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The four generations of RX:
• RX 300, model year 1999
• RX 330, model year 2004
(RX 400h, a hybrid, was
introduced as MY 2005)
• RX 350 and RX 450h,
model year 2009
• RX 350 and RX 450h,
model year 2016
RX THROUGH
THE AGES
The RX has an electric power
steering system. The angle of the
steering column was lowered by
2° and the front seat lowered
by 0.75 in. with the objective of
providing a "sportier" driving
position. There are disc brakes
all around. There is an automatic
brake hold function that controls
the hydraulic pressure in the brake
lines for each of the wheels; it is
activated via pushing a switch;
it is cancelled by stepping on the
accelerator.
The RX 350 is powered by a
3.5-liter, DOHC, direct-injection
Atkinson cycle V6 that produces
295 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque.
Though the "VVT-iW" system,
which both advances and retards
intake cam timing as needed,
the engine will switch between
Otto and Atkinson cycles, with
the purpose of improving fuel
economy. The transmission is an
electronically controlled eight-
speed. The vehicle is available
with a rear diferential with
an integrated, electronically
controlled coupling that provides
on-demand AWD capability.
→
p The model year 1999 Lexus RX,
the frst generation.