Lexus LX

Lexus LX

Lexus LX 570 (J200)
Overview
Manufacturer Lexus (Toyota)
Also called Toyota Land Cruiser
Production November 1995–present
Assembly Japan: Toyota, Aichi (Yoshiwara plant)[1]
Body and chassis
Class Full-size luxury SUV
Body style 4-door SUV
Layout Front engine, four-wheel drive

The Lexus LX (Japanese: レクサス・LX, Rekusasu LX) is a full-size luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) sold by Lexus since January 1996 having entered manufacture in November 1995. Three generations have been produced, all based heavily on the long-running Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs. The first generation LX 450 started production in 1995 as Lexus' first entry into the SUV market. Its successor, the LX 470, premiered in 1998 and was produced until 2006. The latest, third-generation, LX 570 debuted at the New York International Auto Show in April 2007 as a complete redesign for the 2008 model year. The LX is not available in Japan where it is manufactured. The LX name stands for "Luxury Crossover".[2] However, some Lexus importers use the backronymic name, "Luxury Four Wheel Drive".[3]

The second and third generations had a V8 engine powertrain, a welded steel unibody shell combined with full-size steel ladder frame (body-on-frame construction), and seats for eight passengers (LX 470 and LX 570). The first generation LX 450, a mid-size SUV, had an inline-6 engine and seats for seven passengers. The second generation LX 470 shared exterior styling with the Land Cruiser Cygnus, sold in Japan. The LX is Lexus' largest and most expensive luxury SUV.

First generation (J80)

First generation
Overview
Also called Toyota Land Cruiser (J80)
Production November 1995 – December 1997
Model years 1996–1997
Powertrain
Engine 4.5 L 1FZ-FE I6 (gasoline)
Transmission 4-speed A343F automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Length 4,821 mm (189.8 in)
Width 1,930 mm (76.0 in)
Height 1,869 mm (73.6 in)

1995–1997

Rapidly developed in the mid-1990s as a result of threatening US trade sanctions on Japanese luxury cars, the LX 450 started production in November 1995[4] and was released to the US in January 1996 as a 1996 model; Canada received the LX from 1997. The LX 450 was Lexus's first SUV and was almost entirely based on the sixth generation Toyota Land Cruiser (J80). Differences lay in a restyled, more luxurious interior and softer suspension settings. The first LX 450 rolled off the production line in December 1995.[5]

Lexus LX 450

The LX 450 was powered by a 4.5-liter, twin-cam, four-valve inline-six engine that produced 160 kW (215 hp) and 373 N·m (275 lb·ft) of torque. Both front and rear axles were solid. Externally, the LX 450 was identical to the J80 series Land Cruiser, with the exception of the grille, side body cladding, and wheels.[5] Side running boards give step-up access.[5] The vehicle had additional sound-absorbing insulation.[5]

Amenities included leather seats and seating for seven passengers in three rows,[5] the third row accessed by tilting the second row bench seat forward. The third row could be folded to the side and the second row folded down for further space.[5] The vehicle was pre-wired for the Lexus remote telephone system, and had a remote entry key system.[5] The three options consisted of a console-mounted 6-disc CD changer, electronic front and rear locking differentials, and a power moonroof.[5] At the time of its sales debut in early 1996, the LX 450 was listed in the US at a suggested base price of $47,995,[5] an approximately $7,000 premium over the Land Cruiser, with a base price of $40,678 in 1996.[5]

Interior

Targeted against luxury SUV competitors such as Range Rover, the LX 450 sold over 5,000 units in 1996 and over 9,000 units in 1997. At its launch it sold out its initial production allocation, resulting in a two-month wait list, surpassing initial expectations which had called for 4,000 units that year.[5] It was brought to market as US buyers showed greater interest in large SUVs, which had grown popular because of their high driver's vantage point and truck-like characteristics.[5] Lexus customer research revealed that one in six owners were purchasing large SUVs to add to their garages.[5] An additional factor was the US-Japan trade war of the mid-1990s. The US government threatened to place 100 percent tariffs on all Japanese luxury import cars, but not including SUVs. The LX 450 was produced as a rebadged model (in contrast with other Lexus efforts which were independently or divergently developed from Toyota vehicles), giving a model that was exempt from the tariff.[6] Ultimately a gentlemen's agreement was reached and the threatened tariffs did not materialize.

