TORRANCE, Calif., March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Lexus
raises the bar once again as the all-new 2004 RX 330
luxury utility vehicle goes on sale today. The RX 330
provides more of what made the award-winning RX 300
successful and adds 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.
Rounding out the luxurious interior environment is
a high performance premium audio system or an
available Mark Levinson 11-speaker sound system with
an in-dash CD changer. A DVD-based navigation system
and rear seat DVD entertainment system are also
available.
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.
The
Motor Portal is not responsible for the accuracy of information
nor the adequacy or safety any product or literature
contained in links which take you from our site
