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Old 05-14-2003, 06:29 AM #46
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By Mark Savage
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The new midsize Lexus GX 470 sport utility truck arrived with a creamy white exterior and dreamy interior.

That is, it was so quiet you might want to doze off in it. I've stayed in motels that weren't nearly this peaceful.

In fact, after just driving the luxurious, good-looking Lincoln Aviator, I was shocked at just how much quieter and more refined the GX 470 felt. Both are nice, but this one is silky smooth in every respect, while the Lincoln's engine was noisy and gruff-sounding by comparison.

First, know that the GX 470 is the third in the Lexus line of SUVs, being smaller than the LX 470, which features the same 4.7-liter V-8 engine. This vehicle rides on the same 109.8-inch wheelbase as parent company Toyota's 4Runner. That makes the wheelbase about 2.5-inches shorter than the larger Lexus, while it's roughly four inches shorter in length and two inches narrower. Lincoln's Aviator is similar in size to the bigger Lexus sport utility.

That brings us to one distinction in the Lincoln's favor. Its third-row seat is more comfortable than that in the Lexus, with better legroom and seat position. Both will seat seven in a pinch, but third-row passengers much preferred the Lincoln.

More of my passengers gave a thumbs up to the Lexus, citing its quiet interior, more comfortable seats and cushioned ride. I couldn't argue.

The Lexus combines its 235-horsepower V-8 with a nearly seamless shifting five-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is good because of an abundance of low-end torque, so the truck has more oomph as you first accelerate. Plus the Lexus tips the scales at 4,675 pounds, compared with 5,002 for the Aviator and 5,590 for the big Lexus truck.

If you're the towing kind, the Lincoln still is the champ, pulling more than 7,000 pounds as compared with 5,000 for the Lexus. But the price you pay is the louder engine noise, whether towing or not.

Ride in the GX 470 is extremely well controlled due to a four-link rear air suspension system that also includes an Adaptive Variable Suspension system, or AVS. It changes each wheel's shock damping rate based on the road surface, vehicle speed, driver inputs and more. You also can pick one of four settings from "comfort" to "sport" with a dial between the front seats. Those settings either soften or firm up the ride.

Handling is good but still fairly truck-like. This one will turn into a parking space well, but there's still some top-heavy feel when driving through turns at speed.

Braking is fine, coming from four-wheel discs and anti-locks. Plus the GX 470 comes with traction and skid control standard and an all-wheel-drive system that gives it excellent footing in snow. If you're thinking of taking your luxury SUV off into the brush, it also comes with downhill assist control to give it proper traction in more extreme conditions.

Inside, the Lexus is as gorgeous as, well, other Lexus vehicles.

This one came with a two-tone tan and oatmeal leather interior with a great-looking wood trim that my wife said was the prettiest she has seen in a car.

The wood was spread across the dash, on the console by the controls and included part of the steering wheel and gearshift knob. It's a classy look that defines auto luxury today.

The dash is well laid out, with everything easy to see and reach, with the exception of the trip computer buttons, which were an extra stretch for me up above the navigation system screen mid-dash. The buttons are flat or horizontal to the driver and fairly tough to use, especially when wearing gloves.

Everything else was fine. Gauges glow white at night, there are automatic lights, rain-sensing wipers, a rear wiper, power mirrors and heated mirrors, power windows and locks, and two-memory seating.

Lexus also features a power tilt and telescope steering wheel, which makes this among the easiest vehicles to get comfortable in.

The navigation system screen includes seven buttons to adjust and use it, plus those also work the climate control and audio systems. I'm still not sold on the on-screen adjustments and found myself using the redundant controls on the steering wheel hub most often for the radio. The system sounds great and includes a cassette in the dash and six-disc CD player hidden in the glove box.

Between the seats are two buttons to dial up the heated seats to the setting that your buns desire.

Seating is super-comfortable, with well-contoured seat bottoms and backs, plus the usual power controls for both front seats. In addition, both included power lumbar supports. Second-row seats were equally good. Several friends complained about the difficulty of flipping the second-row seats forward to gain access to row three.