The LX 450 replaced the Land Cruiser in the Canadian market starting after 1996, reducing internal competition (big expensive SUVs have traditionally faced a difficult market in Canada) and avoiding the issue of selling a rebadged model (except for GM, Ford and Chrysler, rebadged models in Canada have not met with success). For a 5,000 lb (2,300 kg) vehicle, the LX 450 was regarded by some critics as underpowered,[7] leading to the shortening of its model cycle (despite sales increases) and replacement with a V8-powered successor.

The LX 450 was the top-ranked full-size SUV in J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Survey, with the lowest number of problems during the first three months of ownership.

Second generation (J100)

Second generation

2002–2005 Lexus LX 470
Overview
Also called Toyota Land Cruiser (J100)
Toyota Land Cruiser Cygnus (J100)
Production 1998–2007
Model years 1998–2007
Designer Hiroya Kitazumi (1995, facelift: 2000, second facelift: 2003)
Powertrain
Engine 4.7 L 2UZ-FE V8 (gasoline)
Transmission 4-speed A343F automatic
5-speed A750F automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Length 4,890 mm (192.5 in)
Width 1,941 mm (76.4 in)
Height 1,849 mm (72.8 in)

1998–2002

In the mid-1990s, work started on a Lexus variant of the Toyota Land Cruiser (J100), the LX (J100). The final design by Hiroya Kitazumi was approved in 1995, with updates by Kitazumi approved in 2001 and 2004.[8][9] Testing was conducted from the mid-1990s till late 1997. In December 1997, the second generation LX 470 debuted at Los Angeles Auto Show, going on sale in the second quarter of 1998. It shared the floor plan and most body panels with the equivalent Land Cruiser, and differed in its front appearance and had a more luxurious interior. Exterior design differences included a quad-headlamp forward fascia with larger grille and different wheels. It was powered by a LEV-certified 4.7-liter V8 engine, which initially produced 172 kW (230 hp), later upgraded to 175 kW (235 hp), then 200 kW (268 hp). The final torque value was 445 N·m (328 lb·ft). It was rated to tow 2,900 kg (6,500 lb) with the tow package installed.

1998–2002 Lexus LX 470
1998–2002 Lexus LX 470

The front gained independent suspension, and the optional electronic locking front and rear differentials were dropped. Suspension included Adjustable Height Control (AHC) air suspension and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). The AHC could raise the vehicle for off-roading and return to a normal driving height reducing the center of gravity and wind resistance. The lowest setting for when the vehicle was stopped allowed for easier entry, exit and loading. AVS alters shock absorber firmness in under 2.5 milliseconds at each wheel, individually selecting from a range of 64 settings depending on road conditions and driver input such as steering-wheel activity, braking and acceleration. The AVS system used a switch for the driver's preferences including "normal", "comfort" and "sport" modes.

A DVD-based navigation system, Nakamichi stereo with in-dash six-disc CD changer, electrochromic power folding side mirrors, and a smog sensor for the HVAC system were offered.[10] For 2000 models, Vehicle Stability Control and brake assist were made standard.

2002–2005

During 2002 for the 2003 model year, Lexus introduced minor tweaks to the exterior, including larger standard 18-inch wheels, a new front bumper, etc. The interior was substantially overhauled, adopting the corresponding updates to the Land Cruiser's interior, and with Bluetooth and a backup camera now available. In the US, both were optional with the camera coupled with the navigation system, due to the shared screen. Lexus also replaced the four-speed automatic with a five-speed, and increasing power from 172 kW (230 hp) to 175 kW (235 hp). The updated engine now met CARB ULEV-II emission standards. Lexus added front row side torso airbags and side curtain airbags, electronic brakeforce distribution and rain-sensing windshield wipers as standard. An 11-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system and a DVD Rear-Seat Entertainment System (RSES) were made optional. Other new features included Lexus Link, an emergency service similar to GM's Onstar, in North America.

Night View infrared camera safety system was offered as an option in 2002, the world's first active automotive night vision system, projecting information on the windshield using a head-up display; the driver could vary brightness using a dimmer knob. The 2003 LX 470 came with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) system, varying steering ratios from 12.4 to 1 to 18.0 to 1 (previously fixed at 19.8 to 1), allowing the driver to apply less steering input to maneuver in tight places such as parking lots. By changing the ratio on the highway, minor adjustments made by the driver would not create excessive vehicular movement.

