The new RX300
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The new generation of the world’s best selling luxury SUV, the Lexus RX300, makes its debut in Geneva. An exciting new look with an advanced suspension system, Intelligent Adaptive Front-lighting System, Lexus Parking Assist Monitor and many other new performance and luxury features.
The Geneva Motor Show marks the European première of the new Lexus RX300. The new RX300 has made a quantum leap in safety, driving dynamics and refinement to move it even further ahead of other vehicles in the luxury sport utility segment.
Design and comfort
The new Lexus RX300 is distinguished from its predecessor by bold new looks, which combine the most advanced elements of SUV styling with a sporting and dynamic image. Large 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels give the car visual weight. The front end of the new generation RX300 is marked with a powerful bulging bonnet line. The rear end styling is enhanced by a distinctive hexagonal rear window shape, combined with an integral rear spoiler and rear lamps which use the latest LED (light emitting diode) technology rather than traditional filament bulbs. These are both more energy efficient and a significant active safety item.
The combination of intelligent packaging with a modern and distinctive shape gives a passenger compartment that is bigger and roomier than most of its segment rivals. The light and roomy cabin is trimmed with a choice of three colours which match the ivory, black or light grey leather seats.
The dashboard features a distinctive brushed 'cool metal' surround on each side of the centre console, containing the climate and audio controls and a 7-inch screen for vehicles equipped with satellite navigation system and reverse guidance display. The main instrument cluster in front of the driver is housed in a distinctive three pod design. Additionally, an 11-speaker premium audio system is offered based on Lexus' unique collaboration with the world's most exclusive maker of home audio systems, Mark Levinson.
The central 'cool metal' trim is complemented by curved light wood in the lower console containing the selector lever for the sequential automatic transmission, and as highlights on the steering wheel, door trims and on the centre console box between the front seats.
The adjustable console box can either slide forward to give a feeling of continuity with the centre console, or backwards to allow a 'walkthrough' between the front seats.The rear seats are adjustable fore and aft by 120mm and can be reclined, to allow all passengers to travel luxury class, whatever the road conditions. The padded central area additionally folds down to create a combined armrest and storage box. The centre armrest also accesses a 'ski hatch' allowing longer objects to be carried between the rear seats, while both rear seats fold forward to add practicality to RX300 's style.
The rear tailgate is power operated, automatically opening and closing at the touch of a button. It can also be activated at distance by the vehicle's key. To further aid convenience, the tonneau-type luggage bay cover is automatically retracted as the tailgate opens. Hidden underfloor storage compartments are also accessible in the luggage bay, by simply clicking down on their pop-up lids.
Innovations in safety
The new Lexus RX300 has a vast range of innovative technologies in both active and passive safety. Uppermost are the excellent driving dynamics, aided still further by Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and Brake Assist technology.
Intelligent AFS, Adaptive Front-lighting System radically improves night-driving visibility when cornering. For the first time in an SUV, Intelligent AFS uses an electronic controller to calculate from the vehicle speed and steering angle, the optimum swivel of the lighting area for better visibility while cornering. It also has an automatic leveling system for optimum night-time vision.
A further aid to active safety is the use of a Lexus Parking Assist Monitor, effectively a TV camera mounted in the rear, a unique feature among luxury SUVs. When reverse gear is selected, an image appears on the navigation display screen on the RX300 dashboard, allow accurate manoeuvring and minimising the risk of collision with low-level objects.
Standard safety equipment includes multi-stage driver and front passenger SRS airbags. Standard side curtain shield airbags offer supplemental head protection for occupants in side impacts. The side protection is further enhanced by large-sized Thorax-Abdomen-Pelvis side airbags. Injuries to the legs are likely to be significantly reduced by the RX300 's SRS knee airbag for the driver, for the first time in the segment.
Safety is further enhanced by the use of Brake Assist. A key feature of this particular system is that the timing and degree of braking assistance is designed to maximise emergency stopping performance, yet ensure that the driver does not discern anything unusual about the braking operation. It is combined with VSC (vehicle stability control), which monitors the vehicle's behaviour during cornering and maintains vehicle stability by correcting oversteer or understeer.
Dynamic driving experience
The new RX300 has added engaging dynamics to the expected Lexus refinement in any circumstance. The new body structure and improved front McPherson Strut suspension system allows for better control and a smoother ride. Revised suspension and power steering system result in improved cornering and steering response.
In addition, a new 4-wheel air suspension offers a still higher level of performance and refinement. This optional feature provides greater ride control together with an auto-leveling function, plus four additional modes to alter ride. The ‘Lo’ mode lowers the vehicle for better handling, while ‘High’ mode raises vehicle height for off-road capability in case of emergencies. Above 100km/h the air suspension automatically lowers the vehicle to provide superior high-speed stability. When the ignition is turned off, the new RX300 can lower itself to aid easier access or exit.
Performance
The new RX300 uses a development of the transversely-mounted high-performance 3-litre V6 engine of the original model. Power is increased from 148kW (201 DIN hp) to 150kW (204 DIN hp). This figure is class-leading among competitors with 6-cylinder, 3-litre petrol engines.
The new 5-speed automatic gearbox is combined with an all-new driveline in which the torque distribution between the front and rear wheels is controlled electronically by the Traction Control (TRC). The new TRC system provides more precise control, providing smooth traction even when the throttle pedal is used roughly. A more aerodynamic body and higher-performance tyres increase the sporty driving qualities, while providing an improved fuel consumption of 12.2l/100km, a best in class figure for luxury SUVs equipped with 6-cylinder petrol engines. The new generation RX300 has been developed with the use of the Maibara wind tunnel, which was also used for the development of the Shinkansen Bullet.
This attention to detail is matched by similar refinements in structure and sound deadening to ensure that wind and road noise levels are the lowest in the class.
The new RX300 is another example of the innovation which makes Lexus one of the most exciting brands in Europe.
New Lexus RX300 - overview of technical specifications
ENGINE
Engine code 1MZ-FE
Valve Mechanism 4-valve per cylinder; DOHC; VVT-i
Engine layout V6
Displacement (cm³) 2,995
Bore x stroke (mm) 87.5 x 83.0
Compression ratio 10.5±0.2
Max. power (DIN hp) kW/rpm (204)150@5600
Max. torque (Nm/rpm) 283 Nm@4500rpm
Emissions level Euro IV
SUSPENSION
Front McPherson strut type
Rear McPherson strut type
Additional features 4-wheel air suspension available
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs (Ø319mm)
Rear Solid discs (Ø288mm)
Additional features ABS
EBD - Electronic Brake-force Distribution
BAS - Brake Assist
VSC - Vehicle Stability Control
STEERING
Type Rack and pinion, power-assisted
Ratio 16.0 : 1
Turns (lock to lock) 3.0
Minimum turning radius - tyre (m) 5.7
TYRES AND WHEELS
Wheel type Alloy, 18-inch (standard on most versions)
Tyre size 235/55 R 18 (standard on most versions)
EXTERIOR MEASUREMENTS
Overall length (mm) 4,740
Overall width (mm) 1,845
Overall height (mm) 1,675 (coil susp.)
1,665 -25 / +30 (4-wheel air suspension)
Wheelbase (mm) 2,720
Tread front (mm) 1,580
Tread rear (mm) 1,570 (1,560 for air suspension)
Overhang front (mm) 980
Overhang rear (mm) 1,040
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h (sec) 9.0
0-400m (sec) 16.5
Max. speed (km/h) 200
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Combined 12.2
Extra urban 9.4
Urban 16.9
CO2 EMISSIONS* (g/km)
Combined 288
Extra urban 224
Urban 400
* According to 93/116/EEC