Auto Spies Review- Lexus GX470

Agent001 submitted on 3/21/2003 Auto Spies Photos Timestamp: 12:20:27 PM

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Auto Spies Review- Lexus GX470

Scud or dud?

Auto Spies Review-Lexus GX470 (*note: Test vehicle was a pre-production unit)

The good: Incredibly smooth and quiet ride, very peppy around town, fantastic in slippery four wheel drive situations, best consumer navigation system on earth, excellent gas mileage for an 8 cyl. (18MPG around town), way better than an ML320 and more comfortable than an X5, great Lexus customer service.

The bad: Brakes on our tester were mushy, handling on the twisties is less than impressive, not enough seat adjustment capability (a problem with ALL Lexus cars and trucks…we like a lower cushion that can be raised and angled more, for under thigh support), 4WD should be TOTALLY automatic with no shift levers, etc.

The ugly: Exterior design is as disappointing as the last generation Mitsubishi Montero, third seat is awful at best, is there really such thing as a $50,000 4runner? Because of low residuals, very little ability to get a discount and average money factors, this bad boy will cost you almost as much as a BMW 745 to lease.

Auto Spies Verdict: A very nice exercise in mediocrity.We wish it was the size of the Sequoia, with a more emotional design and had a real third row seat. If you want a Lexus SUV, step up to the LX470. It’s like comparing a Rolex to a Seiko.

3 ½ Shields (out of five) word_images/7292513_image002.gif

All-New V8-Powered Lexus GX 470 Provides for the Ultimate Luxurious Adventure

Lexus has introduced its third luxury utility vehicle, giving it a unique three-model strategy in this growing segment. The new GX 470 is a full-capability luxury utility vehicle positioned between the brand’s car-based RX 300 and the premium-luxury LX 470 in size, price and capability. The V8-powered GX 470 arrives in Lexus dealerships in December 2002 with an annual sales target that will exceed 20,000 units.

The Lexus GX 470 combines the luxury appointments and workmanship of a Lexus sedan with an innovative full-time four-wheel drive system that's augmented by an arsenal of dynamic handling technology. The GX 470 will deliver the high level of ride comfort expected of a Lexus, thanks to a very stiff perimeter frame and high-tech suspension. This new SUV includes available seating for up to eight and the latest Lexus safety technology. The Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) in the GX 470 include dual front and side airbag supplemental restraint systems and side curtain airbags.
"The new GX 470 will offer the ultimate in luxurious adventures," said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Denny Clements. "It provides Lexus' trademark supreme comfort and luxury and at the same time is roomy and rugged for weekend escapes."

The GX 470 is built at the award-winning Tahara plant in Japan. In 2002, the Tahara facility was honored with the Platinum Plant Award by J.D. Power and Associates for the best automotive manufacturing plant in the world. The LS 430 and GS 430/300 sedans also are built at the Tahara plant.

The Look and Feel of Lexus Luxury

The GX 470 design draws a clear link to the Lexus family of vehicles. The styling is contemporary and bold, with well-integrated fender flares and running boards. The monochromatic exterior appearance reinforces the elegant yet practical design. Renowned Lexus attention to detail is shown in features such as tinted front glass with UV protection, illuminated running boards and an in-glass antenna.

Dimensionally, the GX 470 is slightly smaller than the premium luxury LX 470: its 109.8-inch wheelbase and 188.2-inch length are 2.4 inches and 4.3 inches shorter, respectively. The GX 470 is also 2.4 inches narrower and slightly lower than its larger sibling.

Interior design and content continue the Lexus tradition of blending incomparable fit and finish with unmistakable luxury. The GX 470 offers eight-passenger seating when the optional rear seat is ordered. Available rear air conditioning brings all-season comfort to the third-row passengers. An optional, factory-installed DVD rear seat entertainment system uses a high-resolution thin film transistor (TFT) LCD screen that lowers from the headliner, providing a mobile theater experience for up to six passengers. A Lexus-exclusive Mark Levinson high-end audio system, also offered in other Lexus models, can turn the GX 470 into a concert hall on wheels. An optional DVD-based Lexus Navigation System even allows rear-seat passengers to control the system via a remote control while simultaneously viewing on the rear entertainment drop-down screen what is being displayed on the dashboard screen.

