The 2009 Lexus RX 350: The iconic Canadian-built luxury SUV combines a great new price with performance, versatility and safety to deliver more great moments from Lexus

(TORONTO) – Canadians in the market for a luxury SUV will not be disappointed in the Canadian-built 2009 Lexus RX350 A great new price and superior performance, versatility and safety features create perfect moments for guests who have many roads to travel

“The RX350 delivers generous performance, versatility and safety in a luxurious package, backed by the famous Lexus customer relationship that treats those who drive our vehicles like honoured guests in our home,” explained Tony Wearing, Managing Director of Lexus of Canada. “Wherever perfect moments are to be found – in the excitement of the city, the warm welcome of smaller communities, or the tension-busting tranquility of the cottage – the RX350 is the perfect, luxurious and versatile partner to get you there in comfort and style.”

For 2009, the RX350 is offered in one well-equipped model, featuring a powerful and fuel-friendly 3.5-litre V6 and highly responsive, smooth shifting five-speed automatic transmission. A comfortable and flexible interior accommodates up to five adults or up to two adults and a generous amount of luggage or cargo. Finally, more than a dozen active and passive Lexus safety systems that help protect those driving and riding in the RX350, from stem to stern.

Each 2009 Lexus RX350 is also generously appointed with a suite of standard features, ranging from exemplary audio and climate control systems, power adjustable and heated front row seats and cruise control to small but distinctly Lexus touches such as key lockout protection, an integrated garage door opener, reading lamps, and rain sensing wipers.

In addition, new upgraded feature packages for 2009 make it easy for Canadians to define a vehicle that meets their own idea of a perfect moment behind the wheel of an RX350. For those who enjoy long adventurous drive, there is the Touring Package with DVD-based navigation system, back up camera, and larger 18” wheels. The Ultra Premium Package adds high-end sound and fun to the Touring package featuring a Mark Levinson Audio system and rear seat entertainment system. Finally, the exclusive allure of the golf-inspired Pebble Beach Edition includes many upgraded interior features, unique exterior appointments and a special gift set.

The Canadian-built 2009 Lexus RX350 is now on sale across Canada, with a suggested retail price starting at $42,950. This includes a $1,400 reduction in the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the base model announced July 1^st.

2009 LEXUS RX350 – PRODUCT DETAIL

News release available at media.lexus.ca

The Canadian success story

The 2009 Lexus RX350 is available in one, well-equipped model, built for the North American market at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. (TMMC) in Cambridge, Ontario. Canadians driving an RX350 can take pride in the fact that TMMC’s 4,500 team members have been recognized for the quality of their work, both within Toyota’s global organization and by the auto industry as a whole. Lexus continues to build vehicles in communities where they are sold. By continuing to invest in the communities where our products are sold, vehicles, such as the Lexus RX 350, will benefit from the input of Canadians.

Performance

Power and efficiency are hallmarks of the Lexus RX series, and the 2009 RX350 ably demonstrates both. Discerning Canadian drivers appreciate the lightweight but powerful match-up of an aluminum alloy block 3.5-litre V6 and a five-speed automatic Super Electronically Controlled Transmission. This proven combination delivers ample horsepower and torque for a confident driving experience, plus fuel efficiency and superb emissions performance.

To make sure the RX350 is ready on even the coldest Canadian winter day, the engine features a heavy-duty battery, alternator, heater and starter, while the transmission is fitted with overdrive, a lock-up torque converter and transmission cooler.

Handling and control

Driving confidence begins with full-time four-wheel drive equipped with a limited slip centre differential and enhanced with the Lexus Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) technologies. Engine speed-sensing progressive power-assisted rack and pinion steering works in concert with a specially designed anti-dive front suspension geometry and front and rear suspensions featuring stabilizer bars and anti-vibration sub-frames to give the RX350 the ride quality of a luxury sedan.

Active and passive safety systems

The 2009 Lexus RX350 seats five adults in luxurious comfort. But it also incorporates many active and passive safety systems to help protect them. In addition to VSC, TRAC and other carefully considered handling and control design decisions, the RX350 features a tire-pressure monitoring system and a generous suite of braking systems. These include power assisted front ventilated disc and rear disc brakes, enhanced with the Lexus Antilock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) as standard equipment.

Inside the RX350, standard safety systems include dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, front seat mounted side airbags, a driver knee airbag, and roll-sensing front and rear head/side curtain airbags. Three-point lap and shoulder seatbelts are fitted in all five passenger positions, and include adjustable “B” pillar shoulder belt anchors, while younger passengers are protected with anchor points for child restraint seats. And because safety is important even when the RX350 is parked, all models are also equipped with an anti-theft system and an engine immobilizer. The RX350 even includes a first aid kit.

Comfort and versatility

Inside, the 2009 Lexus RX350 coddles its occupants in a luxurious environment that flexibly accommodates up to five adults or two adults and more than 84 cubic feet (2.4 cubic metres) of cargo. The RX350 can also carry more than 420 kg and tow 1,587 kg, meaning it’s as comfortable hauling people and gear to the cottage as it is heading out for a night on the town.

Smart interior features include 40/20/40 split folding 2^nd row seats, interior cargo area access and thoughtfully designed storage in both the cabin and cargo area.

Customization

Buyers may personalize their 2009 Lexus RX350 on the Lexus of Canada web site (www.lexus.ca) or by visiting any Lexus Dealer across Canada.

