2008 LEXUS RX 350: THE CLASS-LEADING LUXURY SUV IS UPDATED TO PROVIDE MORE SPECIAL MOMENTS TO CANADIAN DRIVERS
(TORONTO) - Lexus of Canada today announced that the 2008 Lexus RX 350 is on sale across Canada. For 2008, the RX 350 includes new luxury touches designed to provide even more of the special moments that have become the hallmark of Lexus ownership.
Built in Cambridge, Ontario, the RX 350 also features a powerful 3.5-litre engine and full-time four-wheel-drive for performance and driving confidence, coupled with the quality construction, luxury appointments and generous comfort and convenience features that are distinctly "Lexus".
"In our pursuit of perfection, we have been careful to make sure that any improvements we make to our ever-popular RX series luxury SUV are the result of extensive consultation with our customers," explained Stuart Payne, Director of Lexus in Canada. "RX owners love their vehicles, and the changes to the 2008 model were made with that in mind."
One of Canada's most popular luxury SUVs, the 2008 RX 350 offers the discriminating driver many performance, style, comfort, luxury and convenience features*. Some of the highlights include:
- A powerful 3.5-litre V6 engine, generating up to 270 hp and up to 251 lb/ft of torque.
- A 5-speed, automatic, super electronically controlled transmission featuring overdrive and lock-up torque converter.
- Full-time 4WD, Traction Control, and Vehicle Stability Control with new VSC cut-off switch for driving confidence on any surface, under any weather condition.
- Four trim levels - Leather, Luxury, Premium and Ultra Premium - to suit every taste.
- Sure-footed 17" all-season tires on all trim levels, with 18" all-seasontires available on Premium and Ultra Premium models.
- An all-new grille and chrome plated door handles, giving the popular RX 350 the look of contemporary luxury.
Many standard and available comfort, style and convenience features to maximize the pleasure of RX ownership, including 10-way power adjustable drivers seat, key lockout protection, digital compass, maple or walnut wood grain interior trim, integrated garage door opener, an anti-theft system with engine immobilizer, and an on-board first-aid kit. A full suite of active and passive safety systems, including seven airbags, front passenger seat occupancy classification indicator and all position three-point lap and shoulder belts.
"The Lexus RX continues to set the standard in luxury SUVs with a winning combination of power, safety, comfort and convenience, wrapped in contemporary luxury, inside and out, to create an outstanding luxury 4-wheel-drive package," Payne concluded.
The 2008 RX 350 is on sale at Lexus Dealers across Canada. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the RX 350 starts at $51,550.
2008 LEXUS RX 350 - PRODUCT DETAIL
SOPHISTICATED PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING
Power means driving confidence in all conditions Canadian drivers face extremes of surface conditions and weather. Therefore, the 2008 Lexus RX 350 is engineered to deliver power and driving confidence whether one is baking in summer temperatures, or battling the chill of winter.
Every 2008 Lexus RX 350 is equipped with a powerful 3.5-litre, dual overhead cam V6 engine that produces up to 270 horsepower (at 6,200 rpm) and up to 251 lb/ft of torque (at 4,700 rpm). Dual Variable ValveTiming-intelligent (VVT-i) on both the intake and exhaust cams optimizes torque for quick response at all engine speeds, while sequential multiport electronic fuel injection improves combustion efficiency. To ensure the RX 350 is ready to roll in any weather, one of Canada's most popular luxury SUV is equipped with a heavy-duty battery, starter, alternator and heater, while the stainless steel exhaust system is resistant to corrosion.
The 2008 RX 350's V6 is mated to a five-speed automatic super electronically controlled transmission featuring overdrive (with a cancel switch) and a lock-up torque converter. This combination delivers impressive acceleration and excellent performance at all speeds. At the same time, the RX 350 achieves Tier 2, Bin 5 emission status, and excellent fuel efficiency ratings of 12.4 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 L/100 km on the highway.
Secure, Confident Handling
A sophisticated transmission featuring an integrated transfer case and viscous coupling-controlled limited slip differential gives the 2008 Lexus RX 350 the sure-footedness of full-time four-wheel-drive. When slippery conditions are encountered, the RX 350 smoothly directs power to the axles with the most traction.
The full-time 4WD is enhanced with Traction Control (TRAC), which helps to prevent loss of lateral traction during cornering. The RX 350 is also equipped with Lexus' advanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system. VSC monitors vehicle performance then adjusts throttle and braking systems to help correct oversteer and understeer. New on the 2008 RX 350, a cut-off switch for the VSC transfers additional control to the driver on demand.
