Autoblog

Lexus GX to go unibody, gain turbo power?

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 30 May 2012 18:14:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Lexus, Toyota, Rumormill, Design/Style, Luxury

Add another one to the endangered list. The number of traditional body-on-frame SUVs has been dwindling as manufacturers replace them with crossovers, which is the direction the Lexus GX 460 is heading. According to Ward's Auto, the GX will likely be supplanted by a unibody, three-row crossover at the end of its current lifecycle.

Toyota introduced the current Lexus GX in 2010, at the same time it also redesigned the 4Runner, on which the Lexus model is based. If the GX is shifted to a unibody platform, that could mean that Toyota would do similarly with the 4Runner, or the two vehicles could diverge and the GX could assume the underpinnings of another model.

This is mere speculation, but Toyota could shift the GX to the Highlander platform that is currently shared with the Lexus RX. Since the RX is not available in a three-row model, the move would allow the GX to retain its third row as a differentiator without upsetting the successful formula of the RX, Lexus' best-seller.

Regardless of what Toyota decides to do with the GX and 4Runner, Ward's says the company is also investigating the use of turbocharged four-cylinder engines in Lexus products. Since Toyota already has one of the best engines in the world in its direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 that sits under the hood of most Lexus models, we wouldn't expect the brand to introduce a turbo four any time soon, at least not in its volume products.

Lexus GX to go unibody, gain turbo power? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2012 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus planning LF-A Roadster for 2014; seven-seat CUV delayed

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Crossover, Lexus

The super-hot Lexus LFA coupe may only have a production run of 500 units, but the candle might not burn out on this stunner anytime soon. According to Automotive News, Lexus will produce an LFA roadster, previewed by the 2008 Detroit Auto Show concept car pictured above. Interestingly, the report indicates that there will likely be a one-year hiatus in between LFA coupe and roadster production, so the droptop supercar should hit the streets in mid-2014.

Automotive News also reports that Lexus' long-rumored seven-passenger crossover, dubbed 'VX', has been delayed, even after several years of study. As far as the automaker's CUVs and SUVs go, the RX will get a redesign in early 2014, using some of the new bits found in the updated Toyota Camry platform. The larger GX, which was redesigned in 2010, will not see any major changes, and the grandaddy LX will likely carry on unchanged for the foreseeable future - possibly beyond 2015.

Lexus' sedan lineup will also see some big changes over the next few years, starting with the launch of the all-new 2012 GS early next year. Following that, the ES will be redesigned and tuned and a hybrid version will finally be offered. The smaller IS will get an overhaul in late 2012, based on a chopped version of the new GS platform.

Lexus planning LF-A Roadster for 2014; seven-seat CUV delayed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Despite tough year, Toyota finishes 2010 with best-selling car, brand and luxury marque titles

Zach Bowman — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Lexus, Scion, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

2010 Lexus GX460 - Click above for high-res image gallery

By most accounts, Toyota didn't have the rosiest of years in 2010. Hounded by safety recalls, lawsuits and government investigations, the automaker saw its once spotless reputation grow more sullied by the month. Still, it's important to note that none of these issues stopped the Japanese automaker from snagging some impressive U.S. sales titles, including the best-selling car (Camry), brand (Toyota) and luxury marque (Lexus) for 2010, not including fleet sales. All told, the entire company saw 1,763,595 sales through 2010 - a number that's more or less comparable to its 2009 figures. The Toyota brand itself walked away with 1,534,266 of those sales, while Lexus sent home 229,329 units and Scion managed to move a further 45,678 vehicles.

While the Toyota division's sales stayed flat for 2010 compared to 2009, Lexus sales jumped by 6.9 percent. The luxury brand's increase was driven largely by its light truck sales, which were up 13.3 percent compared to 2009. Interestingly enough, the Lexus GX saw sales increase by 165.6 percent over 2009 numbers, with 16,450 units sold. Hit the jump for the full press release. Thanks for the tip, Michael!

Gallery: 2010 Lexus GX460

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Despite tough year, Toyota finishes 2010 with best-selling car, brand and luxury marque titles

Despite tough year, Toyota finishes 2010 with best-selling car, brand and luxury marque titles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus GX officially off Consumer Reports "Don't Buy" list

Zach Bowman — Fri, 07 May 2010 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Safety, Lexus, Luxury

According to Consumer Reports, it's officially safe to wade back into Lexus GX waters. The luxury SUV has been removed from the infamous "Do Not Buy" list after Toyota solved the handling issues that landed the high-riding people mover in time-out. The Japanese automaker has corrected a software issue that allowed the vehicle to lose control during emergency braking maneuvers. All new models will be sold with the fix, and current owners have been asked to bring in their vehicles so that the repair can be made free of charge.

About a month ago, Consumer Reports found that during testing, the stability control on the new GX failed to reign in wild slides, thereby creating a potential recipe for a roll-over. The magazine's testing resulted in an internal investigation at Toyota that eventually produced the software fix. To date, no one has been injured due to the glitch.

