Spy Shots: Next Toyota Landcruiser Prado/Lexus GX caught in the Middle East?
by Jonathon Ramsey on Jul 8th 2009 at 12:32PM 
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado spy shots -- Click above for image gallery
A tipster in the Middle East has sent pics of what looks to be the area's next Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (known as the Lexus GX stateside). If it is the next version of the SUV, Toyota has gone for a massaging routine as opposed to brute force change. A reshaped front fascia contains swoopier headlights, a vertical-bar grille similar to that of the Australian model), and a raised lower bumper detail. The changes are minimal out back, with more pronounced taillamps and a unique U-shaped chrome taillamp garnish.
As the vehicle seen here is thought to be based on the same platform as the current model, it isn't clear if this is the same chassis that is expected to underpin America's next Toyota 4Runner/GX expected this Fall. In the Gulf region, Al Motor News figures that the predecessor's Toyota engines will carry over: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder and a 4.0-liter V6. The Gulf-market Lexus is also expected to get a 4.6-liter V8 engine option with 310 horsepower.
These shots were apparently taken at a dealer inventory lot, so it is assumed the Prado will be shown officially in the not-too-distant future. You can get a sneak preview for yourself in the gallery of photos below. Hat tip to Ebraheem!
[Source: Al Motor News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Taglane 12:39PM (7/08/2009)
HOLY KRAP
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dukeisduke 12:43PM (7/08/2009)
I could do without the ugly grille, and the goofy '80s striping.
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Nellydesign 2:08PM (7/08/2009)
Seriously, those stripes belong on a 1986 Winnebago. The vehicle design has about as much appeal as one of those anyway.
Art 12:44PM (7/08/2009)
Lexus GX: The Passionate pursuit of stagnation
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Mondo 12:45PM (7/08/2009)
That XJ is hot.
Landcruiser/GX, not so much.
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Taglane 1:03PM (7/08/2009)
um. I think someone deleted the comment.
D:
Shiftright 12:55PM (7/08/2009)
Now with grille by Buick, circa 1950....
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MMS 12:58PM (7/08/2009)
Please dear baby Jesus, make that beautiful side detailing available stateside.
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13enS 1:01PM (7/08/2009)
That grill and paint scheme are ugh-glee. (On the white one.)
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Sal Collaziano 1:02PM (7/08/2009)
Well the GX BADLY needed an update. This looks okay to me. The back is almost the same, though. For a vehicle that's been around for so long without any changes, I find this kind of disappointing. I wonder what the interior looks like. It had better have some new technologies and more power..
Sal Collaziano
http://www.planetlexus.com
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click_playaz 1:03PM (7/08/2009)
Wow!is it production ready? I'm a Lexus fan but it doesn't seem right to me.
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Tikki 1:15PM (7/08/2009)
Toyota = The New GM, keep it up Toyota oh please keep up the good work, LOL.....
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Some Dipshit 1:17PM (7/08/2009)
FUGLY!
WTF Toyota?
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Level 1:17PM (7/08/2009)
funny but people will still buy because it comes with a Toyota badge and the credentials under the ugly skin....
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Other Man 1:26PM (7/08/2009)
I read somewhere that the USDM model will probably have the 4.6L, not a good move to me. The 5.7L is more in line with the power available in its competitors.
Anyways, considering the new LX was executing exceptionally well, I have high hopes for this.
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futurama 1:51PM (7/08/2009)
seriously? high hopes for this?
you better not be GX brand manager at Lexus.
Other Man 1:58PM (7/08/2009)
Why can't I? I like rugged off-road luxury machines such as the LR3 and this, although the current GX is outdated in many ways.
Don't be so closed-minded and mature enough to understand not everyone likes what you like.
Mike 2:17PM (7/08/2009)
If this came with the oversized 5.7, it's a waste. Fuel mileage alone will kill its chances in the USA. Tundra is a complete failure and will most likely be dead in the next few years.
Bring a better design with a diesel to the USA. That has a chance.
British_Rover 3:22PM (7/08/2009)
Err The LR3 is a rugged off road machine but the GX is not. Solid axle rear with IFS up front and no cross link valve like the LR3 means it will be terrible off road.
In order to make an independent suspension work off road it needs to have air springs with a cross linked valve setup. That is how Rover gets an independent suspension to mimic a solid axle off road.
Other Man 6:14PM (7/08/2009)
@ Mike:
If Toyota got anything right with the Tundra (and they didn't get much), it was the 5.7-L/6-speed combo. I've driven the Toyota Sequoia with this engine, and heavens is it powerful! Makes such a heavy ute feel effortless, even booting it at 80 mph. Mileage is pretty atrocious in the GX470, so I'd actually think numbers would remain the same on this (likely) heavier new model, or even possibly improve in the city a hair. Land Rover added a far more powerful engine to the 2010 LR4 without thinking about it. Don't see why Toyota can't.
@ British Rover:
The GX is actually pretty darn capable off road. You know the Range Rover is a unibody platform with IFS and IRS right? And it's still tremendously capable off road. Same story with the Cayenne/Touareg. This certainly could be too.