Lexus GX

Infobox Automobile


name = Lexus GX
manufacturer = Lexus
parent_company = Toyota Motor Corporation
production = 2003—2009
class = Mid-size SUV
layout = Front engine, four-wheel drive
body_style = 5-door SUV
engine = Auto cc|4664 "2UZ-FE" V8
transmission = 5-speed automatic
length = Auto in|188.2
width = Auto in|74.0
height = Auto in|74.6
weight =
wheelbase = Auto in|109.8
predecessor =
fuel_capacity = Convert|23|usgal|L impgal|1
aka = Toyota Land Cruiser (Europe)
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (Australasia)
related = Toyota 4Runner
Toyota FJ Cruiser
assembly=Tahara, Aichi, Japan

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. [http://www.edmunds.com/lexus/gx470/2007/review.html 2007 Lexus GX 470 Review – Edmunds.com] ] 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 Convert|270|hp|kW|0 — Convert|263|hp|kW|0|abbr=on for 2008 models — at 5,400 rpm and Auto lbft|330 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.

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 Auto in|24 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, [ [http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pressrelease.asp?ID=2005069 J.D. Power Initial Quality 2005] ] and Kelley Blue Book gave the GX 470 its Best Resale Value Award in 2006. [ [http://www.kbb.com/kbb/MediaCenter/PressReleases.aspx?ContentUniqueName=2005&ContentId=28 Kelley Blue Book 2006 Best Resale Value Award] ]

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).

References

External links

* [http://www.lexus.com/models/gx/index.html Lexus GX] official U.S. site
* [http://www.toyota120.com/html/lexus_gx470.html GX 470 specifications] details changes by year