drive model, a full $100 less than its predecessor. The four-wheel
drive version will carry an MSRP of $36,425, or $500 below current
pricing. The delivery, processing and handling fee remains at
$575 for both RX models.
For
more information, click here.
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