Rumormill: New Lexus GX foretold for Fall
According to Ward's Auto, Lexus' GX SUV will finally be relieved of duty when a new model comes calling this autumn. The mid-size body-on-frame GX has been serving essentially unaltered since 2003, and dealerships have been struggling to sell them in recent years, with April deliveries down some 66.1% year-over-year.
According to Ward's sources, the GX will receive the 310-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 from the 2010 Tundra, giving it a useful boost over the larger 263-hp 4.7-liter in the current model. The model will also benefit from a new interior (including a next-gen navigation system) and reworked sheetmetal and fascias, including a different rear door assembly.
The news would appear to make sense, as a successor to Toyota's 4Runner has been confirmed by officials, and that model's chassis underpins the GX (not the Land Cruiser as claimed in the Ward's article).
[Source: Ward's Auto]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
alex 10:35AM (5/19/2009)
they need to replace it.... the GX is one ugly piece of sh*t.
while they're at it, they should replace the LX, because that isn't any better looking. i can't believe they sell any LX's... the Escalade is $12,000 cheaper and actually looks like a luxury vehicle!
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seanleeforever 4:24PM (5/19/2009)
LX is much more capabile than Escalade when it is not on the paved road.
if you ever go to some place with very bad/almost no paved road, you will see Land Cruisers / LX all over the place. their duarability and off-road capability is what separate themselves from fake SUVs.
Other Man 5:43PM (5/19/2009)
The Escalade is simply trash compared to the LX. Its interior is miles better, it's more reliable, it's better built, and it's much more capable. The Escalade is a complete rip-off.
FousString85 10:38AM (5/19/2009)
If Toyota continues its current trend, then "The model will also benefit from a WORSE interior..."
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Jimbo 10:42AM (5/19/2009)
Wards is somewhat correct...the GX is called the Land Cruiser Prado in many markets.
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carcomptoy 11:10AM (5/19/2009)
It may be called the Land Cruiser Prado in some parts of the world, but it shares the 4Runner's chassis, not the Land Cruiser's. It's only called Land Cruiser because of brand image, as that name carries a lot of heritage and reputation.
It's like with Hyundai's Elantra and Elantra Touring--the two are nothing alike, but Hyundai decided to name it Elantra because the name's already established.
EXP Jawa 11:12AM (5/19/2009)
Or the Land Cruiser 120 in others still. It's *that* model that underpins the US market 4Runner, not the other way around. The Lexus is a rebadge of the Prado/120, whereas the 4Runner is a rebodied version.
dani 1:33PM (5/19/2009)
Actually, the 4runner uses the Prado platform. The Prado platform was the continuation of the Land Cruiser platform when Toyota decided to make them bigger. In developing countries the offroad capabilities of the Prado are necessary. Besides, the Land Cruiser is too big to get into tight spots. The FJ Cruiser is basically a shorter Prado with a different body.
In most places, the Lexus GX is sold as an upscale version of the Prado, it's not a substitute. Also the Prado doesn't share the same engines, you can opt for a 2.8 gas, 2.4 diesel, 3.0 diesel and 4.0 V6 gas.
I live in the DR and Prado is the best selling SUV, specially since it's very durable and can handle the rought roads and off-roading. I should know, I own a FJ Cruiser and my family owns 2 Prado's, which we use as they we're inteded to :)
jim 9:48AM (5/20/2009)
In many markets "Land Cruiser" is nearly a brand with several distinct models, SUVs and pickups that are built on at least 3 chassis. Generally, North America has only received what is now the 200 series model.
TD 10:55AM (5/19/2009)
I have never understood why this was a Lexus and why Lexus people bought it. This vehicle has always seemed strange. I saw plenty of these in Africa and they are great true off road vehicles but as a luxury ride?
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sbessette91 10:49AM (5/19/2009)
For the love of God, please do not use that awful interior from the LS/LX!!
The GX is the only Lexus I like and it will be interesting to see where they take it in terms of design.
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Alex Hobbs 11:08AM (5/19/2009)
This ugly thing always reaffirmed my belief that people who buy Lexus's will drive anything they slap their logo on and cover in leather.
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futurama 11:24AM (5/19/2009)
Sooooooo agreed. only people seen driving this ancient ugly monster are 'brand' savvy, unsuspecting Moms of American suburb... yuk.
this car seriously does not deserve, and should not be used as leather covered, road driven lexus. just use them in Africa! not urban jungle.
Gary 11:12AM (5/19/2009)
I thought that Lexus didn't let vehicles languish essentially unchanged for 6 years or more.
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John 11:14AM (5/19/2009)
When they talk about the different rear door assembly, hopefully that means they are dumping the stupid swing-out door. That is so much less useful than a lift-up tailgate. I've never really gotten why these are used, other than when necessitated by having a spare tire mounted to it, when it won't fit anywhere else.
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why not the LS2LS7? 11:15AM (5/19/2009)
Lexus makes too many SUVs. Let it die.
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Anti-believer 11:44AM (5/19/2009)
Lexus has the same amount of SUV's as everyone else. You're bitching isn't valid. Everyone has an entry level, mid and top level.
why not the LS2LS7? 12:09PM (5/19/2009)
Yes. They have 3. Which is too many. Of luxury makers, Only Land Rover makes more and it's their whole gig.
Anti-believer 1:08PM (5/19/2009)
Land Rover was originally apart of Sterling / Rover which was the car division until it was sold off. You still didn't prove your point!
the vegas style guy 1:30PM (5/19/2009)
Anti, are you really trying to defend Lexus? They have lost their bearings in a huge way. From gimmicks like auto parking to that horrible new G6 convertible (oops). all the way to this overpriced piece of real estate agent lorry, Lexus is beginning to suck big time.