Other goodies include dual side air curtains and air bags, plus a sunroof and HomeLink system overhead, where you also find dual sun visors and a mirror with a compass in the corner. In back are individual air vents and controls that the rear seat crew can adjust.

Drawbacks? Well, there's no warning system like so many of these trucks have to alert you of impending danger as you back up.

In addition, the GX 470 does not have a hatch in back, instead opting for a big door that opens like a normal car door. If you ever carry long loads, you know that's a real pain to leave open in back.

I also was surprised, initially, by the truck's gas mileage. The onboard computer said I averaged 16.7 miles per gallon, which would be very good for such a big vehicle. But my calculations put it closer to 13.4 mpg, which is more what I'd expect in my roughly 60% city driving. The EPA says to expect 15 mpg city and 18 highway and this one uses 91 octane. I had gotten 13 mpg in the Aviator.

The GX 470 starts at $44,925, and this one packed enough options to hit $50,230.

Still, if you've got the dough and want a truck, this one is awfully nice.
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Old 05-14-2003, 06:31 AM #47
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By Mark Glover
Sacramento Bee

What a difference a letter makes.

Lexus manufactures two sport-utility vehicles with very similar names -- the GX 470 and the LX 470 -- but considering that getting an "L" instead of a "G" costs nearly an extra $20,000, it's a good idea to know exactly what you want before writing that check at the dealership.

Having tested both SUVs with full-time four-wheel drive, I can tell you that the mechanical differences between the two are not that great. Luxury-and amenities-wise, it's another ballgame.

To put it in Monopoly board-game terms, the GX 470 is Pennsylvania Avenue, and the LX 470 is Boardwalk.

For those who have never played Monopoly, let's take it a step at a time and start with the new-for-2003 GX 470. It's a big step up from the entry-level Lexus SUV -- the RX 300, soon to become the RX 330.

Sweetly styled with smooth lines, fender flares and swept-back, integrated headlamps, the GX 470 oozes Lexus-level class. The story was the same inside the tested model -- leather to the max with a nice blend of maple wood trim all about, including the steering wheel.

Standard seating in the GX 470 is five, but a third row can be added to accommodate three more passengers. Personally, if I had my eye on the vehicle, I'd stick with the five-seat arrangement and use the back for transporting cargo alone. I had the optional third-row seat -- with a back-bench air conditioner also thrown in -- and it would be a tight squeeze for three adults.

Rolling, the GX 470 was most impressive. The 4.7-liter V-8 with a robust 235 horsepower and an even more impressive maximum torque rating of a 320 foot-pounds dug in and effortlessly zipped the vehicle ahead of traffic accelerating from stoplights (80 percent of the torque kicks in at a mere 1,100 revolutions per minute). Merging onto local freeways was a breeze.

Even when working hard, the GX 470 showed little strain. The SUV went about its work quietly, and a rock-solid suspension kept the ride smooth. Special features controlling ride height and the damping rate of shock absorbers undoubtedly contributed to the silky feel.

Those cavalier enough to take a vehicle with a starting price of nearly $45,000 off-road will find that chore made easier with the GX 470's "Downhill Assist Control," which automatically holds the SUV to a low target speed during steep descents.

A fuel-saver the GX 470 is not. The federal ratings are 15 miles per gallon in city driving and 18 mpg on the highway. My own monitoring came in about 1 mpg less on both counts.

All in all, however, the GX 470 is a formidable middle-range luxury offering, certainly a competitor against other SUVs in the $40,000-plus segment.

Naturally, there are those who want more, and for them there is the LX 470. My tester started at $63,125 and had a bottom line of $66,703. For these prices, a vehicle should have a lot -- and the LX 470 does.

The tested LX 470 came with the same engine and four-wheel-drive system as the GX 470, and many of the handling enhancements on the two vehicles were identical. The LX 470 is not even that much bigger than the GX 470 (although three people in the third-row seat have more room to spread out in the LX 470).