Peace of mind

Buyers of any 2009 Lexus RX350 enjoy the peace of mind that comes with the industry-leading Lexus comprehensive warranty that covers the entire vehicle for four years/80,000 kilometres. Power train components are covered for six years/110,000 kilometres, major emission control components are covered for eight years/130,000 kilometres and corrosion perforation for six years with unlimited distance. Service adjustments - minor repairs not usually associated with the replacement of parts - are fully covered for one year/32,000 kilometres, while Lexus owners also enjoy the Tire Road Hazard Protection warranty and access to alternate transportation.

The four-year 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 for towing - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Club Lexus

The purchase of a new RX350 luxury SUV also includes free membership in Club Lexus, an online service that places important vehicle ownership information and exclusive Club Lexus event details at the guest’s fingertips.

2009 Lexus RX350 – features and specifications

2009 Lexus RX350 – Available upgrade packages

Premium Package

Includes: Premium audio system, Engine under cover; Power back door; Power moon roof; Wood shift knob; Wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel; High-intensity discharge headlamps; Lexus Auto-levelling Headlamp System; Lexus Adaptive Front Lighting System; Premium illuminated entry system.

Premium Package w/Navigation

Includes all items in Premium Package, plus: DVD-based navigation system; Back-up camera; Bluetooth capability added via the DVD Navigation System; Cassette deck added to the audio system.

Touring Package

Includes all items in Premium Package w/Navigation, plus: P235/55R18 all season tires on 18” aluminum alloy wheels.

Pebble Beach Edition

Includes all items in the Touring Package, plus: Unique aluminum alloy wheels; Special edition grille; Pebble Beach badges; Colour-matched rear spoiler; Leather bag & matching wallet gift set.

Ultra Premium Package

Includes all items in the Touring Package, plus: a Mark Levinsion audio system featuring AM/FM stereo/cassette/CD/DVD autochanger and 11 speakers; Rear seat DVD entertainment system featuring a 9” Liquid Crystal Display monitor, audio and DVD remote control, rear audio joystick controls and two sets of wireless headphones.

2009 Lexus RX350 – Technical information

Engine: 3.5L V6

Horsepower: Up to 270 HP @ 6,200 RPM

Torque: Up to 251 lb-ft @ 4,700 RPM

Features: Lightweight aluminum alloy block; Dual overhead cams; 24 valves; Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i) on both intake and exhaust cams; Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection; Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS); Engine oil cooler; Heavy duty battery, starter, alternator and heater; Stainless steel exhaust.

Fuel efficiency: 12.4L/100km city; 9.0L/100km highway.

Emissions rating: Tier 2, Bin 5.

Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence

Dual VVT-i is a Lexus engine system that independently varies the intake and exhaust valve timing on a continual basis to deliver optimal valve timing for a full range of driving conditions. It improves drivability, performance and fuel efficiency, and reduces emissions.

Acoustic Control Induction System

ACIS increases the amount of air entering the engine by optimizing the length of the intake manifold under various driving conditions. The result is an increase in engine power and torque whenever the driver needs it most.

Transmission: 5-speed automatic Super ECT

Features: Overdrive; Overdrive cancel switch; Lock-up torque converter; Transmission cooler.

Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT)

Electronic control of Lexus automatic transmissions has delivered several breakthroughs in driving comfort and vehicle efficiency. ECT helps to ensure optimal gear change timing according to throttle position and vehicle load, and judges the most suitable time to initiate torque converter lock-up for increased fuel efficiency. It also networks with the engine’s computer to co-ordinate with other control systems, as appropriate.

Capabilities

Seating capacity: 5 adults

Cargo capacity: Behind front seats – 2.40m³ (84.7ft³); Behind rear seats – 1.08m³ (38.3ft³)

Carrying capacity: 420 KG (926 LBS)

Towing capacity: 1,587 KG (3,500 LBS)

Vehicle Stability Control

The Lexus Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system is an active safety system that automatically helps to control a vehicle when it starts to slide – for example, when trying to turn at too high a speed. VSC compares driver braking and steering commands to the vehicle’s actual performance then activates individual brakes as needed and adjusts the throttle setting to help maintain stability and keep the vehicle on course.

Traction Control

The Lexus Traction Control (TRAC) system helps the vehicle maintain traction when accelerating in slippery conditions. It also engages when the available grip differs from one side of the vehicle to the other, such as when two wheels are on a gravel or grass verge. When drive wheels begin to slip, TRAC automatically adjusts engine power to keep the wheels from losing traction.

Antilock Braking System

The Lexus Antilock Braking System (ABS) uses sensors to monitor speed, traction, vehicle load and the driver’s applied brake force. The ABS then controls brake applications to minimize wheel lock-up, reducing the chance of the vehicle skidding. The result is shorter stopping distances on wet, gravely, sandy or other surfaces where traction is questionable.

Brake Assist

The Lexus Brake Assist (BA) system is a system designed to assist the driver during emergency braking by supplementing the braking power applied if the driver has not pushed hard enough on the pedal in an emergency braking situation. It works in conjunction with ABS to minimize lock-up during emergency situations.

Electronic Brake Force Distribution

The Lexus Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system minimizes stopping distances by maximizing the braking power applied to those wheels that have the best grip. This system also automatically adjusts the fore/aft brake balance according to vehicle load, and the right/left brake balance if brakes are applied during cornering.

High-Intensity Discharge Headlamps

Powered by a Xenon gas bulb, these projector-beam HID headlamps use less power, last significantly longer and provide considerably more illumination than halogen bulbs.

Auto Levelling Headlamp System

For safer night driving, the Lexus Auto Levelling Headlamp System adjusts the lights to a pre-set height. This allows for better road illumination without blinding oncoming traffic.

Adaptive Front Lighting System

The Lexus Adaptive Front Lighting System pivots the driver-side headlamp up to 15 degrees to the left and the passenger-side headlamp up to five degrees to the right to help illuminate the road through turns.