← Toyota Global Product Strategy
Toyota Motor Corp. issued the following press release on the Japanese-version of the new Lexus RX330:
Toyota Motor Corp. announced the nationwide launch of the completely redesigned Harrier on 17, February.
While refining the segment-creating appeal of the original, which was launched in 1997 as “a luxury SUV with the performance of a high-class sedan”, the second-generation Harrier puts new emphasis on maneuverability and safety. It features advanced driving support mechanisms, higher functionality, state-of-the-art safety equipment and ultra-low emissions.
“Like the swift and sharp yet graceful movement of a hawk, the new Harrier achieves levels of performance that qualify it as the leader in next-generation SUV luxury,” explains TMC Project General Manager Yukihiro Okane, the Harrier’s lead engineer.
Better maneuverability comes from a totally new platform, new suspension components and wider wheels, while an in-touch-with-the-road steering sensation creates a truer driving feel. An electronic height-adjustable air suspension (on the top grade) features a LO mode that lowers the center of gravity to reduce roll for sporty performance on winding roads.
Nighttime visibility is improved by Intelligent AFS, which shifts the headlights left or right in accordance with vehicle speed and steering angle. And for use whether it is light or dark is the world’s first commercial application of a front and side camera/monitor system.
Also featured is Pre-crash Safety, which uses millimeter-wave radar to retract front seatbelts whenever a collision is judged imminent and accelerates the activation of Brake Assist. And all grades have been certified as ultra-low emissions vehicles under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles.
Superior maneuverability
A new, high-rigidity platform, four-wheel independent suspension, L-type lower arm MacPherson struts up front and dual-link MacPherson struts in the rear contribute to excellent maneuverability. Also featured are redesigned coil springs and newly adopted new-type shock absorbers with an improved valve structure that provide highly responsive linear dampening force from low piston speeds. — Toyota Crown Majesta's complete redesign.
The AIRS grade, the highest grade, features an electronically controlled air suspension system. In addition to an automatic leveling function that adjusts the vehicle height to a specific level when the vehicle loading conditions change, different heights can be selected by the driver: a LO mode pursues the world’s best handling performance for sporty driving, a HI mode is for driving over rough terrain and an access mode sets the vehicle height lower to facilitate easy ingress and egress when the engine is not running.
With due consideration to driving fun, the new Harrier comes with wide 225/65R17 or 235/55R18 tires and aluminum wheels for sporty performance.
Power to spare
1MZ-FE Engine
The VVT-i system, which optimizes intake valve timing in line with engine rpm and load, and the Acoustic Control Induction System-V (ACIS-V), which adjusts the length and surface area of the intake system in three stages in line with vehicle operating conditions, ensure high torque at all speeds from low to high and contribute to excellent fuel efficiency.
2AZ-FE Engine
The 2.4-liter 2AZ-FE engine with VVT-i and a long-port intake manifold achieve high torque all the way up to the high revolution range for easy handling and smooth performance.
In addition, the aluminum cylinder block, magnesium cylinder head cover and plastic intake manifold contribute to reduced weight and reduced engine friction and enhanced thermal efficiency, thereby improving fuel economy.
Transmission
Super ECT intelligent five-speed automatic transmission
Vehicles equipped with the 3.0-liter engine use the 5 Super ECT super intelligent five-speed automatic transmission for smooth acceleration.
All models are equipped with sequential Shiftmatic. The shift range can be selected by changing the position of the shift lever to the “S” position set next to the “D” position. — all-new Prius with hybrid technology.
SUV driving capabilities
The Harrier features a ground clearance of 180mm or 185mm (depending on the grade). In the AIRS grade model, the air suspension’s vehicle height control function can raise ground clearance another 30mm. A 31-degree approach angle (in AIRS HI mode) and large-diameter tires provide excellent driving ability even on poor surfaces.
The four-wheel drive models feature a full-time 4WD system. During normal driving, the allocation of driving power to the front and rear wheels is set at 50:50. When either the front or rear wheels slip, such as when driving on slippery surfaces, the allocation of power is adjusted accordingly to ensure excellent drivability at all times.
Independent four-wheel-brake control-made possible by VSC (Vehicle Skid Control) and TRC (Traction Control System) (both available in 3.0-liter models)-and engine-torque control, provide excellent drivability and stability. The 2.4-liter engines are combined with a viscous coupling-type LSD.
Outstanding driving-support features
Intelligent AFS
The new Harrier features Intelligent AFS, which automatically shifts the direction of the headlights (low-beam)-a world’s first-depending on vehicle speed and steering angle. When turning right, the right headlight shifts a maximum of 15 degrees to the right; when turning left, the left headlight shifts a maximum of five degrees to the left. The system enhances visibility on curves in dark driving conditions, making driving at night easier.
Monitors on three sides
In addition to a backup guide monitor that assists in reversing, a camera installed in the front grille displays the view from the front and a camera built into the passenger-side door mirror shows the view to the left, both of which are hard to directly see from the driver’s seat. These views are presented, as a world’s first, on the vehicle’s Electro-Multivision screen. Also displayed on screen are directional guidelines, calculated by steering angle, to make navigating narrow streets easier.
Radar cruise control
A radar cruise control system maintains the appropriate distance from a preceding vehicle according to speed. It uses a laser radar sensor and steering sensor to identify the preceding vehicle and the lane.
Prestigious styling
Exterior design
The new Harrier carries on the identity of the original, but features even more prestigious styling. — Alphard hybrid launch.
The front view, continued from the original Harrier, features a hood that extends forward and distinctly defined headlights to express a more-advanced styling.
The side view presents a character line that extends in an upward stroke from the beltline as if to engulf the quarter pillars, creating a sharp impression.
The rear view features crystal-like combination lights that express status and prestige, while the hexagonal rear window contributes to the Harrier’s distinctive styling.
Interior design
The interior design features an instrument panel that, true to the Harrier’s name, evokes an image of the open wings of a hawk. In addition, a vertical metallic panel in the center, which is divided into left and right halves, communicates a sense of cool elegance through its unique shape. Its metallic finish and the use of wood-grain panels serve to emphasize the advanced and refined nature of the design.
Optional on all models is an electrically operated three-panel Multi-panel Moon-roof that provides 2.5 times more light than a conventional sunroof.
Vehicle dimensions
The overall length, width and height, as well as wheelbase, have all been increased to create a spacious interior with a larger-than-before luggage space. At the same time, the minimum turning radius has been kept at 5.7m by increasing the maximum steering angle.
Monthly sales target: 2,500 units
