(TORONTO)- The 2005 Lexus LX 470 is the SUV that does it all. From rugged offroad terrain to city streets and high-speed highway driving, the LX 470 has the power, handling, refinement and luxury to handle it all.
"There's virtually nowhere the LX 470 can't take you in comfort and luxury," said Peter Renz, National Manager of Lexus in Canada. "It has the rugged offroad capability owners want in a full-sized SUV, combined with the elegant ride, sumptuous luxury, and quality they expect from a Lexus."
The power behind all that performance is a 4.7-litre, quad-cam, 32-valve V8 engine that delivers 235 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and a convincing 320 lb/ft of torque at 3,400 rpm. A 5-speed, electronically-controlled automatic transmission is fitted to the sophisticated Lexus 4WD system to ensure that the right amount of power is delivered to the wheels at all times.
LX 470's front suspension uses a lower torsion bar and double wishbone configuration for precise steering and excellent off-road driveability. The rear suspension is a solid axle with coil springs, control arms and shock absorbers.
Unique to LX 470's controlled ride is Active Height Control (AHC) combined with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). From convenient, centre console mounted control switches, the LX 470 can be raised and lowered, and adjusted to suit driver preference.
When the vehicle is stopped, AHC may be used to lower the body to ease step-in and step-out height. At 5 km/h, the vehicle automatically returns to "normal" height. On challenging terrain, AHC can raise the front by 40 mm and the rear by 50 mm. If speed exceeds 30 km/h, the system automatically returns the chassis to "normal" height. Using AVS, drivers can select one of four levels of semi-active shock absorber control to suit driving conditions and personal preferences.
For even more confidence, the LX 470 is equipped with a highly refined traction and handling package that includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) combined with Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) and an advanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system.
LX 470 employs ABS sensors and actuators to prevent wheel lockup and facilitate braking while turning. TRAC eliminates wheelspin with throttle and brake intervention and VSC uses the ABS/TRAC system plus a yaw sensor to stabilize the vehicle using appropriate brake and throttle controls should loss of traction or side slip occur during cornering.
Advanced Electronics Assist Balanced Braking
The LX 470's 4-sensor, 4-channel ABS is further enhanced with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) which detects minute front to rear speed differences and electronically prevents rear wheel lockup. Brake Assist applies additional brake pressure in emergency braking to achieve the shortest possible stop. When the driver intentionally eases up on the brake pedal, the system automatically reduces the amount of additional braking power being provided.
The Lexus A-TRAC system refines traction control for the 4-wheel drive LX 470 by electronically redistributing driving torque from a slipping wheel to those with traction. It does so by applying brake pressure to the slipping wheel, eliminating the need for Locking or Limited Slip front or rear differential controls normally found on some 4-wheel drive vehicles. At the same time, A-TRAC reduces engine power by using ETCS-i (electronic throttle control system).
The result is off-road driveability that can be equivalent to having the front and rear differentials locked. In addition, it includes a drive mode in which the centre differential lock does not engage when the transfer is set to the L (low) range. The A-TRAC system also varies its braking and engine control functions according to the range in which the transfer case is engaged. In the H (high) range, under normal driving conditions, the system adjusts to ensure smooth, stable control on paved and dirt roads. When L range is selected, A-TRAC becomes more aggressive for driveability on rugged, less stable off-road surfaces.
Travel In Civilized Comfort
Every LX 470 is equipped with an extensive list of luxury features that is anything but "standard," including:
Steering-wheel-mounted and back seat audio controls
Front seat side airbags and side-curtain airbags
Illuminated running boards
Rain sensing wipers
Towing hitch
Roof-mounted spoiler
Roof rack
18-inch alloy wheels and P275/60R18 tires
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The 2005 LX 470 is also equipped with a DVD-based Navigation System with customizable displays, an expanded database on a single DVD disc, and voice guidance in either English or French. Voice command not only controls navigation, it also operates the climate control system as well as the premium audio system.
The Navigation System also includes advanced connectivity options from Bluetooth? a world leader in wireless communications technology. This system connects the LX 470 with up to four compatible cell phones, enabling such features as hands-free operation and one-touch dialing.
To ensure comfort en route, snug, supportive captain's chairs are covered in supple, natural-grain leather. The driver's seat is power-adjustable with memory, and both front seats have adjustable armrests, headrests and heaters. The 60/40 split folding second-row seats are equipped with three headrests, and the 50/50 split third-row seats are foldable and fully detachable to maximize cargo space.
Steering wheel-mounted audio controls make it easy to enjoy the Mark Levinson premium stereo system, and back seat controls put rear passengers in charge of their own audio entertainment. A 240-watt amplifier and a combination of 11 tweeters, mid-range speakers and woofers unobtrusively positioned throughout the cabin provide concert-hall sound. The 6-disc CD/DVD changer is located in the centre console, with fingertip programming performed on the Navigation System
The LX 470's keyless remote entry system is provided with an automatic illumination function that turns on the dome light and ignition key cylinder light when the transmitter is used to unlock the doors. Security measures include an engine immobilizer system and a free wheel key cylinder. If an attempt is made to open the vehicle with an unauthorized ignition key, this mechanism causes the key cylinder to freewheel and prevents the door from opening.
Convenience features include electrically-operated swing-out rear quarter windows, tilt-and-slide power moonroof with jam prevention, cruise control with electronic throttle control, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a two-stage storage console with built-in accessory power outlet, and automatic electrochromic inner and outer mirrors.
Interior appointments include leather-wrapped armrests and control switch plates of genuine walnut. The fabric headliner artfully conceals rear air-conditioning ducts, and an overhead console incorporates the moonroof controls, map lights and integrated garage door opener.
All four doors are equipped with power windows with "auto up/down" and jam-protection. Dual climate controls permit independent front and rear heating and air conditioning while remote-control heated side view mirrors are linked to seat position memory. As well, both sideview mirrors tilt down when reversing to facilitate parking.
Front seat side airbags and side curtain airbags add an extra layer of protection to the dual front supplemental restraint system (SRS) airbags, and the steering column is of an energy-absorbing design to protect the driver in the event of an impact. All outboard seats are equipped with 3-point ELR (emergency locking retractor) seat belts and front belts have pretensioners and force limiters.
Windshield wipers are a rain-sensing type, to improve foul-weather visibility.
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the 2005 Lexus LX 470 remains at $100,400.
Every Lexus is covered by an industry-leading warranty, covering the entire vehicle for 48 months/80,000 kilometres. Powertrain components are covered for 72 months/110,000 kilometres, and corrosion perforation is warranted for 72 months with unlimited distance.
The 48-month Lexus roadside assistance program provides travel planning as well as the extra security and confidence of a dedicated toll-free telephone number and emergency service or towing 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. |