But the LX 470 justified its pricing with a host of comfort, convenience and luxury features befitting the top-of-the-line SUV in the Lexus fleet. The list of goodies included a standard DVD-based navigation system, power-folding exterior mirrors and dual-zone climate control with smog-sensing technology.

The tested LX 470 also came with a $2,200 option called the "Night View System," the greatest night-driving feature since the invention of the headlight and the best two-grand-plus you can spend for a little safety and security. Yes, similar systems have been on the market -- Cadillac has touted its worthy offering for years -- but the new Lexus system is state of the art.

The system projects near-infrared beams from two lamps built into the front bumper. The light reflects back to what Lexus calls a "Charged Coupled Device camera" mounted inside the SUV, at the top of the windshield. There, a computer processes images that are then projected onto the lower section of the windshield, just under the driver's normal field of vision.

In contrast to infrared systems that detect sources of heat but blur surrounding objects, the Lexus system projects basically a clear, black-and-white television picture of everything nearly 500 feet ahead of the vehicle -- including trees, boulders and road edges. During a late-night run from Lake Tahoe to Sacramento on Highway 50, I was able to clearly see sharp curves and various woodland features way before my eyes could see them.

Simply put, NVS is an enormous safety aid. It truly could be a lifesaver.

Grumbles on the LX 470? Well, it pains to see fuel-economy ratings of 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. A typical driver is likely to pay more than $1,600 a year for gasoline; a busy traveler is going to spend enough in a year to buy that Night Vision System.

The LX 470 tips the scales at about 1,000 pounds more than the GX 470, which means that the 4.7-liter V-8 has to work much harder to move the former. From a standing start, the GX 470 is much more satisfying in the performance department.

All things considered, it boils down to choice. As for me, I'd probably take the GX 470 as a vehicle that gives me plenty of what I need on the roadways. My guess is that many dedicated SUV drivers looking to move up in class will feel the same way.

If you want the whole Lexus experience and are fortunate enough to have the financial juice to swing it, the LX 470 should absolutely please you.

Whatever the choice, Lexus' SUV lineup is now more loaded than ever.
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Old 06-11-2003, 11:31 PM #48
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Lexus issue with 6500 lbs hitch

This new note has appeared on the Lexus Web site as a footnote:

http://www.lexus.com/showroom/model...iceoptions.html

6) Some GX 470s are made with an optional tow hitch that is installed before the vehicle is delivered to the dealer. Through the first half of 2003, this optional hitch is a 5,000-lb weight-carrying hitch that should not be used with weight-distributing hitch hardware. Starting approximately the second half of 2003, the optional hitch will change to a 6,500-lb weight-distributing hitch. Availability of these optional hitches is limited by the U.S. EPA to 33 percent of production. As a result of this limitation, these hitches will not be available as a dealer-installed option and hitch availability will end before the end of the model year. Please see your dealer for availability and details. Maximum tow ratings calculated using base vehicle, except for options required to achieve the rating, plus five occupants. Additional optional equipment/passengers/cargo will reduce the amount you can tow. Do not exceed any weight ratings. Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up properly and you have all necessary additional equipment. Review all instructions/cautions from your trailer-hitch manufacturer and Lexus Owner's Manual.
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Old 07-18-2003, 09:15 AM #49
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The New Lexus GX470 Is Both Very Elegant and Very Capable

by Kelly Foss – www.car-data.com

Lexus continues to impress the buying public with their array of SUVs. They seem to be building one for every occasion. That's no surprise as SUV sales in general seem to be more resilient than car sales. The latest offering, the GX 470, is a totally new vehicle for Lexus and focuses on Luxury and Adventure.

The genealogy of the GX can be traced back to the Toyota 4Runner line. Think of the new GX as a Lexus version of the totally new 4Runner and you're getting close. It is a midsize luxury SUV that is a body-on-frame design with a V8 and full time 4 wheel drive. From an equipment standpoint, it may also be described as a more modern midsize version of the LX 470 SUV.