2005–2007

2005–2007 Lexus LX 470
2005–2007 Lexus LX 470

In 2005 for the 2006 model year, a refresher included LED tail lamps, adding VVT-i to the engine and increasing its power to 205 kilowatts (275 hp). During 2006, for the final model year, 2007, Lexus produced 400 "Limited Edition" LX 470s with Black Onyx paint, stone leather interior, and specialized badging and scuff plates.

Several awards were made for the J100 series:

2005–2007 Toyota Land Cruiser Cygnus (Japan) 
1998–2002 Lexus LX 470 interior 

Third generation (J200)

Third generation

First-facelift Lexus LX 570
Overview
Also called Toyota Land Cruiser (J200)
Production November 2007–present
Model years 2008–present
Designer Shinichi Hiranaka (2004)
Takanori Ito (2012 facelift: 2010)
Powertrain
Engine 5.7 L 3UR-FE V8 (gasoline)
4.7 L 2UZ-FE V8 (gasoline)
4.6 L 1UR-FE V8 (gasoline)
4.5 L 1VD-FTV V8 (diesel)
Transmission 6-speed AB60F automatic
8-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Length 5,005 mm (197.0 in)
Width 1,970 mm (77.6 in)
Height 1,865 mm (73.4 in)
Curb weight 2,685–2,750 kg (5,919–6,063 lb)

2007–2010

On April 4, 2007, Lexus debuted the 2008 model year LX 570 at the New York International Auto Show. It was a complete redesign, and the first version to be debuted before its expected Land Cruiser counterpart. The design by Shinichi Hiranaka was approved in 2004, who also did the design update approved in 2010[17][18][19] It has a new UL EV-II certified 5.7 L 3UR-FE V8 engine.[20] Power output is 286 kW (383 hp) with 546 N·m (403 lb·ft) of torque. The more powerful engine helps give an increased towing capacity of up to 3,900 kg (8,500 lb). The engine is tied to a six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission with an all-new 4WD system which uses a Torsen center differential.[21] Development began on both the Land Cruiser (J200) and Lexus LX equivalent in 2002. The final design was approved in 2004, with testing being conducted into early 2007 on development prototypes and late 2007 on pre-production models. The final design patent for the J200 series Lexus LX was filed on March 27, 2007.

First-facelift Lexus LX 570

The LX 570 is 102 mm (4 in) longer overall and 25 mm (1 in) wider, while retaining the same wheelbase. It loses the plastic lower body side cladding leaving the paint exposed. A third of the frame's body mass is made from high-tensile steel, along with the entire B-pillar, and all three crossmembers are hydroformed steel. Like the Toyota Tundra the tow hitch is integrated into the frame. The front suspension now uses double wishbones, replacing the torsion beam, which gives 230 mm (9 in) of suspension travel, while the rear continues to use a multi-link suspension with a solid rear axle for strength and durability. The LX platform has logged 240,000 test kilometers through subtropical forests, the Australian Outback and American deserts.[22]

The LX 570 comes standard with 20-inch-wheels, a four-wheel electro-hydraulic suspension with an updated six-setting AHC system that can raise the vehicle by 76 mm (3 in) or lower it by 51 mm (2 in) from its normal ride height using a knob in the center console. The front suspension's air bag spring rates are variable, but not continuously like a fully active suspension arrangement. The AVS provides more immediate damper firmness adjustments that are diagonally cross-linked through a mechanical system using hydraulic fluid, similar to the 4Runner's X-REAS system.

Second-facelift Lexus LX 570

Other performance features include a Crawl Control (more advanced version of Downhill Assist Control) system that negotiates off-road obstacles in both forward and reverse at low speeds by automatically providing throttle and braking inputs for less experienced off-road drivers: an interior lever allows the driver to reduce speed. A multi-terrain anti-lock braking system gives shorter stopping distances on surfaces such as sand or gravel. Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) prevents rolling backwards on hills or slippery surfaces.[21]

The interior includes amenities, standard and optional, featured in the 2007 LS 460, such as semi-aniline leather seats, four-zone climate control, a 19-speaker 450 Watt Mark Levinson surround-sound stereo system with hard-drive memory storage, a hard-drive-based navigation system, XM satellite radio with NavTraffic as standard, a two-piece power liftgate/tailgate and Lexus Intuitive Park Assist, sonar parking assistance. Other features include Bubinga wood trim (a form of African rosewood also used in private aircraft and high-quality instruments), a center console cooler for storage of cold drinks, power sliding rear seats, power third row seats, and a 229 millimetres (9 in) DVD rear-seat entertainment system.[21]

It also has the updated Lexus fifth-generation hard-drive-based navigation system with an 8 inch high-resolution VGA display. Lexus' keyless SmartAccess with an ultra-thin "smart card" key is standard with 10 airbags including knee airbags for driver and front passenger and second row side torso airbags, and the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) is standard, while the Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control systems are options.[21] Active front headrests debut this Lexus safety feature for the first time on an SUV in the U.S. A new Wide-view Front and Side Monitor system uses a camera mounted on the grille giving a 180-degree view in front and a camera mounted on the passenger side of the side mirror helps eliminate blind spots at low speeds useful in parking lots or off-road adventures. Night View was discontinued.

