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2008 Lexus RX 350

Lexus RX 350 Remains Leader of the Segment It Launched

2008 Lexus RX 350
The Lexus RX 350 remains the most popular vehicle in the car-based luxury utility vehicle segment that it established in 1998. The RX has proved to be not only the segment sales leader, but a quality leader, as well. For 2007, the RX 350 and RX 400h was highest ranked midsize premium multi-activity vehicle in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality StudySM (IQS), an honor its predecessor models garnered several times as well.

For 2008, the trend-setting RX 350 receives minor exterior and interior trim enhancements, including a revised front grille, chrome door handles, new 7-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels and two new colors, Desert Sage Metallic and Brandy Wine Mica. The latter is available with a choice of four interior colors.

The RX 350 delivers all-weather performance in both front- and all-wheel-drive models. Engineered at the outset to accommodate a hybrid powertrain, the RX 350 shares its platform with its hybrid counterpart, the RX 400h. The RX 350 is produced both in Japan at the Kyushu plant and at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada.

'Lexus established the winning formula for its segment with the original RX model a decade ago, and the latest RX 350 continues to deliver the winning combination of luxury, performance, safety and quality that has kept this model the segment leader for so long,' said Jim Farley, Lexus group vice president and general manager.

Powerful V6

2008 Lexus RX 350The RX 350's new 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 270 horsepower and 251 lb.-ft. of torque. Featuring all-aluminum construction, the V6 harnesses the benefits of advanced technologies to improve performance and fuel efficiency as well as to reduce emissions. Dual Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i) helps optimize torque for quick and powerful response at all engine speeds. The Electronic Throttle Control with intelligence (ETC-i) helps to manage idle speed, cruise control, Traction Control (TRAC), and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).

The FWD RX 350 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 7.3 seconds; the AWD model in 7.4 seconds. The RX 350 achieves Últra-Low Emissions Vehicle II (ÚLEV II) certification.

Full-Time All-Wheel Drive with Vehicle Stability Control

2008 Lexus RX 350
The all-wheel drive RX 350 uses a viscous limited-slip center differential to enhance drivability in all types of driving conditions. The full-time AWD system works with TRAC to evenly distribute power to both axles with a constant 50/50 front-to-rear power split. If slippage occurs, the viscous coupling differential directs torque to the wheels with the most traction.
Both RX 350 models come standard-equipped with the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, which helps control loss of lateral traction while cornering. VSC helps keep the vehicle going on its intended course by detecting front- and rear-wheel slide during cornering, attempting to control either condition with torque intervention and, if necessary, by applying brake pressure to individual wheels.

VSC and Brake Assist work with the standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking. If the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage ABS, the system applies increased braking power until the driver releases pedal pressure.

Serene Driving, Agile Handling

2008 Lexus RX 350
Lexus' RX models have set the benchmark for smooth, quiet ride quality in their segment for a decade. A rigid body structure, vibration-canceling engine mounts, strategically placed sound-absorption materials, an acoustic glass windshield, and refined aerodynamic details all contribute to maintaining that standing.

The high-strength platform, standard 17-inch wheels and tight steering control help optimize handling response in the RX 350. Eighteen-inch wheels are also available. An optional air-suspension system provides automatic leveling with four height settings to allow the driver to tailor the RX 350 to specific driving conditions or needs.

In 'normal' mode, the system automatically lowers the RX 350 by 0.3-inch at speeds over 62 mph for better ride quality. Selecting the 'low' mode lowers the ride height by 0.6-inch to enhance handling response, while 'high' mode raises ground clearance by 1.2 inches for driving over rough surfaces at speeds under 30 mph.

An 'access' mode lowers the RX 350 by 1.2 inches to provide easier entry, exit and loading. All RX 350 models with the air suspension system are equipped with a multimode sequential automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

The Lexus Safety Standard

2008 Lexus RX 350
A high-strength cabin design and comprehensive Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) are designed to help provide a high level of crash-energy management for all occupants. SRS includes advanced driver- and front-passenger airbags, a driver's knee airbag, and front-seat-mounted side airbags designed to help protect the torso, abdomen, and pelvis. The front airbag technology takes into account several factors, such as crash severity, passenger weight, and driver-seat position. Standard side-curtain airbags employ a roll sensor and can inflate if a predetermined threshold of vehicle-roll angle is detected.