While the Lexus GX is officially back in the game, it may take some time before buyers stop associating the truck with the Consumer Reports black list.

[Source: Automotive News]

Continue reading Lexus GX officially off Consumer Reports "Don't Buy" list

Lexus GX officially off Consumer Reports "Don't Buy" list originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 May 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Lexus GX recall remedy in action

Chris Shunk — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Videos, Lexus, Toyota

Click above to watch video after the jump

Toyota announced a voluntary recall on Monday for some 9,400 Lexus GX 460 SUVs for wheel slippage that could occur during high speed turns. The company acted quickly in stopping sales of the GX after Consumer Reports gave the SUV a Do Not Buy rating following its own tests that showed the big SUV had trouble maintaining composure during high speed maneuvers. Toyota's press release at the time stated the recall involves reprogramming software in the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system. We weren't sure how long it would take Toyota to develop a software patch, but apparently it didn't take long at all.

The main culprit appears to be the fact that the fuel tank is located on the left side of the vehicle. A full tank of gas plus the weight of a driver in left-hand-drive vehicle could result in some hairy handling when taking right turns at high speed. That is, at least, before Toyota's software fix for the VSC system.

Follow the jump to see the effect a little reprogramming has on how a vehicle behaves. In the video, two Lexus SUVs take a right turn at 59 miles per hour. One puts on an impromptu drifting session and the other makes it through just fine. We'll let you guess which one had its VSC reprogrammed.

[Source: The Lexus Enthusiast]

Continue reading Video: Lexus GX recall remedy in action

Video: Lexus GX recall remedy in action originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota reportedly testing all of its SUV's stability control systems

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Recalls, Safety, Lexus, Toyota, Luxury

2010 Lexus GX460 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Further proof that Toyota is taking Consumer Reports' recent test and subsequent Do Not Buy rating of its Lexus GX 460 sport utility vehicle seriously is a report from AutoWeek that the Japanese giant is testing all of the stability control systems used on every single one of its SUV models.

Toyota took the decisive action of issuing a stop sale on its new Lexus GX 460 here in the United States (also in the Middle East and Russia) after CR found that it was possible to coax the big 'ute into a massive sideways slide when the throttle is lifted mid-corner, seemingly defeating the standard stability control in the process. Under certain situations, the tall, heavy vehicle could potentially roll over.

According to Toyota, none of the 5,400 or so owners here in the States have reported any issues with their GX 460's handling characteristics, but that doesn't mean the issue isn't serious. Click here to read our own explanation as to what might be prompting the errant handling woes and expect to hear plenty more on these SUV handling issues in the coming weeks and months.

Gallery: 2010 Lexus GX460

[Source: AutoWeek]

Toyota reportedly testing all of its SUV's stability control systems originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota may be readying fix for Lexus GX 460 safety concerns as NHTSA begins investigation

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Lexus, Toyota, Luxury

2010 Lexus GX460 - Click above for high-res image gallery

That was fast. Just two days after Consumer Reports issued a "Do Not Buy rating "on the new Lexus GX 460 upon finding that it was possible to trip up the standard electronic stability control and initiate a potentially dangerous mid-corner tail-out drift of the big SUV, Toyota reportedly has a fix for the issue.

According to Japan's Nikkei daily, Toyota's solution to the GX's handling woes involves a reflash of the vehicle's electronic brain along with unspecified changes to "other aspects of the vehicle." Not particularly descriptive, but perhaps that shouldn't come as a surprise considering how complicated of an issue such handling foibles can be.

In related news, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is just now beginning its own investigation into the 2010 Lexus GX 460. NHTSA has procured the GX that Consumer Reports had been testing and is working to determine if the machine meets its own federal safety standards. No determination has yet been made as to whether the 5,400 or so GX 460s sold so far in the States will be recalled.

Gallery: 2010 Lexus GX460

[Source: Nikkei - sub. req. via TTAC, The Detroit News]

Toyota may be readying fix for Lexus GX 460 safety concerns as NHTSA begins investigation originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why the Lexus GX may be rollover-prone (and the 4Runner isn't)

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Technology, Lexus, Toyota

The latest blow to the formerly sterling reputation of Toyota came this week when Consumer Reports gave the new Lexus GX460 a "Do Not Buy" rating. It's not often that CR gives its worst rating to a vehicle and it's never happened to a Toyota or Lexus product before. In light of recent recall woes, Toyota is taking this news very seriously and has stopped selling the Lexus GX while it investigates the issue.

The reason for the dire rating is what CR considers a major safety risk with the new GX. During the publication's handling tests, the CR drivers experienced significant oversteer (the back end of the vehicle sliding sideways) before the electronic stability control intervened and brought the SUV back under control.

Cornering oversteer is something automakers try to avoid, except on high-performance sports cars. On SUVs with a high center of gravity, this is an especially serious problem because if the vehicle hits a curb, shoulder or other impediment while sliding it's more prone to roll over. During a previous test with the Toyota 4Runner, which shares its basic platform with the Lexus GX, CR didn't experience the same problem. Follow the jump as we examine some possible explanations for the disparity between these two SUVs.