Notwithstanding its elegant garb, it is an extremely rugged vehicle. This is no "poser" 4 wheel driver. It has the goods to take you almost anywhere you'd care to drive a $44,900 truck. It has the luxury of an adjustable air suspension yet the ruggedness of a manually locking TORSEN center locking differential. Whereas with the 4Runner you can pick and choose a V6 or V8 engine, 2 or 4 wheel drive, the base SR5 or the expensive Limited Edition, with the GX you get it all.

The vehicle comes standard with Lexus' delightful 4.7 liter V8 engine and a 5 speed automatic transmission. The already smooth and torquey engine is further augmented by an equally smooth 5 speed. The truck just oozes down the road and, barring the use of hard throttle, gear change is imperceptible. The combination delivers up this effortless and totally poised driving experience. It's like taking a Lexus sedan driving environment and transplanting it into a truck based SUV. There is also sufficient room in the cabin for a 3 passenger 3rd row of seats. Available as options are a Nav system, a rear DVD based entertainment system and an over achieving 240 watt Mark Levinson audio unit. The "base" GX however is a leather covered, genuine birds-eye maple trimmed luxury cruiser elegant enough to satisfy most upscale vehicle buyers.

I had the chance to test the off roading capabilities of the GX, which are substantial. Lexus had us driving up non-existent mountain roads at Soldier's Hollow in Park City, Utah to prove their point. We drove the GX through waist deep gulleys, down boulder strewn paths, up steep inclines in loose dirt and in general took the thing where very few owners would, but all could go if they wanted to. I also drove it at the Texas Truck Rodeo where we crawled through foot deep mud and waded through much too deep water. We got these elegant vehicles absolutely filthy but in adverse conditions their off-road performance was actually very good. The fact that all of this obligatory off-road gear is put on all GX models is somewhat mysterious. My guess is that 99% of the miles that all GX's will ever drive will be on paved city streets and highways. Lexus customers are close to Lexus dealers, which are almost all in larger cities. If you plan to do lots of off-roading, you'll likely get a Toyota 4Runner, its less expensive design twin. This vehicle is a luxury cruiser and maybe responding to the preferences of the large body of Southern, warm weather buyers, they'll offer a 2 wheel drive model.

In the whole, the GX puts it all together nicely. It's a great vehicle that I'm confident owners will be very satisfied with.

Personal Observations - I liked...

- A luxurious complete package

- Built to Lexus quality standards

- Very pleasant to drive and spend time in

However...

- All the mandatory off-road capability wasted on potential buyers in the southern half of the country
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Old 07-23-2003, 08:48 AM #50
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Link:

Forbes.com Review of GX470

HIGHS:
Lexus fit and finish; silky smooth V-8 and silky smooth ride.

LOWS:
Rear seats don't fold into the floor, big on the outside, not so big on the inside.
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Old 09-14-2003, 01:42 AM #51
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Available in 1/04: (along with roll-sensing side curtain airbags, back-up camera, and tire pressure monitoring)

Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS)

The optional KDSS employs hydraulic controls for the front and rear stabilizer bars in order to improve on-road handling and enhance off-road capability.

The system uses hydraulic cylinders acting on each stabilizer bar that are linked by a pressure-sensing valve. During cornering, when both front and rear cylinders are compressed, no fluid is flowing in the system and the stabilizer bars work conventionally to reduce body roll.

However, when an uneven surface is encountered, one compressed cylinder causes fluid to flow between the front and rear cylinders, allowing the stabilizer bars to move freely. This increases wheel articulation and travel as well as helping to equalize wheel loading.

By allowing the stabilizer bars to disengage in certain situations, the stiffness of the stabilizers can be notably increased, thereby reducing body roll and improving handling without negatively effecting ride comfort or off-road performance.
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Old 10-23-2003, 08:37 AM #52
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2004 GX470 Part I

Lexus GX 470 Adds New Safety and Innovative Suspension Technology for 2004

The Lexus GX 470 luxury utility vehicle, introduced just last year, receives new cutting-edge safety features for 2004, as well as an optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that helps improve control and comfort both on-road and in off-highway driving situations. (KDSS available in January 2004.)