Smooth Lexus Power

The GX 470's double overhead-cam 4.7-liter V8 engine produces 235 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. For customers who want to use the new model's 5,000-lb. towing capacity (with optional tow package), the GX 470 V8 produces a generous 80 percent of its peak torque - or 256 lb.-ft. - at just 1,100 rpm. The GX 470 also meets Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) certification. Its five-speed automatic transmission provides seamless shift quality, and shift logic holds gears on inclines for power and on descents for increased engine braking - helpful when towing.

Total Off-Road Management System

Lexus equipped the GX 470 with a unique four-wheel drive system that provides distinct benefits on- and off-road, without the compromise that these two environments often demand. The total off-road management system in the GX 470 makes it one of the most capable vehicles in its category. Its extensive array of dynamic handling technology includes:

- Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
- Active TRAC (traction control)
- Downhill Assist Control (DAC)
- Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
- Brake Assist (BA)
- Vehicle Skid Control (VSC)
- Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and
- Adaptive Variable Suspension damping (AVS)

The full-time four-wheel drive system itself uses a Torsen® torque-sensing center differential that splits the power 40 percent front / 60 percent rear under most conditions and changes the ratio as needed based on steering input and wheel slip.

Changing to a 29 percent front / 71 percent rear distribution ratio during steering maneuvers helps to enhance vehicle tracking through the curves. If the rear wheels spin, the differential can change the ratio to 53 percent front / 47 percent rear to control the slippage. The Torsen center differential also makes the vehicle less prone to slippage caused by sudden changes in road surface conditions, such as driving through a puddle or ice patch.

The transmission's low range mode allows the GX 470 to negotiate steep off-road slopes. Downhill Assist Control (DAC) augments the low-speed descending ability of low-range by holding the vehicle to a target speed with no intervention from the driver. Active TRAC (traction control) provides the traction benefit of locking front and rear differentials, but with less weight. The system can brake a slipping wheel, which functions to transfer torque to the wheels with better traction. In addition, the new Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) system provides additional control for off-road driving by helping to keep the vehicle stationary while starting on a steep incline or slippery surface.

Dynamic Control for Any Road

On-road, the GX 470 provides the same dynamic handling technology as found in other Lexus vehicles. The standard Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) system helps control loss of lateral traction while cornering on slippery or dry road surfaces. The system uses throttle intervention and/or individual wheel braking to help control any discrepancy between where the driver is steering and where the vehicle is heading.

The Brake Assist (BA) system can help the driver boost braking power in panic stops. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking and, if the driver has not stepped hard enough on the brake pedal to engage the anti-lock brake system (ABS), the system supplements the applied braking power. Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) utilizes the ABS and distributes proper brake force between the front and rear wheels according to driving conditions.

Sophisticated Chassis Control

Lexus chose body-on-frame construction for the new GX 470 because it can provide the high carrying capacity customers in this segment favor. Independent front suspension and rear air suspension with self-leveling deliver a smooth on-road ride without compromising rugged hauling and off-road capabilities.

Adaptive Variable Suspension damping (AVS) will endow the GX 470 with the kind of on-road smoothness expected of an SUV wearing the Lexus badge. The proven AVS system enhances ride quality by continuously changing each wheel's shock absorber damping rate in response to road surface conditions, vehicle speed, driver steering and braking inputs, and even vertical vehicle movement. AVS also helps improve road feel, accomplishing this feat by temporarily increasing shock absorber stiffness in transitional maneuvers. In addition, AVS provides anti-dive and anti-squat control.

The rear Adaptive Height Control provides flexibility for the GX 470's many uses. A high setting provides for an extra 1.6-inches of clearance when traversing challenging terrain. The Adaptive Height Control also will lower the vehicle 1.2-inches from its neutral setting for easier cargo loading. The standard 265/65HR17 tires mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels provide a good balance between quiet ride, responsive on-road handling and off-road capability.

The variable-gear rack and pinion steering system makes it easier to maneuver the GX 470 in very tight places. The tooth spacing on the gears of the rack become wider toward the end of the rack, reducing driver effort at large steering angles.

Personalized Luxury

Standard luxury features in the new Lexus GX 470 include automatic climate control, leather seating and trim, premium audio system with a six-disc in-dash CD changer, steering wheel audio controls, memory system for the driver's seat, steering wheel position and outside mirrors, heated front seats, and an overhead console with integrated HomeLink® transmitter.

