Lexus GX

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Lexus GX
Manufacturer	Lexus
Parent company	Toyota Motor Corporation
Also called	Toyota Land Cruiser (Europe) Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (Australasia)
Production	2003—present
Assembly	Tahara, Aichi, Japan
Class	Mid-size SUV
Body style(s)	5-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, four-wheel drive
Engine(s)	4.7 L 2UZ-FE V8
Transmission(s)	5-speed automatic
Wheelbase	109.8 inches (2,789 mm) (2790 mm)
Length	188.2 inches (4,780 mm)
Width	{74.0 inches (1,880 mm)
Height	74.6 inches (1,895 mm)
Fuel capacity	23 US gallons (87.1 L/19.2 imp gal)
Related	Toyota 4Runner Toyota FJ Cruiser

The Lexus GX 470 is a mid-size luxury-type sport utility vehicle (SUV) sold in North American markets by Toyota's luxury division, Lexus. The GX 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 utilizes the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado platform, which also underpins the 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, and the Land Cruiser Prado in Asia, Australia, and Europe.^[1] In the Lexus lineup, the GX 470 is situated between the entry-level crossover RX and the premium full-size LX.

The Lexus GX 470 is 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 330 ft·lbf (447 N·m) of torque at 3,400 rpm. This is one of the largest engines that has ever been put into a Lexus. The largest is a 5.7 Liter V8 featured in the LX 570. The vehicle is built at Lexus' Tahara plant in Japan. Available exclusively in the North American market, the Lexus GX design is focused on blending both on-road and off-road capabilities in a single vehicle.^[1]

The GX 470 has a welded steel body, an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission, and an enhanced four-wheel drive system. The GX interior offers a place for up to eight passengers with three rows of seating, although the third row is tight with only 24 inches (610 mm) of legroom for its three passengers. A side-opening rear tailgate is standard. Other features include 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 Mark Levinson audio system along with a rear seat DVD entertainment system are available as options.

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]

For 2007, Lexus added a mp3/WMA auxiliary port for iPod or similar media players, Bluetooth connectivity, and the upgraded Lexus fifth-generation navigation system with enhanced resolution, additional points of interest, and over 100 voice commands.

A new off-roading performance option introduced in 2004 is the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which frees and adjusts the GX's stabilizer bars so that each wheel can move with less restriction over uneven terrain. This system uses front and rear hydraulic pressure-sensing valves and larger stabilizer bars to reduce body roll during off-road conditions, while retaining smooth ride quality on regular road surfaces. Beginning with model year 2005, this suspension setup is part of the "Sport Package". Interior trim choices include dark Bird's Eye Maple trim, metallic accents, smoked bezel headlamps and foglamps, black interior carpet, tinted backup lamps, chrome exaust tip, black carpeted floor mats, and dark gray leather. KDSS may, however, also be special ordered as an option on non-sport GXs.

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 is a new interior option. Salsa Red Pearl and Desert Sage Metallic exterior paint are new for 2008. The GX meets all the requirements to make it a certified Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV II).

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Lexus GX official U.S. site
• GX 470 specifications details changes by year

v • d • e Lexus – a division of Toyota Motor Corp. – road vehicle timeline
Type	1990s										2000s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Compact									IS								IS
																			IS-F
Mid-size	ES		ES					ES					ES					ES
		GS							GS							GS
Full-size	LS					LS						LS						LS
Crossover								RX							RX
																RX Hybrid
SUV														GX
							LX		LX										LX
Coupe		SC										SC