| paul123 |
Lexus LX 470 Receives Major Enhancements and New Night View Technology for 2003
August 26, 2002, Torrance, Calif. - Lexus has given the 2003 LX 470 premium luxury utility vehicle significant mechanical enhancements for 2003, including a new transmission and steering system, plus a new optional nighttime driving aid called Night View. The LX 470 also receives revised front styling and numerous upgrades.
"The 'all-conquering' label is entirely appropriate for the LX 470, because it is one of the world's most capable and comfortable vehicles," said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Denny Clements. "The LX 470 delivers with outstanding interior appointments as well as responsive on-road handling, confident braking and a smooth ride normally associated with a luxury sedan. At the same time, its rugged chassis and sophisticated drivetrain system can handle some of the most difficult driving conditions on Earth."
New front seat side-impact airbags and front seat/second row side-curtain airbags bolster the already large array of safety technology in the LX 470. A new optional Night View System uses near-infrared technology to help enhance nighttime driving visibility. This technology differs greatly from other nighttime driving vision aids on the market. Lexus Night View projects near-infrared beams from two lamps in the front bumper. The near-infrared light reflects from objects ahead back to a Charged Coupled Device (CCD) camera mounted inside the vehicle at the top of the windshield. A dedicated computer processes the resulting natural-looking images, which are then projected onto the lower section of the windshield within the driver's field of vision, resulting in a picture similar to that on a black-and-white television.
In contrast, systems that use infrared-based technology work passively, detecting infrared waves from sources that reflect or radiate heat, including people and animals. Those systems display only a "ghost like" image of such sources but not necessarily their surroundings. Lexus Night View gives the driver relatively clear, illuminated images of what is ahead of the vehicle out to a distance of nearly 500 feet - about three to four times the range of low beams.
The optional Lexus Link system can provide even more peace of mind. At the press of a button, or automatically in certain emergency situations, the Lexus Link system combines GPS satellite and cellular phone technology to connect the customer with experienced and trained Lexus Link advisors at anytime, day or night, 365 days a year (when cellular and GPS service are available).
Lexus Link services include automatic notification of airbag deployment, dispatch of emergency services, accident assistance, roadside assistance with location, theft notification and stolen vehicle tracking, plus remote door lock and unlock. An available Premium Services Plan includes many other services to enhance customer productivity and convenience.
Fresh Look and Improved Function
The LX 470 provides seating for up to eight people, a maximum cargo capacity of 90.4 cu.-ft. and a 5,000-lb. towing capacity. Freshened front styling of the 2003 LX 470 is highlighted by a new grille and bumper and independent four-beam projector headlights with green tint lenses like those on the LS 430 sedan. Lexus also revised the rear combination lamps for 2003.
A redesigned center dashboard cluster and revised gauges with a new scheduled maintenance indicator light (SMIL) update interior function and appearance. New comfort features that benefit the driver and passengers include steering wheel audio controls, rain-sensing wipers and rear-seat audio. The standard DVD-based navigation system adds voice command for 2003, making it easier and safer to use while driving. Owners can have a Lexus dealer set customized preferences for several of the vehicle's electronic conveniences with the newly added C-BEST feature (Customized Body Electronics System).
A new optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system plays movies over a 6.5-inch wide-format overhead screen that deploys from the headliner ahead of the second seat row. The DVD player is mounted in the right rear quarter panel and the system includes two sets of wireless headphones and a remote control.
Upgraded Powertrain and Steering for 2003
The DOHC 4.7-liter V8 engine that powers the LX 470 provides the low-end "grunt" that a full-size SUV requires, along with traditional Lexus refinement. Horsepower has been increased slightly from 230 to 235 for 2003. Even more significant is that the engine produces 320 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,400 rpm and 80 percent of that - or 256 lb.-ft. - at an incredibly low 1,100 rpm. The LX 470 is certified as a Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV).
Mechanical upgrades enhance driving response and feel in the 2003 LX 470. A new five-speed automatic transmission replaces the previous four-speed, the added ratio helping make better use of the engine's high torque. The new Variable Gear Ratio Steering system can vary both the rack-and-pinion steering ratio and improve maneuverability at low speeds and road feel at highway speeds.