The GX 470 is a full-capability luxury utility vehicle positioned between the brand's car-based RX 330 and the premium-luxury LX 470 in size and price. The 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 arsenal of dynamic handling technology.

"The GX 470 offers the ultimate in luxurious adventures," said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Denny Clements. "The enhancements for 2004 emphasize our commitment to offering the most luxurious and most capable SUVs in the market."

The new Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) adds another layer to the GX 470's impressive on-road ride and handling prowess and off-highway capability for 2004. The new system uses electronically controlled hydraulic cylinders to help vary the degree of sway resistance provided by the front and rear stabilizer bars.

The KDSS technology, which has been proven in World Rally Championship (WRC) competitions, provides more sway stiffness when needed for crisp handling response, less sway resistance when cornering, more comfort over bumpy roads, and even disengages the stabilizers for some off-highway driving conditions. With the stabilizers disengaged, the suspension gains more travel and articulation to help handle obstacles. KDSS is the first such suspension system in an SUV to combine all of these dynamic control functions.

Enhanced Safety for 2004
The Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) in the GX 470 include dual front and side airbags and side curtain airbags. The GX 470 adds three advanced safety features that will be available in January 2004. New roll-sensing curtain airbags are designed to deploy in a severe tilt angle, roll or lateral G force.

A new Tire Pressure Monitoring system (TPM) can detect a loss in pressure in one or more tires, a condition that could potentially lead to loss of control. The system uses coded sensors to monitor the tire air pressure directly and transmits this information to a receiver via radio frequency communication. The receiver calculates the information and, if a significant drop in pressure has occurred, an indicator light illuminates to warn the driver of the condition.

The GX 470 also provides a standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, which helps control loss of lateral traction while cornering on slippery or dry road surfaces. The system uses throttle intervention and/or individual wheel braking to help control any discrepancy between where the driver is steering and where the vehicle is heading.

The Look and Feel of Lexus Luxury
The GX 470 design draws a clear link to the Lexus family of vehicles. The styling is contemporary and bold, with well-integrated fender flares and running boards. The monochromatic exterior appearance reinforces the elegant yet practical design. Renowned Lexus attention to detail is shown in features such as tinted front glass with UV protection, illuminated running boards and an in-glass antenna.

Interior design and content continue the Lexus tradition of blending incomparable fit and finish with unmistakable luxury. The GX 470 offers eight-passenger seating with the optional rear seat. Available rear air conditioning brings all-season comfort to the third-row passengers.

New for 2004, the GX 470 offers an optional rear backup camera for added convenience (available in January 2004). Available in conjunction with the optional navigation system, the backup camera gives the driver a view of what's behind the vehicle, automatically projecting a color image on the navigation system's seven-inch LCD screen when reverse gear is engaged.

The optional, factory-installed DVD rear seat entertainment system uses a high-resolution thin film transistor (TFT) LCD screen that lowers from the headliner, providing a mobile theater experience for up to six passengers. A Lexus-exclusive Mark Levinson high-end audio system, also offered in other Lexus models, can turn the GX 470 into a concert hall on wheels.

An optional DVD-based Lexus Navigation System even allows rear-seat passengers to control the system via a remote control while simultaneously viewing on the rear entertainment drop-down screen what is being displayed on the dashboard screen.
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Old 10-23-2003, 08:37 AM #53
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Part II

Smooth Lexus Power
The GX 470's double overhead-cam 4.7-liter V8 engine produces 235 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. Customers who want to use the new model's 6,500-lb. towing capacity (with optional tow package) will appreciate that the GX 470 V8 produces a generous 80 percent of its peak torque - or 256 lb.-ft. - at just 1,100 rpm. The GX 470 also meets Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) certification. Its five-speed automatic transmission provides seamless shift quality, and shift logic holds gears on inclines for power and on descents for increased engine braking - helpful when towing.

