Lexus will launch a next-generation GX SUV this fall

Since its release on the market back in 2003 the Lexus GX midsize luxury SUV has experienced a level of success with 34,420 units sold in 2004, its best year in the books, a number which is well beyond the 20,000 units annual target of the company. However, in recent years the demand for the midsize luxury has waned and this year sales have reached an all drop in excess of 52 percent.

Even though the competitions are anticipated to begin totally pulling out of the segment, it is the intention of Lexus to wait it out by introducing a modified GX. The latest model is said to come with brand new sheet metal together with a 310hp (231kW) 4.6-liter V8 as a substitute for the low-powered 263hp (196kW) 4.7-liter V8. Inadvertently, the new 4.6-liter power unit is the same powerplant used in the 2010 Toyota Tundra. It will keep its body-on-frame platform, although it will be distinct in styling including a modified door at the rear. The interior will likewise receive updates with a standard navigation system and a more well-appointed trim.
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pacotacolol - 5/20/2009 4:27:49 PM

-1 Boost

i had a 2004 GX. totally loved it. i just hope they don't ruin it like the RX.

answer - 5/20/2009 4:32:33 PM

-2 Boost

This needs to be low-volume and hybrid-only.

JUGNU - 5/20/2009 4:41:01 PM

+3 Boost

New GX will also give hint about all new Toyota Prado. Prado is one of the best selling Toyota SUV in the world.

JUGNU

JustaCar - 5/20/2009 6:47:11 PM

+1 Boost

Badge engineering at its best!

Agent63 - 5/21/2009 8:47:21 AM

+3 Boost

I didn't realize how similar the Prado and the GX were. It's basically rebadging. Are they trying to fool the US an Canadian markets? =P. deboost me all you want fanboys but you know I'm just poking fun to see if I can start a flamewar over nothing.

The LX and Landcruiser share similarities too but the Landcruiser is awesome. I just can't justify spending that much on an LX and using it to go off road. Why not just get it's brother the TOYOTA Landcruiser, much more practical.

1BadMan - 5/20/2009 7:23:51 PM

+2 Boost

"Oh look, a new Lexus is coming out I want one of those honey." Ummm, that is a "Special Toyota" that cost a lot more than a garden variety Toyota. JustaCar hit the nail on the head, and that was all that needed to be said but I could not resist.

AMiodynski - 5/20/2009 7:54:49 PM

+2 Boost

If you took the time to come take a look at a Lexus, and comapre it to a Toyota, you would see the diffrence's. Yes, I agree, some of the vehicle's look alike, but there truely is a diffrence.

JustaCar - 5/20/2009 8:47:21 PM

-2 Boost

What's truly different between Toyota and Lexus is the "dealer experience". That's how Toyota managed to market their Lexus brand when they launched it in the US. In the meantime, they were selling the same cars in other countries under the Toyota brand. Just do a search on the Toyota Soarer and the Toyota Harrier and you'll see what I mean. Even the Lexus LS was initially being sold in the rest of the world as the Toyota Lexus.

answer - 5/20/2009 9:03:51 PM

0 Boost

Justacar,

Autospies is chock full of "Lexus is just a fancy Toyota" guys. Your comments aren't funny nor insightful. I suggest an alternative method to make yourself stand out from the crowd.

Perhaps making your posts rhyme?

DogLb - 5/21/2009 1:42:14 AM

+2 Boost

http://www.toyota-europe.com/cars/new_cars/land_cruiser/gallery.aspx

check the link

Anthony - 5/20/2009 10:15:30 PM

+1 Boost

"Fancy Toyotas" aside, the products speak for themselves. The GX was a well-equipped vehicle with modest exterior styling and good quality with many luxury features. In other words, it was a Lexus, which is why people bought it. The GX was overdue for a refresh seeing as there are new RX and LX models already updated. The next GX need not break from its mold too much. Update the exterior and interior styling and they will sell.

DogLb - 5/21/2009 1:36:12 AM

0 Boost

The US Lexus GX is what the rest of the world know as the Lancruiser (the US Landcruiser is of course larger). My wife has had this car for 2 years and loves it except for the tail gate which opens out instead of up - similiar to the Lancruiser in other places (re-emphasizing the "badge engineering" others have mentioned. Sounds like they have decided to change the tail gate. This car is definitely due for a refresh

Lexurious - 5/22/2009 7:17:09 AM

+1 Boost

bottle of hard, your glass, and the mix. you're set for off roading. :)