Lexus GX
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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| Manufacturer | Lexus |
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| Parent company | Toyota Motor Corporation |
| Production | 2002—present |
| Class | Mid-size SUV |
| Body style(s) | 4-door SUV |
| Layout | Front engine / 4WD |
| Related | Toyota 4Runner Toyota FJ Cruiser |
The Lexus GX is a mid-size luxury-type sport utility vehicle (SUV) sold in North American markets by Lexus since 2002. The first generation GX 470 was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in 2002 as a 2003 model, and subsequently became the third SUV to enter Lexus' lineup. The GX 470 was later upgraded with added technological features, including a new off-road suspension system and a Sport model. The 4.7 L V8 engine in the GX 470 was the same as used on the larger LX 470. The second generation GX 460 was introduced at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in 2009, adding a more powerful 4.6 L V8 and new interior and drivetrain features.
Targeted initially for the North American market, the Lexus GX design has been characterized as focused on blending both on-road and off-road capabilities in a single vehicle.[1] The GX shares exterior design with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, sold in in Asia, Australia, and Europe, and is based on the same platform which also underpins the 4Runner, FJ Cruiser.[1] In the Lexus lineup, the GX is situated between the entry-level crossover RX and the premium full-size LX. Production of the GX occurs at Lexus' Tahara plant in Japan.
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[edit] First generation (2003-2009)
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| Also called | Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (Asia, Australia) Toyota Land Cruiser (Europe) |
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| Production | 2002-2009 |
| Model year(s) | 2003-2009 |
| Assembly | Tahara, Aichi, Japan |
| Engine(s) | 4,664 cc (4.664 L; 284.6 cu in) 2UZ-FE V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 5-speed automatic (A750F) |
| Wheelbase | 109.8 in (2788.9 mm) |
| Length | 188.2 in (4780.3 mm) |
| Width | 74.0 in (1879.6 mm) |
| Height | 74.6 in (1894.8 mm) |
| Curb weight | 4,871 lbs |
| Fuel capacity | 23 US gallons (87.1 L; 19.2 imp gal) |
| Related | Toyota 4Runner Toyota FJ Cruiser |
The Lexus GX 470 was introduced as a 2003 model in November 2002, and released at the same time as the now-defunct competitor, the Lincoln Aviator. The GX 470 featured a welded steel body, an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission, and an enhanced permanent four-wheel drive with center locking Torsen differential. The suspension shared its layout with the Toyota 4Runner equipped with the rear air suspension, the GX 470 adding an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) feature which adjusts damper firmness continuously, and an optional KDSS system instead of the 4Runner's X-REAS system.
The GX interior offered a place for up to eight passengers with three rows of seating, although the optional third row was tight with only 24 inches (610 mm) of legroom for its three passengers. A side-opening rear tailgate was standard. Other features included built-in mudguards, water-repellent glass for the windshield and the driver & passenger doors, integrated illuminated running boards, and a roof rack with crossbars. The premium 240 Watt 14-speaker Mark Levinson audio system along with a rear seat DVD entertainment system were available as options.
The GX 470 was powered by a 4.7 L,VVT-i 32-valve, four-cam V8 2UZ-FE engine with 270 horsepower (201 kW) — 263 hp (196 kW) for 2008 models — at 5,400 rpm and 323 lb·ft (438 N·m) of torque at 3,400 rpm. The GX also met all the requirements to make it a certified Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV II). The following year-by-year changes occurred after the GX's 2003 debut:
For 2004, the GX received a number of safety upgrades that included a roll-sensing feature for the side curtain airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system and an optional rear backup camera system (for those vehicles with the navigation system installed). An optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) became available as a late-year addition. KDSS can free and adjusts the GX's stabilizer bars for greater articulation allowing the wheels to move with less restriction over uneven terrain. KDSS uses front and rear hydraulic pressure-sensing valves and larger stabilizer bars to reduce body roll during on-road conditions, while retaining smooth ride quality on regular road surfaces.
The GX 470's ground clearance measures 8.3 inches, with an approach angle of 30° when the rear suspension raised (31 normal height) and a departure angle of 29° raised (25° normal), it has a drag coefficient of Cd 0.38.
For 2005, a Sport model joined the lineup that included the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, smoked bezel headlamps, foglamp trim, black pearl emblems, a chrome license plate garnish and exhaust tip and alloy wheels with a dark graphite finish. Inside, the Sport model featured black bird's eye maple wood and graphite metallic trim. Other GX option changes that year included an upgraded navigation system with better graphics and additional functions, Bluetooth compatibility and voice commands for the climate control, audio and navigation systems. The engine became more powerful with the addition of VVT-i good for 270 horsepower (up from 235).
Standard features included front air conditioning w/dual zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power tilt/telescopic wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats, 10-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, 6-way power passenger seat, memory system, 2nd-row split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors w/tilt-down back-up aid, power sunroof, 6-disc CD changer, rain-sensing wipers, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, and rear privacy glass. Optional features included a navigation system w/voice recognition, DVD entertainment system, rearview camera, wireless cell phone link, Mark Levinson sound system, 3rd-row split folding rear seat, Lexus Link assistance system, and tow-hitch receiver. Packages and options could get the Lexus GX470 from $47,615 up to about $57,000.
