Lexus RX 330 Pricing
Below is the press release that went out today announcing pricing on the
All-New RX 330 and GS 300 SportDesign. Please contact Lexus Public
Relations if you have any questions.
For Immediate Release
LEX-08-03
Lexus Announces Pricing for All-New 2004 RX 330 and 2003 GS 300 SportDesign
TORRANCE, Calif., March 10, 2003 ? Lexus released manufacturers
suggested retail pricing (MSRP) today for the all-new 2004 RX 330 luxury
utility vehicle and for the 2003 GS 300 SportDesign edition of Lexus$B!G(B
luxury sport sedan. The RX 330 will go on sale March 26 with a starting
MSRP of $35,025 for the two-wheel drive model, $100 less than the current
RX.
Following in the significant footsteps of the segment-leading RX 300,
the RX 330 provides more of what made the award-winning RX successful and
adds some new twists of its own. In addition to several innovative
features and a comprehensive list of safety enhancements, the new RX boasts
improvements throughout the vehicle.
$B!H(BThe new RX is everything our competitors hoped it wouldn$B!G(Bt be. It$B!G(Bs
faster, better handling, roomier, quieter, more luxurious, and gets
best-in-class fuel economy, all with a lower base price than the outgoing
model,$B!I(B said Denny Clements, Lexus group vice president and general
manager. $B!H(BThe combination will be hard to beat.$B!I(B
Available in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations, the
redesigned RX is 6.1 inches longer overall with a wheelbase almost four
inches longer than its predecessor. This translates to a significant 6.1
cu. ft. increase of rear cargo space. Sliding split folding 40-20-40 rear
seats and under-floor storage bins enhance cargo area utility.
A larger 3.3-liter V6 engine provides increases in horsepower and
torque and is backed by a new 5-speed automatic transmission. The results
are exemplary performance in class with a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 seconds and
class-leading fuel economy of 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway (2WD models). The
four-wheel drive model uses a sophisticated new traction control system
that eliminates the need for viscous control of the center differential.
Improved suspension systems, standard 17-inch wheels and tires, and a
new, stiffer body structure provide better steering and handling while
maintaining a supple ride. An optional sport package that includes
adjustable-height air suspension system with 18-inch wheels and tires
further improves ride and handling, and provides automatic load leveling as
well as aiding vehicle access. Larger front brakes help ensure short and
easily controlled stops. And extensive efforts to reduce powertrain noise
make the RX 330 nearly as quiet as the ES 300 luxury sedan.
Safety features on the all-new RX include a new driver$B!G(Bs side knee
airbag, multi-stage front airbags, side-curtain airbags and a large new
side airbag for the front seats designed to protect the torso, abdomen and
pelvis. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) and brake assist are also standard, along
with a new tire pressure monitoring system and Vehicle Stability Control
(VSC).
Several new features separate the RX 330 from its entry-luxury SUV
competition. Examples include an Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS),
which is included in the available sport package, that improves visibility
in corners; a power rear liftgate operated by the key remote or a switch
inside the vehicle; an adaptive cruise control system similar to that on
the LS 430; a rear backup camera that displays a color image of the area
behind the vehicle on the navigation system screen.
Smart design, extensive luxury amenities and unexpected utility grace
the RX 330 interior. The new instrument panel features high contrast
electroluminescent gauges and a redesigned center stack with metallic trim.
A large-capacity sliding center console adds an unusual measure of utility
to the front seat area. Standard genuine wood trim and optional leather
surrounds the occupants. A dual-zone automatic climate control with dust
filter is standard and is complemented by an available one-touch open/close
power moonroof or a wide-opening multi-panel moonroof.
Rounding out the luxurious interior environment is a high performance
premium audio system upgradeable to a Mark Levinson 11-speaker sound system
with an in-dash CD changer. A DVD-based navigation system and a rear seat
DVD entertainment system are also available.
With all of its improvements, the all-new RX 330 will continue to offer
outstanding value with a base MSRP of $35,025 for the two-wheel drive
model, a full $100 less than the 2003 model RX. The four-wheel drive
version will carry an MSRP of $36,425, or $500 below current pricing. The
delivery, processing and handling fee continues at $575 for both RX models.
The 2003 GS 300 SportDesign edition features new saddle-color seats
(black is also available), gunmetal-colored aluminum wheels and an
exclusive Graphite Gray Pearl exterior (Crystal White or Black Onyx are
also available). HID headlamps with titanium-finished surrounds,
SportDesign badges, a chrome grille, black pearl emblems and a rear lip
spoiler enhance the exterior, while the interior is accentuated by brushed
metallic console trim, a center console badge and SportDesign logos on the
scuff plates and floor mats. In keeping with the sporty theme, a
Euro-tuned sport suspension is standard.
The 2003 GS SportDesign will be available at Lexus dealers beginning
the last week of March. Approximately 2,200 units will be produced and
will carry a premium of $2,860 (which includes the leather package) above
the current base model GS 300 price of $38,725.
# # #
Note to Editors: Electronic images of the RX 330 are available on-line via
the Wieck Photo Database (972/392-0888) or via the Lexus news media web
site (http://pressroom.lexus.com).
Contacts: Nancy Hubbell Brad Nelson
(310) 468-3282 (310) 468-5224
nancy_hubbell@toyota.com brad_nelson@toyota.com