A wide selection of luxury options will allow customers to personalize the GX 470. In addition to options already mentioned, these include rain-sensing windshield wipers, power moonroof and a wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob like those on the LX 470. The available body-color roof rack extends the vehicle's carrying capacity while maintaining the design's elegant monochromatic appearance. An optional rear tonneau cover, available when the third-row seat option is not selected, helps keep prying eyes from stored valuables. Additionally, customers can order Lexus Link, which adds a greater measure of safety and security. At the press of a button, or automatically in certain emergency situations, the system combines GPS and cellular phone technology to connect the customer with experienced and
trained Lexus Link advisors at anytime, day or night, 365 days a year (when cellular and GPS service are available).

2003 GX 470 SPECIFICATIONS

2003 GX 470 SPECIFICATIONS

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS (in.)

Wheelbase	109.8
Overall Length	188.2
Overall Width	74.0
Overall Height (Unloaded)	73.0
	74.6 (with optional roof rack)
Tread Width š Front / Rear	62.2 / 62.2
Min. Ground Clearance	8.3
Approach Angle	31 degrees ("normal" height setting)
	30 degrees ("high" height setting)
Departure Angle (underfloor spare tire)	25 degrees ("normal" height setting)
	29 degrees ("high" height setting)

INTERIOR DIMENSIONS (in.)

Seating Capacity	5 8 (with optional 3rd row seat)
Headroom
Front	41.0 (40.2 with optional moonroof)
Middle	40.4 (40.0 with optional moonroof)
Rear (optional)	36.1
Legroom
Front	41.8
Middle	36.8
Rear (optional)	24.9
Shoulder Room
Front	57.5
Middle	57.4
Rear (optional)	56.8

Hip Room
Front	55.1
Middle	54.8
Rear (optional)	56.4
Interior cargo volume (cu. ft.)	77.5	2nd seat folded down, with 3rd seat removed
	49.7	2nd seat up, 3rd seat removed
	39.8	2nd seat up, 3rd seat folded to the side
	13.2	Area behind 3rd seat

ENGINE

Designation	2UZ-FE
Type	Four Cam, 32 Valve V8
Displacement	4.7 liter (284.6 cu. in.)
Bore x Stroke (mm / in.)	94.0 x 84.0 / 3.70 x 3.31
Compression Ratio	9.6:1
Horsepower (SAE)	235 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque (SAE)	320 ft.-lb. @ 3400 rpm
Oil Capacity (liters / quarts, without oil filter)	6.4 L / 6.8 qt.
Oil Type	SJ5W-30
Cooling System Capacity (liters / quarts)	15.4 L / 16.2 qt.
Emission Rating	LEV

FUEL SYSTEM

City	15
Highway	18
Fuel Requirement (min.)	87 Octane, 91 Octane recommended
Tank Capacity (liters / gal.)	87 liters / 23 gal.

ELECTRICAL
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Alternator (ampere)	130
Battery (ampere hour)	64
Starter (kW)	2

DRIVETRAIN

Layout	Front engine, full-time four wheel drive (4WD) w/manual locking TORSEN center diff.
Throttle	Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i)
Transmission	5-speed automatic, electronically controlled transmission (ECT) with gated shifter and driver-selectable 2nd gear start feature
Type	A750F
Gear Ratios:
1st	3.520
2nd	2.042
3rd	1.400
4th	1.000
5th	0.716
Reverse	3.224
Final Drive	3.727

STEERING

Type	Engine speed sensing power-assisted rack & pinion
Overall Steering Ratio	15.7:1
Turning Circle š curb to curb (ft.)	37.4
Turning, Lock to Lock	3.04

VEHICLE WEIGHT

Curb Weight (kg. / lbs.)	2,120 kg / 4,675 lbs.
GVWR (kg. / lbs.)	2,720 kg / 6,000 lbs.
Weight Distribution, F / R (%)	53 / 47

TOWING

Towing capacity (lbs.)	5,000
Maximum trailer weight (lbs.)	4,500
Maximum tongue weight (lbs.)	500

SUSPENSION
Front: Independent double wishbone suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar
Rear: 4-link rigid axle with air spring type with control arms and stabilizer bar
- Rear Air Suspension

Auto-leveling
Rear Adjustable Height Control (RAHC) š Allows rear vehicle height adjustment up to 2.8 inches (up 1.6 in., down 1.2 in.)

Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) controls damping force to optimize ride comfort in accordance with road conditions and has four driver selectable settings (Comfort, Semi-Comfort, Semi-Sport, Sport)
BRAKES
Power assisted four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with 4 piston front calipers

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Brake Assist (BA)
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)

Front disc diameter (in.)	13.3
Rear disc diameter (in.)	12.3
Anti-lock Braking System	4 channel, 4 sensor
Parking Brake	Drum

WHEELS AND TIRES

Wheel Size (in.)	17x7.5 JJ
Type	Aluminum alloy
Tire Size	265/65HR17 Mud and Snow rated
Tire Name	Michelin, Dunlop, or Bridgestone
Spare Tire/Wheel	Full size tire with alloy wheel

PERFORMANCE

0-60 mph acceleration, seconds	8.5 š TMC figure
1/4 mile (0-400m) acceleration, seconds	16.5 š TMC figure
Top track speed, mph	112 š electronically limited
Redline/maximum rpm	5300
Coefficient of Drag (Cd)	0.38

2003 GX 470 FEATURES - EXTERIOR
Overall Exterior/Body Design

Headlamps (projector type), running board lamps, and reverse lamps with green tint
Prominent front grille that features three horizontal bars and chrome surround
Distinctive character lines on the hood
Color-keyed fender flares, running boards, bumpers, door handles, mirrors, lower body cladding, and optional roof rack
Front bumper with integrated fog lamps
Three stack design sculpted rear tail lamps with reverse lamps located under license plate garnish
Rear chrome license plate garnish
Rear tailgate swings out like conventional side door instead of lift-gate style (hinged on the right)
Front glass with UV protection and green tint
Privacy glass on rear windows
Rear mudguards (front mudguards integrated into running board design)

Body Structure and Paint

Reinforcements throughout body structure for improved rigidity
Silencing material installed throughout vehicle
3-coat paint with scratch resistant anti-acid rain clear coat
Exterior colors: Ash Blue Mica, Silver Pine Metallic, Black Onyx, Sand Dollar Pearl, Dorado Gold Pearl, Blue Meridian Pearl

Convenience Features

Aerodynamic heated outside mirrors with manual folding and reverse auto-tilt
Auto-dimming electrochromic inside rear view mirror
Integrated illuminated running boards with Lexus "L" emblem on the scuff plate
Fuel cap tether
Auto on/off headlamps with variable off timing

Water repellent front door glass
Variable intermittent front windshield wipers
Intermittent rear windshield wiper with washer
Roof mounted fixed antenna for optional Lexus Link (antenna is mounted rear center of the roof with the same design as LS 430 and will be standard equipment on all models)
Rear bumper protector
Hood struts

Optional Features

Power tilt/slide moonroof with one touch open/close feature, pinch protection, and speed-sensing wind deflector
Rain sensing wipers
Roof rack (color-keyed rails with black cross bars)

130 lb. weight capacity

Towing package (includes pre-wire for trailer lights)

2003 GX 470 FEATURES - INTERIOR
Interior Trim

Ivory or gray leather trim seat facings, headrests, armrests, door-trim, shift knob, and steering wheel with chrome "L" emblem
Genuine Golden Bird’s Eye Maple wood trim on dashboard, center console, and door panels
Front and rear door pockets; front seat back storage pockets
8 interior assist grips (10 with optional 3^rd row seat)
Dual sun visors with slide mechanism and illuminated vanity mirrors
Chrome door handles
Cut pile carpeting; carpeted floor mats (cargo mat is optional)

Seats/Cargo Area

Foldable and reclining 60/40 split second row seat with CRS anchorage
Front seat mounted armrests and rear seat center armrest with pull-out cupholders
10-way power driver's seat (power adjustments: fore-and-aft slide; fore-aft recline; front vertical height, rear vertical height, and lumbar support) with 2-position memory
4 way power front passenger’s seat
Heated front seats with variable heat setting
Chrome tie-downs located on the floor of the cargo area

Instrumentation/Controls

Lexus Optitron instrumentation
Electronic odometer/twin trip meters
Compass (in EC mirror)
Front interior lounge illumination
Soft-touch fully automatic climate control with anti-dust filter and separate driver & passenger temperature controls
Front defroster-linked A/C startup control; rear swing door and quarter window defoggers with auto-off function
Digital outside temperature display, digital clock, and trip computer (avg. mpg, current mpg, range, avg. mph, barometer, altimeter, elapsed time)

Scheduled maintenance indicator light
Multi-function in-key remote entry system
Remote operation of windows and optional moonroof
Customized Body Electronics System (C-BEST)