Off-Road Management System
Lexus equipped the GX 470 with a four-wheel drive system that provides distinct benefits on- and off-road, without the compromise that these two environments often demand. The comprehensive off-road management system in the GX 470 makes it one of the most capable vehicles in its category. Its extensive array of dynamic handling technology includes:
* Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
* Active TRAC (traction control)
* Downhill Assist Control (DAC)
* Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
* Brake Assist (BA)
* Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
* Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and
* Adaptive Variable Suspension damping (AVS)

The full-time four-wheel drive system itself uses a Torsen
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Old 10-23-2003, 08:40 AM #54
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Link:

2004 GX470 Product Information

Enjoy!
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Old 11-04-2003, 01:27 AM #55
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Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-road: 2003 4x4 of the Year

Good read...GX is winner.
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Old 12-02-2003, 10:54 PM #56
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http://www.shareholder.com/tenneco/...1014-120178.cfm

Tenneco Automotive's Exclusive Kineticョ Suspension Technology To Debut On 2004 Lexus GX 470 SUV
Lake Forest, Illinois, October 14, 2003 - Tenneco Automotive (NYSE: TEN) announced that its patented Kineticョ suspension technology will be featured on the 2004 Lexus GX 470 sport utility vehicle. Lexus - the luxury division of Toyota - is launching its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, a version of the Kineticョ Reversible Function Stabilizer (RFS) technology, as an option on the luxury SUV through a licensing agreement with Tenneco Automotive.

"We are very excited to introduce our break-through Kineticョ suspension performance technology to the marketplace on the 2004 Lexus GX 470," said Mark Frissora, chairman and CEO of Tenneco Automotive. "We are proud that Toyota has recognized the special capabilities of Kineticョ that provide drivers with enhanced comfort and stability."

In a recent Lexus news release regarding the 2004 GX 470, the company described the Kineticョ suspension system as adding "another layer to the GX 470's impressive on-road ride and handling prowess and off-highway capability."

"The GX 470 offers the ultimate in luxurious adventures," said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Denny Clements in a recent news announcement. "Enhancements for 2004 emphasize our commitment to offering the most luxurious and most capable SUVs in the market."

Kineticョ RFS technology performance has been tested under rigorous conditions through Citroen's use of the technology in recent World Rally Championship events where RFS action gave Citroen's entries more even wheel loading, consistent handling and improved traction. The Citroen team made a historic first, second and third-place victory sweep at Monte Carlo in its first full event of the season with the RFS system and they currently lead the manufacturer's championship.

Tenneco Automotive continues to create and develop breakthrough suspension solutions for all segments of the automotive market. The company is currently pursuing several development opportunities with OE customers involving its Kineticョ technology.

About Kineticョ Technology

Kineticョ RFS is a distinctive variation of the basic proprietary Kineticョ suspension concepts that provide reduced articulation stiffness, increased roll stiffness and decoupled roll and bounce damping in a passive system without use of motors, pumps, sensors or computers. The RFS interconnects the front and rear stabilizers of the vehicle in order to optimize suspension performance in both on and off road environments.

On road, the system provides greater sway stiffness when required for crisp handling response, while at the same time providing improved comfort over bumpy surfaces. Off road, RFS enhances wheel travel and articulation freedom, allowing the vehicle to traverse obstacles with greater ease and comfort, all without requiring power or sensors for operation - a suspension approach and functionality entirely unique in the automotive market.

Tenneco Automotive is a $3.5 billion manufacturing company with headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois and approximately 19,600 employees worldwide. Tenneco Automotive is one of the world's largest producers and marketers of ride control and exhaust systems and products, which are sold under the Monroeョ and Walkerョ global brand names. Among its products are Sensa-Tracョ and Monroe Reflexョ shocks and struts, Ranchoョ shock absorbers, Walkerョ Quiet-Flowョ mufflers and DynoMaxョ performance exhaust products, and Monroeョ Cleviteョ vibration control components.

