ALTHOUGH Lexus Australia won’t be drawn on the potential of introducing the GX giant off-road SUV right here, the premium Japanese model’s actions of issuing press materials regionally regarding the mannequin recommend it may very well be on the playing cards for Australia.
The probability appears stronger following the demise of a seven-seat model of the smaller RX and the looks of a brand new era, Toyota Prado-based Lexus GX, unveiled on June 9 at a world premiere the place it was known as a ‘international’ mannequin.
Anticipated to be in-built right- and left-hand drive, the muscular new GX is aesthetically a radical departure from earlier GX and different Lexus fashions with its boxy appears to be like and a transfer away from the cowcatcher-size “spindle’ grille that has characterised the model’s vary for greater than a decade.
If it was to go on the menu right here, the GX could be in in opposition to premium off-road-capable rivals like Land Rover’s Defender and Discovery, or the now extra upmarket Jeep Grand Cherokee L. It may additionally steal gross sales from father or mother model Toyota given a possible worth overlap with the larger LandCruiser 300 Collection.
Regardless of its off-road credentials, the GX would additionally sq. as much as luxurious soft-roaders just like the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE to call only a few.
Of excessive curiosity are the GX’s two powertrains, with the selection a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine driving by way of a 10-speed computerized transmission and a “first ever” hybrid powertrain for a body-on-frame Lexus car within the type of a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol-electric combo with newly developed eight-speed computerized transmission.
The hybrid may properly be adopted by the following Toyota LandCruiser Prado, which like earlier Lexus GX iterations is prone to be carefully associated from a chassis and mechanical perspective.
Each GX powertrain choices are linked to a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a low-range switch case and locking centre differential.
Neatly filling a spot between the Lexus RX and LandCruiser 300-based LX, the brand new seven-seat GX line-up will provide a broad mixture of efficiency and occupant carrying flexibility that Lexus says will “spark the spirit of out of doors journey”.
It has been a staple in North America for greater than twenty years and has been tailor-made for that market with a visible toughness “worthy of an adventure-focused SUV” coupled with wise off-roading proportions and a rugged design.
The muscular wanting new GX has extra of a squared off look to its flanks with a downsized grille that retains a spindle form however is extra delicate, black and sensible.
Its LED headlights carefully resemble these of the bigger LX and are framed by L-shaped daytime operating lights. Beneath these lights are grille openings extending downwards to movement cooling air to the radiators.
The broad bonnet encompasses a concave centre channel frequent to Lexus and Toyota 4×4 fashions, which Lexus says additionally “improves ahead visibility”.
Evident from all angles is affect from the North American market, notably the flanks the place the mannequin’s off-road intent is evident from the excessive bonnet line, A-pillars pulled extra upright, a vertically oriented tailgate and a 2850mm wheelbase.
A single LED gentle strip runs throughout the width of the tailgate with ‘LEXUS’ lettering and compact mixture back lights. The tailgate additionally options opening glass for simple entry to the cargo space.
Inside, the GX reveals a contemporary cabin design Lexus says is “based mostly on the Lexus Tazuna idea of human-centred design; with steering wheel switches seamlessly paired with the head-up show, and a clear, horizontal/vertical dashboard format enhancing the driving force’s notion of auto posture off highway”.
A 14-inch centre show makes use of a mix of touchscreen and buttons to manage the multimedia system, inside which Lexus says an emphasis on the dimensions, form, format and displayed data throughout the design course of ends in a extra intuitive consumer expertise.
Lexus says the car’s centre console is designed with off-roading in thoughts, with drive mode and different related switches positioned in shut proximity to the driving force.
The GX will probably be supplied in some markets with the selection of second-row bench or captain’s chairs configurations, whereas the third row offers two extra seats that may be electrically stowed into the ground.
Beneath the brand new GX is a model of the GA-F ladder-frame structure that underpins the bigger LX, LandCruiser 300 and upcoming off-roaders from the Toyota-Lexus empire.
Supple, off highway succesful suspension makes use of a high-mount double-wishbone set-up on the entrance with “fine-tuned” coil spring charges and elevated caster path and minimised king pin offset to advertise stability throughout straight-line driving, cornering and braking.
The rear is a four-link inflexible axle with lateral management arms boasting optimised wheel articulation for off highway.
Adaptive variable dampers are fitted entrance and rear with unbiased telescopic valves and friction management modules.
The GX’s proportions facilitate a 26-degree method angle (up by 5 levels in comparison with the earlier GX) whereas entrance overhang is lowered by 20mm comparatively.
An adventure-focused particular five-seat Overtrail variant has been confirmed for the US which adopts unique useful and design options “important for a rugged off-road car”.
These embody the E-KDSS suspension system for the primary time on a Lexus, providing unbiased management of the entrance and rear electrical stabilisers to additional enhance wheel articulation and grip in off-road situations.
Overtrail additionally positive aspects Multi-Terrain Choose appearing on drive and suspension management to supply six drive modes (Auto, Dust, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow and Rock) for improved efficiency on all surfaces.
Crawl management provides 5 low-speed settings permitting drivers to traverse uneven terrain with out working the accelerator or brakes, whereas Downhill Help Management routinely and independently adjusts the hydraulic strain of every wheel brake when descending steep slopes.
Including additional to the Overtrail mannequin’s off highway attraction is a multi-terrain monitor utilizing cameras mounted on the entrance, sides and rear to show high-definition photographs of the car’s environment together with beneath the car flooring, serving to the driving force precisely place the wheels and keep away from unexpected obstacles.
The brand new gen GX has a full suite of Lexus Security System + lively security applied sciences.
GX Chief Engineer Koji Tsukasaki stated the all-new GX permits city households the chance to develop their lively outside existence greater than ever earlier than.
“The purpose of the brand new GX is to create a Lexus off-roader that symbolises the central core of genuine Lexus off-roading. It’s not only a mannequin change, however a recreation changer that turns a brand new web page for Lexus.
“It has been completely developed for driving on every kind of terrains, from winding roads to rocky, filth roads all around the world. Nevertheless, you do not have to push the bounds on a regular basis with this car,” Mr. Tsukasaki stated.