The tooth spacing on the gears of the rack become wider toward the end of the rack, reducing steering effort at large steering angles. A computer-controlled actuator in the steering shaft above the rack increases boost at very large steering angles.
New for 2003, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) helps to allocate brakeforce between the front and rear wheels for added control under hard braking. New 18 x 8-inch wheels replace the previous 16-inch wheels and are surrounded by 275/60R18 mud-and-snow-rated tires.
Rugged body-on-frame construction, height-adjustable hydropneumatic suspension and computer-controlled shock absorber damping provide the versatile LX 470 with both the smooth, composed ride expected of a Lexus and off-road capability at the top of its segment. Double-wishbone, independent front suspension employs torsion bar springs for long wheel travel.
Height-Adjustable Suspension
The LX 470 provides a minimum ground clearance of 9.8 inches. Hydraulic Adjustable Height Control (AHC) allows the driver to raise the vehicle to negotiate particularly rough off-road terrain, and to lower it for easy entry and exit. A height control switch and light indicate current suspension height and will recommend optimal height as road conditions change.
If set in "high" mode, the suspension will automatically lower when the LX 470 exceeds 18.6 mph, which is more than adequate speed for rigorous off-road conditions. Also, switching to "high" mode increases the angle of approach from 30 degrees to 32 degrees and the angle of departure from 23 to 26 degrees to help the vehicle "step over" obstacles. The vehicle will go into "extra high" mode if it is in low range and traveling in rough terrain, with the height rising automatically by 1.2 inches at the front and approximately 1.8 inches in the rear.
A Dynamic-Control Technology Arsenal
The LX 470 uses a true full-time four-wheel drive system with a center differential that splits the power 50/50 front/rear. The system is always engaged and requires no intervention by the driver, except to shift into low-range for driving on steep off-road inclines. The system is equally adept at handling the rigors of slippery winter weather or deep mud or snow.
Employing the sensors and actuators of the standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Traction Control (TRAC) uses both brake and throttle intervention to control wheelspin. The four-channel, four sensor ABS operates even in low-range four-wheel drive, adjusting its level of control in response to changes in road slope.
The Brake Assist system can help the driver in panic situations. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking and, if the driver has not stepped hard enough on the brake pedal to engage the ABS, the system applies maximum braking power until the pedal pressure is released.
The standard Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) system helps keep the vehicle going on its intended course by detecting front-wheel slide and rear-wheel slide during cornering and attempting to control either condition using torque intervention and/or individual wheel braking to correct any discrepancy.
In-Vehicle Entertainment Rivals the Home
In addition to the new optional rear seat DVD entertainment system, the standard navigation system uses a DVD changer/player located in the center console, and the system's seven-inch display screen can show DVD movies. Occupants can view a DVD movie while the transmission selector is in the "P" (or park) position and the parking brake is set. (When the selector is in the "D," or drive, position, they can listen to the sound but cannot view the video.)
New on all 2003 models is a standard rear-seat audio system with separate controls. The LX 470 audio system plays through seven speakers and includes a six-disc in-dash CD changer. Sound quality moves into high-end home theater territory with the optional nine-speaker Mark Levinson® audio system.
All LX 470s come with a security system that incorporates an immobilizer into the key card, includes shifter-linked door locking, and uses a free-wheel key cylinder in the doors. This feature protects against people using the wrong key or trying to break the lock by inserting a screwdriver or other tool into the cylinder. The system would then not allow the door to open.