Continue reading Why the Lexus GX may be rollover-prone (and the 4Runner isn't)

Why the Lexus GX may be rollover-prone (and the 4Runner isn't) originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota issues stop sale on 2010 GX 460 [*Updated w/video]

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Recalls, Safety, Videos, Lexus, Luxury

2010 Lexus GX460 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It seems Toyota's learned a few things from its recent spate of recalls - react quickly, react decisively and repeatedly reassure customers that their safety is a top priority.

To that end, Toyota has issued a stop sale on the 2010 Lexus GX 460 after Consumer Reports deemed the SUV a safety risk earlier today and added the 'ute to its "Do Not Buy" list.

According to Toyota, the automaker is investigating CR's claims and using the consumer pub's testing methodology to determine how the SUV's emergency handling can be improved. Furthermore, any 2010 GX 460 owner concerned about their vehicle's safety will be provided a loaner vehicle from Lexus until the automaker can find a solution. Full details in the press release after the jump.

*UPDATE: CR video footage of the GX 460 in testing available after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lexus GX460

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Toyota issues stop sale on 2010 GX 460 [*Updated w/video]

Toyota issues stop sale on 2010 GX 460 [*Updated w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus announces pricing for 2010 GX460 will begin at $51,970

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Lexus, Luxury, Off-Road

2010 Lexus GX460 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Adding one last bit of important information to the release they issued Sunday, Lexus today announced pricing for its second-generation 2010 Lexus GX460 SUV. As we told you yesterday, the 2010 GX460 will (for the first time) be available in two trim levels. The base model will start at an MSRP of $51,970, and the Premium will start at $56,765. Neither figure includes the obligatory $875 delivery, processing and handling fee. The public will get its first glimpse of the newest midsize luxury SUV next week at the 2009 LA Auto Show.

No pricing was given for options, which include two packages and several standalone extras, but you can read about some of the standard features in the press release we've pasted after the jump. We'll have our own first impression of this vehicle for you very soon and plenty more photos and thoughts when we see it next week in Los Angeles

Gallery: 2010 Lexus GX460

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading Lexus announces pricing for 2010 GX460 will begin at $51,970

Lexus announces pricing for 2010 GX460 will begin at $51,970 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Next Toyota Landcruiser Prado/Lexus GX caught in the Middle East?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Lexus, Toyota, Middle East

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!

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2010 Toyota Prado/Landcruiser

[Source: Al Motor News]

Spy Shots: Next Toyota Landcruiser Prado/Lexus GX caught in the Middle East? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: New Lexus GX foretold for Fall

Chris Paukert — Tue, 19 May 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Lexus, Rumormill

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]

Rumormill: New Lexus GX foretold for Fall originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 May 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zak attack: New head of GM's European exterior design team

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 10:05:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Europe, GM, Saab, Opel, Vauxhall

Saturn PreVue

American designer Phillip A. Zak has just been appointed to head the design team for General Motors Europe, where he'll be taking the reigns of the Opel, Vauxhall and Saab brands. The man behind the Chevy Cobalt, Pontiac G6 and the "Excitement" division's GXP line, will also have a hand in designing "certain Saturn products for North America."

In addition to the aforementioned production models, Zak has also stuffed his portfolio with several concept cars including the Pontiac REV and the Saturn Prevue, two designs that have had a direct influence on the styling direction of both brands.

We're interested to see what will come out of the GM's European studio with Zak at the helm, especially considering the recent propagation of Euro designs in the Saturn lineup.

[Source: InsideLine]

Zak attack: New head of GM's European exterior design team originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Auto Show: Honda to NY Civic buyers: "Phill 'er up!"

Chris Paukert — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 15:36:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Budget, Hybrid, Sedan, Etc., Honda

Honda announced today that it is bringing to market a compressed natural gas (CNG) motivated Civic GX to New York buyers this fall.

According to the automaker, the GX will put out 'near zero emissions,' giving owners access to tax credits and home refuelling via an optional Phill home refueling apparatus.

In CNG guise, the green Civic nets an EPA fuel economy rating of 28/39 (city/highway), while meeting federal Tier 2-Bin 2 and ILEV zero evaporative emission standards. It does so via a 1.8-liter four-banger putting out 115 horsepower and 109 ft-lbs. of twist (a 10 percent increase) and 5-speed automatic.

The home refueling appliance, "Phill" is a product of the FuelMaker Corporation, and is usually garage-resident. The system allows overnight refueling, which nets owners natural gas at a rate about 50 percent cheaper than buying traditional gasoline from a station. GX owners on the road can get fuel at select CNG stations around New York State and still save an estimated 25 percent over petrol buyers. Phill must be professionally installed.

Continue reading New York Auto Show: Honda to NY Civic buyers: "Phill 'er up!"

New York Auto Show: Honda to NY Civic buyers: "Phill 'er up!" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Apr 2006 15:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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