2006 saw no significant changes to the GX 470, although new SAE engine testing procedures resulted in a slight drop in the amount of stated power for the V8. For 2007, a few detail changes were made to the onboard entertainment systems. The optional navigation system was upgraded with fifth-generation Lexus technology that included improved voice activation for many functions, a higher-resolution display, and an input jack for auxiliary devices like an iPod. The Mark Levinson premium audio system could also now play DVDs while displaying video on the navigation screen when the vehicle is parked. Additionally, the optional rear-seat entertainment system's video screen was expanded to 9 inches (230 mm) wide.
For 2008, Lexus added a new dark metallic finish on the front grille, chrome roof rack rails, a liquid graphite finish on the standard 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome finished front audio speaker grilles, and revised turn signal lights. Brown walnut wood trim became a new interior option, while Salsa Red Pearl and Desert Sage Metallic exterior paint were new for 2008.
[edit] Second generation (2009-present)
| Also called | Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (Asia, Australia) Toyota Land Cruiser (Europe) |
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| Model year(s) | 2010— |
| Assembly | Tahara, Aichi, Japan |
| Engine(s) | 4,600 cc (4.6 L; 280 cu in) 1UR-FE V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 6-speed automatic (A760F) |
| Wheelbase | 108.9 in |
| Length | 189.2 in |
| Width | 74.2 in |
| Curb weight | 5,305 lbs |
| Related | Toyota 4Runner Toyota FJ Cruiser |
The GX 460 debuted at the China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition in November 2009. Power comes from a new 4.6-liter 1UR-FE V8 engine producing 301 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission, fuel economy is improved to an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway (17 mpg combined) rating while maximum towing capacity remains at 6,500 lbs.
The GX continues on with body-on-frame construction, full-time 4-wheel drive, a Hi-lo transfer case and a Torsen center locking differential distributing a variable torque split when left unlocked. The distribution includes a 40:60 (front:rear) ratio under normal driving conditions, a 30:70 ratio during cornering and a 50:50 ratio when the differential detects rear wheel slippage. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) has been made standard along with larger 18-inch wheels. Like before the Rear Adjustable Height Control (AHC) air suspension is offered with an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system that varies damper firmness. Electronic aids include the LX 570's Crawl Control system and as before Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Active traction control (A-TRAC) system which attempts to replicate the functionality of front and rear locking differentials are standard.
For the first time optional low-beam HID headlamps are included on a body-on-frame Lexus SUV, joining the unibody crossover RX SUV. The HID projectors include an Intelligent High Beam feature which automatically dims the high beams depending on traffic conditions and an Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) that swivel the headlamps in corners. Rain-sensing wipers are standard with the rear wiper hidden under the rear spoiler, the drag coefficient has been reduced to 0.35 and the rear door which remains a swing type that faces the curb features a new flip-up glass panel to allow for easier access.
On the inside three color choices are offered; Ecru, Black and Sepia. The 7-passenger GX 460 now comes standard with a power folding two passenger third row which folds flat, the second row can slide forward or backwards, recline backwards or tilt forward for easier third row access. Because the third row is no longer removable and takes up additional space cargo capacity has declined considerably. Other new features include ventilated front seats that are heated and standard. A toggle switch replaces the transfer case's floor mounted shift lever. The gauge cluster can display the steering wheel angle to aid the driver in off road situations. Also standard is a 4.2-inch LCD center display and backup camera. The optional Mark Levinson system includes 17 speakers, the navigation system is hard drive based and the Rear Seat Entertainment System (RSES) uses two displays mounted on the rear seat backs. Other major options include a three-zone climate control system, semi-aniline leather seating, heated steering wheel and heated outer second row seats.
New standard safety features include active headrests which move forward and upward in a rear collision to minimize whiplash, driver and passenger knee airbags, second row side impact torso airbags. New safety options include a Pre-Collision System, Driver Monitoring System, a lane departure warning system, and Lexus Enform with Safety Connect. Front and side view cameras like those on the LX 570 are offered as an option.
[edit] Awards
The Lexus GX has won various awards including 4-Wheeler of the Year in 2003 and 2004 from 4x4 Magazine. J.D. Power and Associates named the GX 470 the highest ranked premium luxury SUV in initial quality in 2005,[2] and Kelley Blue Book gave the GX 470 its Best Resale Value Award in 2006.[3]
[edit] Sales figures
Sales data in United States for the Lexus GX are as follows, sourced from manufacturer yearly data:
| Generation | Model(s) | Calendar year | Total sales (U.S.) |
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| UZJ120 | |||
| GX 470 | 2002 | 2,190[4] | |
| 2003 | 31,376[5] | ||
| 2004 | 35,420[5] | ||
| 2005 | 34,339[6] | ||
| 2006 | 25,454[6] | ||
| 2007 | 23,035[7] | ||
| 2008 | 15,759[7] |
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Lexus GX |
- Lexus GX official U.S. site
- GX 470 specifications details changes by year
| Lexus – a division of Toyota Motor Corp. – road vehicle timeline | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | |
| Compact | IS | IS | |||||||||||||||||||
| IS F | |||||||||||||||||||||
| HS | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size | ES | ES | ES | ES | ES | ||||||||||||||||
| GS | GS | GS | |||||||||||||||||||
| Full-size | LS | LS | LS | LS | |||||||||||||||||
| Crossover | RX | RX | RX | ||||||||||||||||||
| SUV | GX | GX | |||||||||||||||||||
| LX | LX | LX | |||||||||||||||||||
| Coupe | IS C | ||||||||||||||||||||
| SC | SC | ||||||||||||||||||||