Every new Lexus vehicle comes with a 48-month/50,000-mile basic limited warranty. Powertrain and restraint system coverage is provided for 72 month/70,000 miles. Corrosion perforation protection is covered for 72 months, regardless of mileage. |
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| kexicao |
I got this from carsdirect.com. I also included 2002 price just to compare:
2003 LX470:
MSRP $63,700
Invoice $56,282
Powertrain
Engine: 4.7L V8 DOHC SMPI
8-cylinder engine with 4.7-liter displacement, dual overhead cam valvetrain, sequential multi-port injection STD
Transmission: Electronic 5-Speed Automatic w/Overdrive STD
Wheels and Tires
Tires: P275/70HR16 Mud & Snow BSW
Heavy Duty tires with 275mm width, 16.0" rim STD
Wheels: 16 in. x 8.0 in. Alloy STD
Seats and Seat Trim
Heated Front Bucket Seats STD
Leather Seat Trim STD
Audio
Radio: AM/FM 6-Disc In-Dash CD Changer & Cassette STD
Mark Levinson Audio System $1,280
Other Options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 6,860 lbs STD
4.30 Axle Ratio STD
Monotone Paint Application w/Painted Lower Accents STD
Night View $2,200
Lexus Link $1,215
Rear Spoiler $280
Roof Rack w/Cross Bars $220
Destination Charge
Manufacturer's Destination Charge $575
2002 LX470:
MSRP $62,430
Invoice $55,161
Powertrain
Engine: 4.7L V8 DOHC SMPI
8-cylinder engine with 4.7-liter displacement, dual overhead cam valvetrain, sequential multi-port injection STD
Transmission: Electronic 4-Speed Automatic w/Overdrive STD
Wheels and Tires
Tires: P275/70R16 Mud & Snow SBR
Heavy Duty tires with 275mm width, 16.0" rim STD
Wheels: 16 in. x 8.0 in. Alloy STD
Tires: P275/70R16 AS
Heavy Duty tires with 275mm width, 16.0" rim N/C
Wheels: 16 x 8 JJ Chrome Plated $650
Seats and Seat Trim
Heated Front Bucket Seats STD
Leather Seat Trim STD
Audio
Radio: AM/FM w/Cassette/CD Changer STD
Mark Levinson Premium Audio System $960
Other Options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 6,860 lbs STD
4.30 Axle Ratio STD
Roof Rack $373
Black Pearl Emblems $218
Rear Wind Deflector $177
Towing Receiver Hitch $176
Cargo Mat $44
Wheel Locks $40
Spare Tire Lock $31
Cargo Net $24
Destination Charge
Manufacturer's Destination Charge $575 |
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| Fireblade6 |
| crap...for that kinda pricing...I think I will be getting the Hummer 2 and run over the GX470... Ridiculous pricing! Just utterly ridiculous:eek: |
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| ByeByeChrysler |
I still prefer the look of the MDX over ANY Lexus SUV.
:9: |
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| mdxxxx |
quote:
Originally posted by ByeByeChrysler
I still prefer the look of the MDX over ANY Lexus SUV.
:9:
Ditto.... |
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| kexicao |
I have a dealer offered me for a 2002 lx470 $58,800 which includes:
Mark Levinson Premium Audio System $960
Roof Rack $373
Rear Wind Deflector $177
Cargo Mat $44
Wheel Locks $40
Spare Tire Lock $31
Cargo Net $24
That's $6600 below the sticker of $64,860.
I am tempted.
What do you guys think?
KC
BTW, I have a 03 MDX (basic+nav originally but we all know that I will be "forced" to get touring as well if I must to have nav) in order since June. I was told that I was first on the list for basic+nav. I am sure where I would be now since it's touring+nav. |
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| socalJD |
| You're not comparing apples to apples here. These are 2 completely different vehicles in terms of price, size, target demographics, performance, perceived prestige, etc. If you test drive both you will see 1st hand that it's not an apples to apples comparison. If you have no problem stepping up to the $60m+ for the LX470 and all that goes with it (higher fuel usage, higher insurance, higher maintenance) then in terms of a great deal - go for it. Most choose the X because it seems to offer the best blend of all worlds, but does not excel at one. |
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| 2002 Acura MDX! |
| Holy sh**!!!!!!!! Who will buy that???? Expensive and crapy looking. I'll just stick with my MDX. |
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| 2002 Acura MDX! |
| You know what. I thought it's call GX 470 :D . But anyway, here's a picture of it. |
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| 2002 Acura MDX! |
| Sorry, I don't know what happened to 4 and 6 |
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| kexicao |
| I think that's a misprint. It should be 18". |
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| tigmd99 |
Hey all,
Granted, you guys may not need that much capability. However, the LX470 is probably one of the best SUV compromises out there...bar none. Do you think Toyota Land Cruiser or LX470 costs a lot for no apparent reason?? Do you think that Toyota is way over-pricing their SUV, when it has to face competition like Range Rover, X5, ML500, H2, etc.?? I don't think so. It is priced that high for a reason...it built like a tank. Literally! It is also ultra-dependable with awesome capability. FOURWHEELER magazine stated that the Land Cruiser has the MOST wheel articulation of any IFS-equipped SUV/truck...even more than a Jeep Grand Cherokee!
