LEXUS 2003….. Auto’s & SUV’s   “A quick glance”

Our overview here is designed to give our readers a jump on the auto show season, as both the LA Auto Show, and the North American Int. Auto Show are in early January. Lexus has really gone to town. Adding many new features to what is a very consumer oriented product line. Lexus is and remains a very strong selling luxury line. Banging heads with famous European luxury brands.

ES300

Lexus introduced the completely redesigned ES 300 sedan in 2002, and for 2003 the entry-luxury Lexus sedan offers new optional power-adjustable accelerator/brake pedals. The contemporary design combines with an even smoother and quieter ride and more passenger room than its predecessor. In many ways, the ES 300 more closely aligns with the LS 430 flagship model. Using more sound absorption technology than sound insulation gives the ES 300 an even quieter cabin than its predecessor. The new material absorbs noise rather than simply blocking it.  The 3.0-liter V6 VVT-i engine delivers 210 horsepower with strong low-end torque, and the ES 300 achieves ULEV certification.

The five-speed automatic transmission is well matched to the engine’s wide torque curve. The Supplemental Restraint System includes side curtain airbags in addition to dual front airbags and front seat-mounted side airbags. The multi-stage front airbags deploy at different speeds, depending, in part, on the severity of the impact. The Lexus Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) system, which incorporates Brake Assist, is available as an option. Another option, Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), is a feature generally seen in LS 430 competitors. A high-end Mark Levinson audio system is available by itself or in a package with a DVD-based Lexus Navigation System. 

You can see that this year Lexus has now given the ES300 many more of the special features, when compared to it's brothers and sisters in the Lexus family. This makes a dramatic advantage when going head to head, with major European brands. Also it will inspire current Lexus ES owners who do not need a larger luxury sedan. Instead purchasing the new 2003 ES300.  

IS300

The Lexus IS 300 sport sedan last year gained the SportCross companion model and a five-speed manual transmission version of the sedan.  For 2003, new optional wheel/tire packages are available for all models. The SportCross packages the sharp reflexes of the sedan in a versatile 4+1 body style for additional practicality.  The five-speed manual transmission sedan features a specially tuned suspension. The IS 300 models offer a compelling challenge to European sport sedans. They package a high-performance powertrain, rear-drive chassis layout, and a sportscar-inspired interior in a taut, wedge-shaped body. A 215-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and double-wishbone independent suspension give the IS 300 impeccable road manners.

Standard safety systems include Brake Assist and front side curtain airbags SRS. The Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) system is available as an option on the SportCross and E-Shift automatic sedan. External design details include High- Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, a front airdam with foglights, and clear-lens taillights. Interior features include a unique chronograph-style combination gauge cluster, supportive height-adjustable sport seats, drilled aluminum pedals with rubber pads and stainless steel doorsill scuff plates. The optional DVD Lexus Navigation System for the IS 300 models uses a screen that pops up from the dashboard and remote controls located between the front seats.

It is clear that Lexus is targeting the BMW 3 series. Increasing horsepower, a more agressive suspension, and interior styling features. Also making for very interesting "driving" comparisons this year. Sport performance sedan's remain a very important market segment, and this year the struggle will be even stronger. Faster is always better.

LS430

The Lexus LS 430, introduced for model-year 2001, is the third-generation of the brand’s flagship sedan.  It captured 27 percent of the premium luxury market in 2002. For 2003, 17-inch wheels are standard, replacing 16-inch wheels. The front climate control seats and Intuitive Parking Assist features, formerly part of the Ultra Luxury or Custom Luxury packages, are now available as stand-alone options.  Base cars ordered with the climate control front seats now feature perforated leather-trimmed interior. The 4.3-liter V8 engine produces 290 horsepower and achieves ULEV certification. Safety technology includes multi-stage front airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags SRS.

 The LS 430 provides an engaging driving experience with an even smoother ride than its acclaimed predecessors. A “Euro-tuned” suspension package is available. Luxury content includes premium grades of leather and wood and a climate control system with temperature and sun-sensing articulating air registers. The Ultra Luxury option package bundles 15 major enhancements, including Adaptive Variable Suspension, Dynamic Laser Cruise Control, climate control front seats, a Mark Levinson premium audio system, a DVD-based Lexus Navigation System with voice command, heated/massage rear seat, rear air conditioner with air filter, and power door closers for all four doors.

This years refinements are again allowing Lexus to deliver a excellent value added experience for lucky buyers. Or as we say maximum "bang" for the buck. Lexus has really reached out to consumers of high end luxury sedans, and offering another step up from last years level of excellence.

