Here it is! The 1998 Harrier SUV concept! It also gave us the closest look at the Lexus RX300 introduced March of 1998.

The next-generation SUV that combines the performance of a passenger car and the functions of a sports utility vehicle. The SUW Harrier is a completely new concept. A car that satisfies two burgeoning consumer markets: those who want all the performance attributes of a passenger car, and those who want all the functions of a sports utility vehicle. The Harrier is at home in formal city situations, as it is in the mountains or at the beach. And its new design is worthy of its new concept. In front, over-and-under headlamp units and a smart grille give a hefty impression, tempered with a suave air. All the front-end lights are concentrated in two headlamp units, so they are less susceptible to damage when driving over rough, unpaved roads. From the side, the Harrier is very much a 4-wheel drive, evidenced by its big wheels. Its flowing wedge-shaped silhouette is well balanced. The rounded rear window and rear quarter emphasize its strong, smooth surfaces. The rear combination lamps are covered by clear plastic lenses that are like extensions of the rear quarter panels.

In the rear, the Harrier has a torque-sensing limited slip differential (LSD). It has a higher bias than conventional differentials. As a result, it is much better at determining the proper torque split between left and right wheels. The Harrier has Macpherson strut suspension front and rear, both hung on large subframes that prevent vibration from being transferred to the body. On paved roads or off, the Harrier's suspension assures excellent control, stable operation, and a quiet, comfortable ride.

What a beautiful engine! The Variable Valve Timing we've seen on Lexus sedans now comes here too! The Harrier mounts Toyota's new-generation BEAMS* 3.0-liter V6 1MZ-FE engine laterally in front. The BEAMS powerplant features a VVT-i* valve train and a three-step variable intake system that adjusts the length of the intake tract to match engine operating conditions. As a result, the engine offers world top-class low-to-mid-range torque and high-speed performance that rivals any passenger car. So the Harrier can readily act as passenger sedan or SUV. A new active control engine mount uses pressure from the engine's intake manifold to reduce engine vibration and booming noise in the cabin. In addition, it allows idling to be set at very low rpms, improving fuel efficiency.

Sports-Steer Shiftmatic transmission: On the automatic transmission shift indicator panel, there is an M beside the D for Drive. This function of the Sports-Steer Shiftmatic transmission allows the driver to shift it like a manual. Once the gear shift lever is placed in M, thedriver shifts down with the switch on top of the steering wheel spokes and up with the switch on the underside, selecting and changing gears as necessary. This quick-shifting system makes for exciting, sports car-like driving. And just look at this center console! There's an LCD panel for GPS controls and notice how the shift lever doesn't get in te way around the feet!

Look at the beautiful interior! Note the bright speedometer display and the slanted air vents! Full-time 4-wheel drive: Who knows when an SUW will be called upon to navigate rough roads? That's why Toyota engineers developed a new full-time 4-wheel drive system for the Harrier. The center differential is engineered to split the engine's torque to match the conditions the Harrier is traveling through. Rain and snow, for example, pose no problems.