The RX 350 offers options designed to help improve visibility for night driving and poor weather conditions. In addition to rain-sensing windshield wipers and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, the RX 350 also offers the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) for better illumination in turns and curves. With AFS, a central controller calculates the optimum lighting direction based on input from vehicle speed and steering angle and then swivels the right and left headlights independently. The left beam can rotate from zero to 15 degrees in a left turn while the right beam remains in the center position. The right beam can rotate from zero to five degrees in a right turn while the left beam remains in a center position.

A direct-type Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system alerts the driver via a warning light on the instrument panel if a critical drop in tire pressure is detected in any of the tires.

Versatile Útility and Convenience

The RX 350's 106.9-inch wheelbase and 186.2-inch length yield an easy-to-drive, easy-to-park vehicle that provides roomy comfort for five occupants. The rear seatbacks feature a versatile 40/20/40-split design and offer both sliding and reclining adjustments. The 38.3-cu.-ft. rear-cargo capacity expands to 84.7 cu. ft. with the rear seatbacks folded down, while an automatic retracting tonneau cover adds security and convenience.
The standard power rear lift gate can be programmed for one-click opening via the keyless remote control for a hands-free cargo-area opening. While a beeper sounds when the door is opening and closing, a touch sensor will also sense if something is impeding the hatch and stop it from closing.

An auto-dimming rearview mirror with an integrated digital compass is standard, as are auto-dimming and heated exterior mirrors. The integrated HomeLink® transmitter can control a variety of compatible home-security devices and systems. Additionally, the RX 350 offers an available Dynamic Laser Cruise Control system, which measures and helps maintain a set distance from a vehicle traveling ahead.

Lexus Navigation System

The optionally available Lexus Navigation System allows the driver to input a desired destination by voice command while driving. A central VGA screen features a high resolution 800x480 pixel display in 32,000 colors. On-screen details are crisp and clean, and maps and roads include 3D shadow effects.

Text-display choices include English, Spanish and French, and the user can select the language preference at system start-up. System functions include multiple route calculation, route preview, simplified highway-junction graphics and a dual-map screen mode. The DVD map database contains more than five million points of interest. The database for Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York includes a 'building footprint' display feature that can show graphic representations of buildings and structures to help the driver identify surroundings.

The navigation system also integrates Bluetooth® wireless technology. When combined with a compatible phone, Bluetooth allows the driver to transfer personal phone books to the navigation system and make hands-free phone calls through its touch-screen control panel.

Lexus Benchmark Luxury

Lexus craftsmanship and renowned attention to detail provide sumptuous comfort by design in the RX 350. Standard dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power front seats with available memory, adjustable light in the visor vanity mirrors, and wood interior trim set the tone. Luxury extends to the smallest details, such as illuminated front cup holders and a wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel with integrated audio system and trip computer controls.

Premium options include a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel with memory, and an illuminated entry system that lights the door handles, scuff plates, and front foot wells.

A wide-opening, multi-panel moonroof is an optional alternative to the conventional moonroof. The multi-panel moonroof is made of three separate glass panels and provides an open area that is 150 percent larger than a normal moonroof and an illumination area that is 250 percent larger.

The RX 350's hushed interior provides a superb listening environment for the standard premium, satellite radio-ready, eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio player with in-dash six-disc CD changer. The system is compatible with MP3/WMA-formatted CDs and includes an Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL), Radio Data System (RDS), and a digital signal processor.

An 11-speaker Mark Levinson® Premium Audio System is available. This audiophile-pleasing system features an in-dash six-disc DVD/CD changer, DVD-audio, and DVD-video playback as well as remarkable sound clarity at all volumes, with 210 watts at 0.1% THD, 20-20,000 Hz.

Premium Protection

All new Lexus vehicles come with a 48-month/50,000-mile basic limited warranty with roadside assistance for
48 months/unlimited miles. Powertrain and restraint system coverage is provided for 72 months/70,000 miles. Corrosion perforation protection is covered for 72 months, regardless of mileage.

Source - Lexus

Lexus Announces Prices for 2008 Model Year RX 350 Luxury SUV

2008 Lexus RX 350
Lexus has announced manufacturers suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the2008 RX 350, the top-selling luxury sport utility vehicle (SÚV). For 2008, the RX 350 receives exterior enhancements that include a freshened front-grille design and new exterior chrome door handles. New seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with a Liquid Graphite finish are available as an option. The 2008 RX 350 also adds two new exterior colors: Brandy Wine Mica and Desert Sage Metallic. Inside, the RX 350 offers an additional wood trim color, Black Bird's-Eye Maple, on units with a light gray interior.2008 Lexus RX 350
The RX 350 retains its excellent value as the MSRP will remain unchanged from 2007. Prices for the RX 350 will remain at $37,400 for the front-wheel-drive model and $38,800 for the all-wheel-drive model. All optional equipment prices also remain unchanged.