In fact, recently in Afgan photos, the new president of Afgan is driven in a Lexus LX470!! In those countries, Land Cruisers are king...they are like gold among the few wealthy people. United Nations people drive 4Runners. Safaries in Africa now use Land Cruisers.
I totally agree with you guys that the price is very high, but don't discount it as being ridiculous. There is a reason. |
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| pelucidor |
I completely agree with tigmd99.
In environments where a reliable vehicle with incredible 4wd can mean life or death the Land Cruiser is now king (Range Rovers are way too unreliable) according to my friends in the Middle-East and Africa/Asia (I'm talking third-world countries without paved roads and even good mechanics every 500 miles). I think it has taken the place of the 'real' Land Rovers that existed 20+ years ago - I remember a documentary where a Land Rover drive shaft broke in the middle of the jungle and the explorers had one whittled out of wood by the local tribesmen to replace it!
Of course in the USA I don't need one to get to the mall every week, so the MDX is good enough for me. |
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| vicpai |
quote:
Originally posted by pelucidor
..............
Of course in the USA I don't need one to get to the mall every week, so the MDX is good enough for me.
......but when the routine and daily grind of city life get to you and you've just about had enough of it, you could roll up your windows, crank up the sound system to the wild sounds of the jungle on the incredible Mark-Levinson stereo, drive down to the Anza borrego desert near San Diego and fantasize that you were a valiant adventurer braving the sands of the Sahara, or you could imagine yourself traveling in the plains of the Serengeti, surrounded by Wild Lions :eek: in your tough, indestructible LX 470 :D |
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| gordonweb |
| You get what you pay for. If you got the extra cash, go for it. It's all a fashion statement like what kinda of shoes or sunglasses you wear. I'm happy with my MDX. |
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| lilypad |
Dare I say it?? The pic of the front/side exterior reminds me of the Pilot exterior. And for $30,000+ over the price of the MDX, you'd think they woulda come up with a better solution for folding those 3rd row seats!
lilypad |
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| LexRX |
What kexicao posted at the beginning of the thread is the info on the LX not the GX. The 2003 LX will have 18" wheels - the up coming new GX will have 17's.
The pricing of the LX is 60k+, the GX will probably not reach the 60k range tops.
It's up to you whether it's worth the $$ or not ;) |
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| tigmd99 |
Hey all,
You guys questioned the cost of the LX470. Well check this out:
The current Toyota Land Cruiser/LX470 can:
1. Go up incline at 45 DEGREES (100% grade!)
2. Go sideway at 45 DEGREES (100% grade)
3. Tread water at 700 mm (27.6 inches!)
The Mercedes G500 can:
1. Go up incline at 38.7 degrees (80% grade)
2. Go sideway at 28.4 degrees (54% grade)
Hummer H1 AND H2 can:
1. Go up incline at 30.9 degrees (60% grade)
2. Go sideway at 21.8 degrees (40% grade)
3. H1: Tread water at 30 inches
H2: Tread water at 20 inches
Pretty impressive for the TLC/LX470!! |
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| srpbep |
| Sure sounds like an impressive off-road vehicle. |
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| catbert |
| Looks like for that kind of money the wood would match the interior better. I couldn't stand that much contrast! |
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| pbm317 |
You guys have information on the LX but someone posted pictures of the GX. These are two different trucks. Only share the engine/transmission, and to some extent, their 4WD systems. The LX470/LandCruiser is a great truck. As for the 3rd rows in both the LX and GX, yes, it's not the best design, but it works. It doesn't have an independent rear suspension, so it doesn't have the space to have one that folds down into the floor. But it's a really good solution if you want the 3rd row, and would like a quick way to get it out of the way without having to completely remove it. Honda is using a similar design in their new Element car.