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the company's anticipated introduction of a ride control product and technology for a customer. Words such as "will," "plans," "become" and similar expressions identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of the company (including its subsidiaries). Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, the company's plans and actual results could differ materially. For example, realization of future sales from awarded business is inherently subject to risks and uncertainties regarding, among other things, new technologies that reduce the demand for certain of our products or otherwise render them obsolete. In addition, the company's customers generally have the right to replace the company (or its subsidiaries) with another supplier at any time for a variety of reasons and have increasingly demanded price decreases over the life of awarded business. Consumer and customer acceptance of new products and technologies also present risks and uncertainties. Other factors that could cause the company's plans and results to differ materially from current expectations are described in the company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, to which you are referred for additional information. The company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.
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Old 12-12-2003, 02:01 AM #57
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Not all is good about the new Kinetic Suspension system...this is from an email from a Lexus dealer:

"...The 9700c series now available does include the
backup camera with navagition of course. Also included is the RSCC, Rear
Sensing Curtain Airbags on/off switch. The KDSS suspension system does not
come with the tow option due to the fact that KDSS and tow adversley
effects the system. The KDSS option is an additional $1750.00..."

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Old 01-17-2004, 01:14 AM #58
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Lexus Introduces Innovative Suspension Technology in 2004 GX 470 - A Global First

Using technology successfully proven in World Rally Championship (WRC) competition, Lexus will introduce the world's first production application of the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) in the award-winning GX 470 luxury utility vehicle. The new suspension system becomes available as an option next month.

KDSS brings new levels of handling, ride comfort and off-road capability to the already highly capable GX 470. While these attributes are typically difficult to improve together, KDSS allows a different suspension tuning approach that provides notable improvements in each area.

"The benefits of this simple yet sophisticated system are really significant, making the
GX 470 more capable and comfortable in a wide variety of driving conditions," said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Denny Clements.

By employing a simple hydraulic control system acting on both front and rear stabilizer bars, KDSS varies the degree of roll stiffness provided by each of the bars in response to changing road conditions and driver inputs. But rather than increasing roll stiffness, the system reduces it as conditions require.

With its variable roll stiffness, a KDSS-equipped GX 470 is able to use much larger stabilizer bars that help reduce maximum body roll angle by nearly 50 percent, significantly improving handling response.

Large stabilizer bars would normally mean a stiff ride over single-wheel bumps, but with KDSS, the energy is distributed between front and rear so that ride comfort is not disturbed. In some cases it's actually better. Larger stabilizer bars also mean that shock absorber damping force can be better optimized to improve ride comfort, without sacrificing handling.

The front and rear stabilizer bars, which have nearly double the standard torsional stiffness, are supported by their own inter-connecting hydraulic cylinders. In normal cornering, the bars work conventionally to resist body roll motion and there is no fluid flow between the cylinders. But when unequal wheel loading occurs in certain conditions, fluid can move between the front and rear cylinders, helping to equalize loading.

The constantly changing and variable terrain that's typical of most off-road situations highlights the benefits of KDSS. Stiff stabilizer bars can limit off-road performance because the inside wheels tend to lift and lose traction when outside wheels encounter bumps. But with KDSS, the hydraulic cylinders allow the wheels on each axle to move with a larger degree of side-to-side independence, minimizing any tendency for wheel lift. The increased suspension articulation freedom helps maximize traction, even in the most challenging off-road driving situations.

KDSS works in concert with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), which continuously changes shock absorber damping in response to road conditions and driver input. Combining these suspension technologies helps provide superior ride and handling and maximum traction both on and off-road.

The GX 470 continues to provide high levels of luxury and convenience, and now even higher levels of performance in a very competitive segment. Pricing for the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System will be announced later this year.
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Old 01-30-2004, 12:45 AM #59
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Lexus GX 470 Takes 'Four Wheeler of the Year' Award For Second Consecutive Year With Help From New Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- For the second year in a row, the Lexus GX 470 luxury utility vehicle was named "Four Wheeler of the Year" by the editors of Four Wheeler Magazine. The competing GX 470 was equipped with the new Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that recently made its debut on the 2004 model.