2008 Lexus RX 350
Powerful Performance
Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the RX 350 produces 270 horsepower and 251 lb.-ft. of torque. Featuring all-aluminum construction, the V6 harnesses the benefits of advanced technologies to optimize performance, fuel economy and low emissions. The V6 enables the RX 350 to sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 7.3 seconds for the FWD model and 7.4 seconds for the AWD model.


2008 Lexus RX 350
The performance of the RX 350 is comparable to the output of some competitive V8 engines while still providing a fuel-economy rating among the best in class for nonhybrids.

Its five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is tuned for refined drivability as well as excellent fuel efficiency. EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating for the RX 350 is 20 mpg (18 mpg city/23 mpg highway) for the FWD
model and 19 mpg (17 mpg city/22 mpg highway) for the AWD. The RX 350 retains its ÚLEV II emissions certification.

The highly sophisticated engine uses electronically controlled sequential fuel injection, which optimizes the fuel mixture and creates a precise burn, higher output and lower emissions to aid drivability. In addition, an electronic throttle control presides over several systems to maintain superior control of power flow. This system, Electronic
Throttle Control with intelligence (ETC-i), helps manage idle speed, cruise control, Traction Control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). The result is engine efficiency with excellent power and impressive fuel economy.


Refined Comfort and Luxury Features
The RX 350 produces minimal cabin noise, allowing for a very quite interior that provides an exceptional listening environment for its standard premium, satellite-ready,eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio player with in-dash six-CD autochanger. The audio system is compatible with MP3/WPA-formatted CDs and includes Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL), Radio Data System (RDS) and a digital signal processor. Commonly used audio functions are accessible via steering-wheel-mounted controls.

For true audiophiles, a Mark Levinson® Premium Audio System is optionally available. This 11-speaker system features an in-dash six-disc DVD/CD autochangeR, DVD-audio and DVD-video playback as well as remarkable sound clarity at all volumes (with 210 watts at 0.1% THD, 20-20,000 Hz). An available factory-installed, rear-seat DVD entertainment system features a nine-inch fold-away video screen for convenient viewing.

The Lexus DVD Navigation System is optionally available on the RX 350 and includes voice recognition that allows the driver to input a desired destination by voice command while driving.

Like other Lexus navigation systems, the system is offered in conjunction with a rear back-up camera to supplement the driver's visibility of the area behind the vehicle. The camera provides the driver a view of what the camera lens can detect behind the vehicle, automatically projecting a color image on the navigation system's seven-inch VGA screen when the reverse gear is engaged.

2008 Lexus RX 350In addition to English, the navigation system includes Spanish and French text display options. The user can select the language preference at system start-up.

Lexus' craftsmanship and renowned attention to detail provide sumptuous comfort by design. Standard dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power front seats with available memory, a sliding center console, adjustable light in the visor vanity mirrors, and wood interior trim set the tone for luxury in the RX 350. Luxury extends to the smallest details, such as illuminated front cup holders and a wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel with integrated audio-system and trip-computer controls.

Premium options include a power-tilt/telescoping steering wheel with memory, and an illuminated entry system that lights the door handles, scuff plates, and front footwells.

A unique, wide-opening multipanel moonroof is an optional alternative to the optional conventional moonroof. With an open area that is 150-percent larger than a normal moonroof and a 250-percent larger illumination area, the multipanel moonroof is made of three separate glass panels. The small front panel is angled to reduce wind noise, the rear panel slides backwards on top of the vehicle, while the middle glass panel slides backwards on top of the rear panel.

Advanced All-Wheel Drive
The AWD RX 350 model features a viscous limited-slip center differential, which enhances drivability in all types of driving conditions. The full-time AWD system provides a constant 50/50 front-to-rear power split. If slippage occurs, the viscous
differential directs torque to the wheels with the most traction.

A direct-type Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system alerts the driver via a warning light on the instrument panel if a significant drop in tire pressure is detected in any of the tires.

Produced in Kyushu, Japan, and Cambridge in southern Ontario, Canada, the 2008 RX 350 begins arriving at Lexus dealerships in early February.

Source - Lexus

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