LEXUS Announces Arrival Of New Model - Highly-sought RX 350 makes its LEXUS debut

Kuala Lumpur, 23 April 2007 – Leading luxury car maker LEXUS, today officially announced the arrival of its newest member to the LEXUS stable of luxury automobiles: the RX 350 in Malaysia. The arrival of the RX 350 comes on the heels of LEXUS’ successful launch of the LS 460L and GS 300 in December of last year.

The arrival of the RX 350 marks a milestone for LEXUS in Malaysia as it represents one of the badge’s most successful models to date. “When the LEXUS RX 300 was introduced to the American market in 1998, it was the first-ever SUV crossover, creating and defining an entirely new category of automobile,” said David Chen, Managing Director, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd. “Today, the SUV crossover is one of the industry’s most popular and dynamic segments. The all-new LEXUS RX 350, the second generation RX, represents the pinnacle of this group.”

Synonymous with luxury and versatility, the RX 350 enjoys the appointments one expects from a LEXUS, including a powerful new 3.5 liter V-6 engine, AWD, a seamlessly blended interior, industry-leading safety systems and inimitable styling.

The new 3.5 liter, 24 valve, DOHC V-6 delivers 272hp. Featuring Dual Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i), the RX 350’s power reaches the 18 inch alloy wheels via a 5-speed Super ECT sequential transmission, allowing for fully automatic or manually managed gear changes.

The RX 350’s AWD system, coupled with MacPherson struts at each corner, provides superior grip and handling in any road condition. Complimented by a dizzying array of advanced power management and braking technology, including Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), the RX 350 is one of the most stable vehicles on the road.

Once inside, the RX 350 cradles its passengers in true LEXUS comfort, while providing advanced safety features. The interior’s generous use of genuine walnut or bird’s eye maple adds warmth, while the automatic dual climate control and an air-filtration system ensure all inside travel in cool comfort. The multi-panel wide opening moonroof offers panoramic views of the world above for passengers and is 1.5 times wider than conventional moonroofs. For the driver, the electroluminescent meter instrumentation in the control panel is displayed in a stylish 3-pod layout and is complimented by a 3-spoke steering wheel with integrated audio switches.

On the practical side, the Lexus’ advanced SRS airbag1 is a sophisticated network of sensors and airbags designed for maximum passenger protection equal to the RX 350’s performance and comfort. On the indulgent side, the 11-speaker Mark Levinson sound system fills the RX 350 with impeccable sonic reproduction that has set the benchmark for factory car audio systems the world over.

All this versatility and comfort, technology and safety are neatly packaged into one of the most unique and sophisticated body designs in the automotive industry. The RX model range’s unrivalled reputation is founded on aerodynamically class-leading styling, resulting in its sensuous, smooth shape. Reflecting LEXUS’ ongoing commitment to the pursuit of perfection in automotive quality, performance, technology and refinement, the RX model range has consistently topped the JD Power and Associates annual awards, winning the IQS (Initial Quality Study) category in 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2005, as well as the APEAL (Automotive, Performance, Execution, Layout) category in 1998, 2003, 2004 and 2005.2

And while one would expect to pay a premium to drive an automobile of such high standards, the RX 350 is priced competitively, making a good case for going no further than the recently-opened LEXUS Center Mutiara Damansara where it will be available from April 19th onwards. The RX 350’s OTR price without insurance comes in at RM373,000 as an individual private model, RM373,200 as a company private.

“The RX 350 has enjoyed incredible success in the U.S. thanks to its unrivalled build quality, improved performance and luxury appointments. Based on the tremendous response we’ve seen in Malaysia since launching the LEXUS badge in December of last year, we expect interest in the RX 350 to be very high. By offering the finest automobiles on the road today, with competitive pricing and concierge-level service standards, LEXUS is quickly moving to the top of Malaysians’ luxury wish list. The RX 350 should be among the most coveted cars available here,” ended Mr David Chen.