The RX 350 features a fully independent suspension equipped with MacPherson gas struts and an anti-vibration subframe, plus reaction-force controlled coil springs and stabilizer bars. The front suspension has been specially designed with anti-dive geometry to keep the RX 350 stable during rapid deceleration.
Stopping power, too
Whether it's bucking drifts on a snow-covered lane, encountering a sudden thunder storm on a country road, or negotiating bumper-to-bumper traffic on a multi-lane highway, being able to stop with confidence is vitally important.
That's why every 2008 Lexus RX 350 is equipped with power-assisted disc brakes at all four corners, and an anti-lock braking system (ABS) that's enhanced with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist systems. EBD adjusts for subtle front to rear speed differences to prevent wheel lock-up, while Brake Assist interprets a rapid application of the brake pedal as emergency braking, and unobtrusively exerts additional brake pressure for controlled stops in the shortest possible distance.
Where the rubber meets the road
All 2008 Lexus RX 350 models come standard equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system. A sensor on each wheel directly measures tire pressure and illuminates a warning lamp when tire pressure is too low.
The RX 350 is standard equipped with 17" all-season (P225/65R17) tires for excellent grip under a variety of driving conditions. The RX 350 Premium and Ultra Premium trim levels are available with 18" all-season (P235/55R18) tires on new premium alloy rims. All models include wheel locks.
SUPERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION
The 2008 RX 350 is engineered with a full suite of active and passive safety systems to keep driver and passengers safe in the event of an accident. The RX 350 features multi-stage air bags for the driver and front passenger, a knee air bag for the driver, and large side air bags that specifically protect the torso, abdomen and pelvis. All occupants benefit from front and rear head/side curtain air bags equipped with roll-sensors.
All five seating positions are equipped with three-point lap/shoulder belts. The driver and front passenger seat belts feature pre-tensioners, force limiters, and adjustable B-pillar shoulder belt anchors. The RX 350 also comes with anchor points for child restraint seats, assist grips, and a standard on-board first-aid kit.
PEACE OF MIND
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.
The purchase of a new Lexus also includes a free membership in Club Lexus, an on-line service designed for customer convenience, placing vehicle ownership information at the customer's fingertips.
FOUR TRIM LEVELS
The 2008 Lexus RX 350 is available in four trim levels. All provide outstanding levels of luxury, comfort and utility for up to five passengers.
New for the 2008 model year, the RX 350 now features an updated front grille and chrome-plated door handles, adding a touch of contemporary luxury to the RX-series' popular and classic style.
The 2008 Lexus RX 350 Leather package - with a suggested retail price of $51,550 - is complete with an impressive list of standard luxury features, including:
- Premium AM/FM/in-dash six-CD auto-changer with MP3 audio capability, auto sound levelizer, title display, radio data system, eight speakers and steering wheel-mounted controls
- Power telescopic and tilt steering wheel;
- Cruise control
- Integrated garage door opener
- Anti-theft system with engine immobilizer
- Auto air conditioning with dual-zone control, soft-touch heater controls, dust/pollen/deodorizing air filter, and rear seat heater ducts
- 10-way power adjustable driver's seat and eight-way power adjustable front passenger's seat
- 40-20-40 split folding rear seats that - when lowered - provide more than 84 cubic feet of cargo space
- Power door locks with key lock-out protection;
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated digital compass, and auto-dimming, powered, heated exterior mirrors
- Power windows with auto up/down functions on all windows and window jam protection
- Maple or Walnut wood grain trim
- Water-repellant door glass
- Variable intermittent rain-sensing wipers with mist feature
- Halogen headlamps with headlamp washers
- Roof rack, chrome tail pipe and door handles, roof mounted spoiler
The 2008 Lexus RX 350 Luxury package - with a suggested retail price of $54,500 - includes all standard features found on the Leather package model, plus:
- Power tilt/sliding moonroof
- Moonroof sunshade
The 2008 Lexus RX 350 Premium package - with a suggested retail price of $56,550 - includes all standard features found on the Luxury package model, plus:
- Engine undercover;
- Power back door;
- Wood shift knob, and wood+leather wrapped steering wheel
- High-intensity discharge headlamps with an auto-levelling and adaptive front lighting system;Premium illuminated entry system
- Available 18" all season tires (P235/55R18) on premium aluminum alloy wheels
The 2008 Lexus RX 350 Ultra Premium package - with a suggested retail price of $64,200 - includes all standard features found on the Premium package model, plus:
- An upgraded audio system: Mark Levinson Audio AM/FM/cassette/CD/DVDauto-changer with 11 speakers
- Rear seat DVD entertainment system with 9" LCD screen and two sets of wireless headphones; DVD-based navigation system
- Back-up camera
- Available 18" all season tires (P235/55R18) on premium aluminum alloy wheels |