SC 430

Introduced as a 2002 model, the Lexus SC 430 was the first retractable hardtop convertible in the premium luxury segment and quickly became one of the best-selling models in its class. For 2003, the SC 430 offers the Lexus Link safety/security communications system as an option. The power hardtop transforms the SC 430 from a coupe into a convertible in less than 25 seconds with the push of a button.  The exterior design was created in Europe, and the interior is a plush combination of natural materials such as leather and wood.

The SC 430 has been a big hit in the USA, and California's seem to really enjoy the distinctive difference. The Lexus style statement makes to the rest of the motoring public. The shape and luxury blend well. A complete experience that seems to trancends many age classes. The motor supplys serious low end grunt for getting away from traffic lights, and passing at higher freeway speeds.

The SC 430 outperforms many sports cars while providing far more luxury.

The ULEV-certified 300 hp. 4.3-liter V8 engine, coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission, can propel the car from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Front and rear double wishbone independent suspension and 18-inch wheels give the SC 430 sportscar-level handling and a Lexus-smooth ride. The automatic climate control system automatically optimizes temperature control for top-up and top-down driving. A Mark Levinson premium audio system and a DVD-based Lexus Navigation System with multi-language selection and dual screen capability are both standard. A low tire-pressure warning system is standard, and run-flat tires are offered as an option.

LEXUS …..Luxury SUV’s for 2003  

 The Lexus RX 300 started the trend in mid-size luxury sport-utility vehicles based on car/SUV “crossover” platforms. As such, the RX 300 combines the SUV traits that most customers want (all-road drive traction for poor weather and typical off-highway conditions, commanding visibility, and utility) with the safety, luxury and quality of a Lexus sedan. For 2003, the power tilt/slide moonroof with one-touch open/close control and pinch protection is standard. Active safety technology includes the Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) system, which helps control loss of lateral traction during cornering in challenging driving conditions. Brake Assist can detect if the driver is attempting emergency braking and apply maximum braking force. A 220-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine with Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i) produces 222 lb.-ft. of torque. A viscous-coupling center differential splits power 50/50 front/rear and directs power to the front or rear wheels as needed if slippage occurs. Safety equipment includes dual front airbag supplemental restraint systems and side-impact airbag SRS systems. Notable options include High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with auto levelizers and a DVD-based navigation system. Lexus also offers a front-wheel drive RX 300.    

The Lexus GX 470 is the brand’s third luxury utility vehicle, an all-new mid-size, full-capability model with seating for up to eight. The Lexus GX 470 combines the luxury appointments and workmanship of a Lexus sedan with an innovative full-time four-wheel drive system that’s augmented by an array of dynamic handling systems. A Torsen® torque-sensing center differential splits the power 40 percent front / 60 percent rear under most conditions and changes the ratio as needed based on steering input and wheelslip. Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) help the GX 470 handle steep off-highway inclines and declines more easily and smoothly than the standard low-range gearing could if working alone.  The Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) system helps control loss of lateral traction during cornering in challenging driving conditions. A very stiff frame and high-tech suspension endow the GX 470 with the smooth, quiet ride comfort expected of a Lexus, yet with the full capability that a body-on-frame design allows. The Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) in the GX 470 include dual front and side airbags and side curtain airbags. The GX 470 is equipped with a full complement of Lexus luxury features. A DVD-based Lexus Navigation System, rear seat audio and rear-seat DVD entertainment systems are available as options, making the GX 470 an ideal luxury vehicle.

The Lexus LX 470 is a full-size, full-capability luxury utility vehicle with seating for up to eight. Significant mechanical enhancements for 2003 include a 5-hp power increase, a new 5-speed electronic automatic transmission, Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), a new steering system and 18-inch wheels.  Front and rear styling have been freshened, and Lexus has added numerous safety and luxury features (see at right). A new optional Night View system uses near-infrared technology to provide natural images of obstacles that are out of low-beam range. A new rear seat DVD entertainment system is available as an option. The new Variable Gear Ratio Steering system improves maneuverability at low-speeds and road feel at highway speeds.

The LX 470 is equipped with full-time four-wheel drive and uses the Off-Road TRAC system to control rear wheel traction using brake intervention. The Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) system helps control loss of lateral traction during cornering in challenging driving conditions. Hydropneumatic suspension with Adjustable Height Control provides a smooth on-road ride and helps the LX 470 negotiate off-road obstacles. Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) optimizes braking performance under hard braking and cornering, and the Brake Assist feature can detect emergency braking and apply maximum braking force. A DVD-based Lexus Navigation System with front seat video-playing capability is standard.

Lexus has and remains a serious force in the luxury SUV market. Also again it is easy to see clear development and refinement of engines, interiors and the all important safety systems. This year is going to see the best industry wide crop of luxury SUV's.

Again a free market competition, creates a winning result for all consumers.

It will be really exciting to see how consumers vote with purchasing power. This year you will need to sit down and do some serious homework before buying. As there is just so much great product on the market. See you at the show!