Delivered annually since 1974, the "Four Wheeler of the Year" award has become a prestigious honor that is prized by manufacturers. The GX overcame six other four-wheel-drive vehicles for the title. "Winning the title two years running is unprecedented," said Denny Clements, Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager. "The new KDSS system allowed the GX to compete again and it clearly underscores the contribution it makes to on and off-road dynamics."

The GX 470 won the 2003 award on the strength of its "surprising ability and balance," according to Four Wheeler magazine. This year, the GX "consistently performed well in all categories of our testing," said Four Wheeler technical editor Craig Perronne. "It was also the best on the trail and this helped it to gather the most points to make it our choice for Four Wheeler of the Year."

Proven in the World Rally Championship, the innovative KDSS is a global first for production vehicles. The system offers significant benefits in ride, handling and traction that can be felt in a wide variety of driving conditions -- on and off-road -- by employing a simple hydraulic control system acting on both front and rear stabilizer bars.

KDSS varies the degree of roll stiffness provided by each of the stabilizer bars in response to changing road conditions and driver inputs, but rather than increasing roll stiffness, the system reduces it as conditions require. With its variable roll stiffness, a KDSS-equipped GX 470 is able to use much larger stabilizer bars that help reduce maximum body roll angle by nearly 50 percent, significantly improving handling response.

Large stabilizer bars would normally mean a stiff ride over single-wheel bumps, but with KDSS, the energy is distributed between front and rear so that ride comfort is not disturbed. In some cases it's actually better. Larger stabilizer bars also mean that shock absorber damping force can be better optimized to improve ride comfort, without sacrificing handling.

The front and rear stabilizer bars, which have nearly double the standard torsional stiffness, are supported by their own inter-connecting hydraulic cylinders. In normal cornering, the bars work conventionally to resist body roll motion and there is no fluid flow between the cylinders. But when unequal wheel loading occurs in certain conditions, fluid can move between the front and rear cylinders, helping to equalize loading.

The constantly changing and variable terrain that's typical of most off- road situations highlights the benefits of KDSS. Stiff stabilizer bars can limit off-road performance because the inside wheels tend to lift and lose traction when outside wheels encounter bumps. But with KDSS, the hydraulic cylinders allow the wheels on each axle to move with a larger degree of side- to-side independence, minimizing any tendency for wheel lift. The increased suspension articulation freedom helps maximize traction, even in the most challenging off-road driving situations.

KDSS works in concert with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), which continuously changes shock absorber damping in response to road conditions and driver input. Combining these suspension technologies helps provide superior ride and handling and maximum traction both on and off-road. This new option is now available on 2004 GX 470 models now at a cost of $1,750.

The GX 470 continues to provide high levels of luxury and convenience, along with award-winning performance in a very competitive segment.
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Old 04-02-2004, 08:56 AM #60
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Test Drive:
2004 Lexus GX 470
Review and photos by Grant Yoxon

In the automotive vernacular, Lexus is synonymous with luxury. Off-road and heavy-hauling are not words one normally finds in the same sentence with Lexus. Until now.

Enter the Lexus GX 470. With seating for eight, as much as 2,513 litres (88.7 cubic feet) of cargo space, and V8 power, the Lexus GX 470 fills the price gap between the mid-size RX 330 and ultra-luxury LX 470, and gives luxury SUV buyers a Lexus with real off-road and towing ability.

While the RX series helped make Lexus the best selling luxury brand in North America, blending the cargo-carrying and all-weather versatility of an SUV with the performance and comfort of a luxury sedan, it did not offer some potential customers the off-road durability and towing capability that they needed.


The ultra-luxury LX 470 is a capable off-roader, but with a base price of $100,400, it is priced well beyond most buyer
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