(TORONTO) - Lexus today announced that a new, more powerful and more refined version of its class-leading RX SUV is now on sale in Canada. The new 2007 Lexus RX 350 offers even better performance with a larger, new 3.5-litre engine, and even greater levels of luxury and driving finesse while retaining the 4-wheel-drive confidence and capability that  are the hallmark of Lexus SUVs. 

One of Canada's most popular luxury SUVs, the new RX 350 offers owners significant enhancements, including: 

»   A new and more powerful 3.5-litre engine, generating 270 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 251 lb/ft of torque at 4,700 rpm, with improved fuel       efficiency 
»   New satellite-ready audio system with MP3 and WMA compatibility 
»   New noise-reducing front windshield glass that reduces wind noise by a full 2 decibels. 
»   A range of new and improved safety features, including a new tire  pressure monitoring  system; a larger new rear entertainment display  screen and a      new optional navigation display screen with improved clarity, contrast and ease of use.

"The Lexus RX continues to set the standard in luxury SUVs with a significant increase in power and even more safety, comfort and convenience in an outstanding luxury 4-wheel-drive package," said Stuart Payne, Director of Lexus in Canada.  "Equally good news for Canadians, the new RX 350, like the previous model, will be built by Canadians at the award-winning Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) facility in Cambridge, Ontario." 

A multiple J.D. Power award-winner for quality, the Lexus RX has been built in Canada since September 2003, when TMMC became the first and only plant outside of Japan with a mandate to build Lexus vehicles. 

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the RX 350 starts at $51,550. The RX 350 Luxury package is priced at $54,500, while MSRP for the RX 350 equipped with the Premium package starts at $56,550.  The Ultra-Premium package starts at an MSRP of $64,050. 

2007 LEXUS RX 350 - PRODUCT DETAIL

POWERTRAIN 

 All-Weather Power and Confidence

The RX 350's all-weather power and confidence start with a 3.5-litre DOHC V6 engine that's much more powerful that the previous engine, producing 270 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 251 lb/ft of torque at 4,700 rpm.  Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) optimizes torque for quick response at all engine speeds as well as improving combustion efficiency.  An electronic drive-by-wire throttle adds an extra level of smooth performance and fuel efficiency, while new throttle control logic provides quicker acceleration response. 

The V6 is mated to a 5-speed Super ECT (Super Electronically Controlled) automatic transmission for impressive acceleration and excellent performance on every level.  Thanks to its advanced drivetrain technology, RX 350 achieves Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle 2 (ULEV2) status, and excellent fuel consumption ratings of 12.4 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 L/100 km on the highway. 

Secure, Confident Handling

The RX 350's automatic transmission is equipped with an integrated transfer case and viscous coupling-controlled, limited slip centre differential to deliver smooth, safe, 4WD on a full-time basis. Normally, torque is split 50/50 between the front and rear axles; however, when either the front or rear wheels encounter slippery surfaces, the limited slip differential directs power to the axle with the most traction. 

An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is enhanced with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.  EBD adjusts for minute front to rear speed differences to prevent wheel lockup.  Brake Assist interprets a fast application of the brake pedal as emergency braking and unobtrusively exerts additional brake pressure for controlled stops in the shortest possible distance. 

An advanced Lexus Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, including Traction Control (TRAC), helps prevent loss of lateral traction during cornering.  Using a yaw sensor in conjunction with the ABS and TRAC systems, VSC uses both throttle intervention and brakes to correct oversteer and understeer.  RX 350 is fitted with power-assisted disc brakes at all four corners. 

A fully independent suspension uses MacPherson struts and an anti-vibration subframe, plus reaction-force controlled coil springs, high damping-rate bushings, high-response gas-filled shock absorbers and stabilizer bars.

A new tire pressure monitoring system is standard on the RX 350.  A sensor on each wheel directly measures tire pressure, and illuminates the warning lamp when tire pressure is too low.   
LUXURIOUS, COMFORTABLE, CONVENIENT

For a quieter cabin environment, soundproofing on the windshield has been improved.  Three layers of sound-absorbing film are used in the windshield to reduce cabin noise.  Sound insulation material placed in the floor carpet area and dash panel further reduce engine noise transmitted into the cabin. 

Inside, outstanding Lexus packaging optimizes comfort and utility for five passengers.  An extraordinary range of standard luxury features

includes:

   »   premium satellite-ready 8-speaker AM/FM/CD audio player with 6-CD autochanger, MP3/WMA compatibility, auto sound levelizer, Radio Data
     System,  Digital Signal Processor and steering wheel audio controls
»   leather interior
»   heated power front seats with two driver memory settings
»   dual zone, automatic climate control with air filter and rear seat heater ducts
»   anti-theft system with engine immobilizer
»   integrated, multi-function Homelink(r) garage door opener
»   automatic retracting tonneau cover for ease of access after opening the liftgate
»   keyless remote entry with adjustable audio warning
»   power tilt/telescopic steering wheel
»   auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated compass
»   auto-dimming, heated exterior mirrors
»   woodgrain trim
»   sliding centre console
»   40/20/40 split folding rear seats that, when lowered, provide 84.7 cubic feet of cargo area
»   rain-sensing wipers
»   roof rack
»   headlamp washers
»   light control system
»   17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with P225/65R17 tires

A Luxury option package adds a power tilt and slide moonroof with sunshade. 

A Premium option package further outfits RX 350 with a premium illuminated entry system, a wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, wood shift knob, a power rear tailgate, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, an auto-leveling headlamp system and Adaptive Front lighting    System (AFS) for better illumination in turns and curves.  AFS uses a central controller to calculate the optimum lighting direction based on vehicle speed and steering angle, and swivels the headlights independently, allowing the driver entering the curve to see further ahead around it.   

The Ultra Premium Package incorporates all the optional equipment already listed, and takes luxury a step further.  A premium Mark Levinson sound system is custom-designed for the Lexus RX 350 cabin architecture.  This superb system features 240 watts of power and a complement of 11 speakers, carefully located to provide rich, 3-dimensional sound for both front and rear occupants.  This package also includes a factory-installed DVD rear-seat entertainment system,    including a larger new high-resolution 9-inch LCD screen that lowers from the headliner, a remote control, rear audio joystick controls, and two sets of wireless headphones.  Rear seat passengers can listen to a different audio source than those in the front when using the headphones. 

Ultra Premium RX 350s are also fitted with a DVD-based Lexus Navigation System with voice recognition, Bluetooth compatibility and a rear-facing back-up camera.  The improved Navigation System features a touch-panel display enhanced with VGA (Video Graphics Array) graphics, for better resolution. The back-up camera is mounted near the top of the license plate surround and automatically projects an image of what is behind the vehicle onto the navigation screen when the vehicle is in reverse gear. 

Adding to the outstanding complement of features, both the Premium and Ultra Premium packages are available with 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, mounted with P235/55R18 all-season tires. 

THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF OCCUPANT PROTECTION

The high-strength cabin design and comprehensive supplemental restraint system are designed to provide an outstanding level of crash energy management to protect occupants and maintain cabin integrity in the event of front, rear or side impacts. 

The supplemental restraint system includes multi-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger, a knee airbag for the driver and large side airbags in the front seats that specifically protect the torso, abdomen and pelvis.  Roll-sensing front and rear head/side curtain airbags are designed to help offer additional crash protection for both front and    rear seat occupants.  The front airbags deploy according to inputs that include crash severity, passenger weight and the position of the driver's seat on the track. 

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.