The GX will top out around $50,000, not anywhere near the 60 grand price of the LX. As for wood color, sometimes it doesn't look best in pictures. And at least it is REAL wood. |
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| Lance Crowley |
| These two vechile are the only one's the Australians will drive in the outback. They're absolutely "boiler plate". Off-roading, the only thing that comes close to them is the Jeep and only because it's significantly smaller. I test drove a LX470 for 1/2 day prior to driving the MDX, as someone pointed out they are totally different trucks. If the LX470 could be "flat-towed" I'd probably own one. That said, it appears the '03 X is a significant improvement of the last years, so maybe they'll be close, and for $25k less. While I enjoy "off-road", 99.9% of my miles are "on-road" and maybe there'll be a few roads that I'll have to avoid. Not sure I'd want to take a $70k truck some of the places I've had my Jeep GC anyway. Same goes for the MDX. |
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| radmdx |
I agree with the apples and oranges analogy.
I test drove these vehicles within 1 hour of each other when selecting my purchase. The Lexus is more on the luxury side, but it came away feeling more truck-like than the MDX. The rear seat is much more difficult to stow and use; even the salesman had trouble with it, and this guy knew his vehicle.
The MDX seemed to be a more family-friendly car. The cup holders were better placed, it seemed easier to get to the 3rd row seats. The Lexus seemed like adult-oriented luxury, whereas the MDX seemed more comfort/luxury oriented. Both vehicles were responsive and quiet.
The Lexus did come away as the vehicle that I would want in a serious off-road experience; but like 95% of SUV customers I plan to mostly stay on the roads, and doubt I'll see many 45 degree inclines.
I like the MDX's mileage benefits and the lower emissions.
In summary, the Lexus met my expectations of what a $65k SUV should be. The MDX exceeded my expectations of what a $45k SUV should be.
RadMDX
PS: The vehicle I really drooled over was the Lexus SC 430. Think it'll fit 3 car seats in the back? :15: |
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| Casique |
| Great imitation of a ML 320 for a lot more money.:1: |
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| tigmd99 |
Casique,
ML-look alike?? Are we still talking about the LX470?? Ahh, one looks like a minivan, the other a real SUV. I don't see it. Can you explain more??
Thanks. |
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| Casique |
| I think the LX 470 looks just like the ML320. For a lot more money that is. Lexus is famous for copying Mercedez Benz products.:1: |
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| pelucidor |
| You do know that the LX was around before the minivan from Alabama (since '97 for the LX450 and '98 for the LX 470). And the Land Cruiser has been around since before '94. Not to mention neither looks even vaguely like an ML. |
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| tigmd99 |
Casique,
Are you smoking something?? Lexus copies MB on their CARS. Toyota has a very long history of building REAL SUVs and trucks. They do NOT need to copy anyone. Their SUVs are used worldwide...more people trust them than any other brand, including Land Rovers.
Thanks. |
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| Casique |
Put your panties back on man!
Toyota/ Lexus have great cars and trucks, I agree! But you are blind if you don't see the similarities between MB and Lexus vehicles, I mean in looks..:1: |
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| Mike_Platini |
| As I already said earlier, the two vehicules have a similar look. |
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| tigmd99 |
| Ok...are we talking about GX or LX??? GX, maybe...but not LX. Maybe i am blind then! |
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| tigmd99 |
| Ok...someone needs to read the thread title...this thread is about LX470, right??!! Why are we talking about GX470?? Strange. |
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| 1SICKLEX |
Most all SUVs look alike. quote:
And the Land Cruiser has been around since before '94. Not to mention neither looks even vaguely like an ML.
The Landcruiser has been around since the 50s. UNLIKE the MDX, which is based off a MINIVAN platform, the Land/LX is a dedicated SUV platform and only the Range Rover can come close when it comes to luxury and of-road usefulness.
It's 63k for a reason. |
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| JL889 |
| Does anyone know when they are going to redesign the LX470? Anyone heard any news, I think that body style has been out for quite a while. We are about to jump into a purchase and I wanna know how long it'll be the same body style. We already got screwed one time by this. We bought a 97 Jaguar XJ6 and in 98 they put a V8 in them and the car value fell through the basment. If anyone knows please let me know. |
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