Convenience Features

Auto-dimming electrochromic inside mirror with compass
Overhead console with HomeLink universal transceiver, map lights and sunglass holder
Door courtesy lights, glove box light, dome light, front map lights, and rear cargo area light
Illuminated cigarette lighter and 12 volt power outlet in center instrument cluster
115V outlet (located on passenger side of rear cargo area)
Power door locks with anti lock-out feature and driver's door two-turn unlock system
Retained accessory power for windows and optional moonroof
Power door windows with one touch auto up/down feature with pinch protection for all side door windows
Manual (swing out type) rear quarter windows with privacy glass
Power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel column with automatic tilt away
Steering wheel mounted audio controls (voice command button for optional navigation also located on the steering wheel)
Steering column mounted cruise control switches
Manual seat belt anchor height adjusters for front seats and 2^nd row outer positions
Remote fuel filler door release; fuel cap hanger
Storage pocket with cargo net integrated in the rear door
First aid kit; Tool kit

Audio Systems
Standard – Lexus Premium Audio System

AM/FM ETR with auto-reverse and 6-disc CD changer integrated into audio head unit (vehicles w/ Navigation have glove-box mounted CD changer)
Dolby B and C noise reduction system for cassette
Cassette scan
Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL)
FM diversity sub-antenna printed on passenger side rear quarter glass
124 watts of power (at 0.1% THD)
11 speakers:

Two tweeters mounted in door panels near A-pillar
Two midrange speakers mounted in front doors
Two mid-woofers mounted in front doors
Two mid-woofers/tweeters mounted in rear doors (2 speakers in each location)
One sub-woofer mounted in passenger side of rear deck

Optional – Mark Levinson Audio System Adds:

240 watts (continuous average power at .01% THD; 20-20,000 Hz)
Ultra-low crossover distortion
State-of-the-art discrete amplifier design
14 speakers (exclusive speakers in italics)

Two 20mm tweeters mounted in door panels near A-pillar (titanium dome)
Two 65mm midrange speakers mounted in front doors (metal cone)
Two 6x9 mid-woofers mounted in front doors
Two 16cm mid-woofers/20mm titanium dome tweeters mounted in rear doors (2 speakers in each location)
One 16cm sub-woofer mounted in passenger side of rear deck
Two 65mm satellites mounted in rear door (metal cone)
One 65mm center channel mounted on top of dash (metal cone)

Optional Features

Optional wood and leather steering wheel and shift knob
Optional foldable and removable (via quick release mechanism) 3^rd row seat with 50/50 split and storage pouch with zipper on the right seatback for middle headrest

Provides 8 passenger seating capacity (2-3-3 seating)
Includes rear A/C

Optional tonneau cover (N/A with 3^rd row seat)
Optional Lexus DVD Navigation System (CD changer located in the glove box when equipped with navigation)

Includes steering wheel mounted voice control button

Optional DVD Rear Seat Entertainment system (RSE) - DVD player located in center console and screen folds down from the ceiling

Includes remote control and holder (holder attaches to seat back pocket)
Includes 2 wireless headphones
Includes Rear Seat Audio system (RSA) functionality

Optional Rear Seat Audio system (RSA)

Includes remote control and holder (holder attaches to seat back pocket)
No headphones included

Rear Seat Audio system (RSA)

Includes remote control and holder (holder attaches to seat back pocket)
No headphones included

Optional Lexus Link

2003 GX 470 FEATURES – SAFETY & SECURITY

Safety

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

Multi-stage driver’s and front passenger’s airbags with seamless passenger side airbag cover
Front seat-mounted side impact airbags
Front and rear side curtain airbags (1^st and 2^nd row only)

Seatbelts

Driver and front passenger’s pretensioners and force limiters
ALR/ELR for all positions except driver (ELR only)
3-point seatbelts for all seating positions
Seat belt warning light for driver and front passenger seats

ISO-FIX lower tether anchors for 2^nd row
Headrests for all seating positions
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Soft upper interior
Side impact beams
Anti-rollover dynamics
High roof-crash strength
Active TRAC (A-TRAC)
Vehicle Skid Control (VSC)
Downhill Assist Control (DAC)
Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
TORSEN limited slip center differential

Security

Key integrated rolling code remote entry
Key card immobilizer
Vehicle security system
Shift linked auto door locks
Key cylinder in driver’s door only

2003 GX 470 FACTORY OPTIONS

DVD Navigation System/Mark Levinson Audio Package
- Mark Levinson Audio and Lexus DVD Navigation System
- 6-disc CD auto-changer located in glovebox
- Wood & leather steering wheel and shift knob
- One-touch open/close moonroof
- Tonneau cover
- Rain-sensing wipers
Premium Package