2003 Lexus LX 470

2003 Lexus LX 470
Not about to be outdone by a new sibling, the flagship LX 470 cruises into 2003 with some significant upgrades, two of which are currently unavailable on any other Lexus: variable gear ratio steering and the Lexus Night View system.

Night View uses near-infrared projectors in the front bumper, a camera, and head-up display to provide extra visibility at a range three to four times farther than low-beam headlights yet not as far as high beams. The variable gear ratio steering operates normally at speed but requires far less wheel turning for sharp low-speed maneuvering.

Other upgrades to the LX include another 5 horsepower and another gear in the automatic transmission for improved launch, 18x8.0-inch alloy wheels with 60-series tires that improve on-road performance and crispness at the expense of off-highway and pothole comfort, and new standards such as rain-sensing wipers, voice-activated navigation, side airbags and curtains, and tire-pressure monitors.--GRW