Saturday, March 1, 2008

Lexus RX Gets New Entertainment System in UK


Lexus must have been receiving quite a few complaints. Owners are being irritated by their kids that are too noisy when sitting in the back of their Lexus RX luxury crossover. It seems that due to the Lexus being so hushed in operation, the noise of the kids having a riot in the back seat is being exacerbated.

Rather than take the kids to behaviour school, Lexus have given Mum and Dad the option of fitting their new In Car Entertainment system. Lexus claims the new system “delivers better quality, improved performance and even greater versatility, but at no extra cost compared to the current system”. Mum and Dad say “but will it keep them occupied and shut them up?”. It would seem a question that would be a little hard to answer so Lexus are giving no guarantees but they do state that “The system is compatible with Region 2 DVD, CD, USB 2.0 and SD Card media. Compatible formats are DVD playback 4.3 and 1.69, MPEG2, MPEG 4, DivX, MP3 CD, MP3 DVD, photo CD JPEG, DVD video, Video CD (VCD) and Super Video CD (SVCD).” This should keep the most ardent techno whiz kid occupied and there are even some RCA jacks to plug in a games console, although we are unsure if they are anti-lollypop proof. Some new infra red head phones keep the noise down for the parents.

The new system has two slim tablet like screens which Lexus says are smaller than the old ones and are foldable for easy storage। Reception is better and the units are more resistant to screen jitter when the RX is travelling over rough surfaces. Lexus doesn’t claim any major improvement with regards to Anti-Sticky-Finger-Screen-Smudging though. They must still be working on ASFSS technology. Nevertheless, even at a whopping £2,200 sterling, I am sure there will be plenty of near deaf parents out there that will be willing to pay.


Press Release

Lexus RX Gets New Entertainment System in UK

Lexus raises in-car entertainment to a new level with the introduction of an advanced new premium ICE package for the RX luxury SUV. It delivers better quality, improved performance and even greater versatility, but at no extra cost compared to the current system.

The new premium ICE comprises two slim tablet units, securely mounted on the back of the front seats. Each features an eight-inch WVGA screen with an integrated side loading DVD player and USB 2.0 and SD Card readers. The units are resistant to screen jitter when travelling over uneven surfaces and their larger screen size gives a wider viewing angle.

Two pairs of infrared headphones are provided, which are about 20 per cent smaller than before, making them easier for children to use. They are now foldable for easy storage. Reception has been sharpened and there is an auto power-off function. Each tablet has a manual control panel, or a remote control unit can be used, redesigned for a superior tactile quality and ease of use.

The tablets have RCA inputs for connecting compatible games consoles and a stereo 23.5mm jack point. The screens can be operated together or independently, should passengers choose to enjoy the same playback or their own choice of video, music or gaming.

The system is compatible with Region 2 DVD, CD, USB 2.0 and SD Card media. Compatible formats are DVD playback 4.3 and 1.69, MPEG2, MPEG 4, DivX, MP3 CD, MP3 DVD, photo CD JPEG, DVD video, Video CD (VCD) and Super Video CD (SVCD).

The premium ICE package, available to order now, is provided as standard on SE-L versions of the RX 350 and RX 400h. It is offered as an option on all other grades, priced £2,200.

Source: Lexus UK



More transmissions:

2008 Lexus RX350 Spy
Lexus RX ES and LS Pebble Beach Editions
Lexus IS-F Performance Sedan Unveiled
Lexus IS F: Details (JA)
2008 Lexus LS 600h L Hybrid Luxury Sedan
2008 Lexus SC430
Lexus IS-F to Make European Debut
Lexus IS 250 X Limited Edition (AU)
US Pricing for 2008 Lexus IS F Announced

Mitsubishi Panther Styling Concepts

First shown at the Australian motor show in October 2007, these styling concepts from Mitsubishi Australia actually show some of the accessories that are now available from Mitsubishi Australia Dealers.

Mitsubishi have been in the Australian press for all the wrong reasons of late. Recently they have just pulled their manufacturing operations in Australia which means they will no longer build their Mitsubishi 380 V6 sedan. To try and win the Aussie buying public over once again, Mitsubishi are showcasing their “Panther” concepts.

All the vehicles are all painted in, of course, black. Firstly there is the little Colt hatch with its funky body kit and 16-inch alloy wheels, probably the most successful looking car to receive the makeover. Next in line for the Panther treatment is the Lancer sedan which has huge 20-inch blinged up chrome wheels.


The four wheel drives in the range also get fully blinged up to the hilt with ridiculous 22-inch American style chrome wheels. The Pajero/Shogun off-roader also gets a lowered ride height, custom body kit, illuminated scuff panels and a chrome exhaust tip. The Triton Pick-up adds a hard tonneau cover and front and rear lamp bezels, in chrome of course.

Even the Grandis People carrier gets the treatment so mum can look the business on the school run.


It all makes for a chintzy, blinged up range of cars that offer much style over little substance. The only thing that is lacking now is the 22-inch sub woofer!

Source: Mitsubishi Motors AU Ltd



Related entries:


Mitsubishi Sportback Concept
Mitsubishi Concept-RA
Mitsubishi Concept-ZT
Mitsubishi Double Shotz Hot Wheels Concept