In 2009, the LX 570 received J.D. Power's top score in its Initial Quality Study.[23]

2010–2012

In 2010 for the 2011 model year, Lexus introduced a mild facelift with a new front bumper, and for sports models a stick-on bodykit on the front and rear bumpers. The new front bumper gave the effect of the new Lexus "spindle" grille without redesigning any of the major bodywork components.

2012–2015

A more substantial facelift arrived in 2012 for the 2013 model year, characterized by a new grille, bumpers, headlamps, tail lamps lenses and miscellaneous trim changes such as new wheel designs.

2015–present

2016 Lexus LX 570

Another facelift was unveiled in August 2015 at the US Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.[24][25] The update brought significant changes with an all-new interior and the only exterior panels carrying over were the doors and the roof.[26]

Pre-facelift Lexus LX 570 
Pre-facelift Lexus LX 570 
Interior 
Modification Engine Horsepower Max. Torque Region Years
LX 470 2UZ-FE V8 4663 cc 271 hp (202 kW) @ 5400 rpm 410 N·m (300 lb·ft) @ 3400 rpm Hong Kong only 2007–2012
LX 460 1UR-FE V8 4608 cc 313 hp (234 kW) @ 5500 rpm 460 N·m (340 lb·ft) @ 3400 rpm Hong Kong only[27] 2012–2014
LX 570 3UR-FE V8 5663 cc 362 hp (270 kW) @ 5600 rpm 530 N·m (390 lb·ft) @ 3200 rpm GCC, Australia, Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Philippines, Chile, South Africa, New Zealand, Vietnam (since Dec 2013), Malaysia (since Dec 2015) 2007–present
LX 570 3UR-FE V8 5663 cc 371 hp (277 kW) @ 5600 rpm 534 N·m (394 lb·ft) @ 3200 rpm Japan 2015–present
LX 570 3UR-FE V8 5663 cc 383 hp (286 kW) @ 5600 rpm 546 N·m (403 lb·ft) @ 3600 rpm United States, Canada 2007–present
LX 570 Supercharged 3UR-FE V8 5663 cc 450 hp (336 kW) @ 5400 rpm 706 N·m (521 lb·ft) @ 3200 rpm Saudi Arabia, Kuwait (special edition) 2014–2015
LX 450d 1VD-FTV V8 4461 cc Turbodiesel 268 hp (200 kW) @ 3600 rpm 650 N·m (480 lb·ft) @ 1600–2800 rpm Russia, Ukraine, New Zealand, South Africa 2015–present

Sales

Sales data, from manufacturer yearly data.

Generation Model(s) Calendar year U.S. sales
UZJ100
LX 470 2000 14,732[28]
2001 9,320[28]
2002 9,231[29]
2003 9,193[29]
2004 9,846[30]
2005 8,555[30]
2006 5,595[31]
2007 2,468[31]
URJ200 LX 570 2008 7,915[32]
2009 3,616[33]
2010 3,983[34]
2011 3,167[35]
2012 5,005[36]
2013 4,625[37]
2014 4,052[37]
2015 3,884[38]

References

  1. ↑ "Affiliates (Toyota wholly-owned subsidiaries)-Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd.". Toyota Motor Corporation. 2012. Retrieved 2014-07-18.
  2. ↑ "1st Lexus LX SUV". Toyota Motor Corporation. 2012. Retrieved 2012-12-30.
  3. ↑ "Site Map". Australia: Lexus. Archived from the original on 2014-04-11.
  4. ↑ "Affiliates (Toyota wholly-owned subsidiaries)-Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd.". Toyota. Retrieved 2014-01-11.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Krebs, Michelle (1996-02-04). "Hitting the Trail in Soft Leather". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  6. ↑ Dawson, Chester. Lexus: The Relentless Pursuit, p. 161. 2004: Jon Wiley & Sons, NJ.
  7. ↑ "LX 450 profile". Cargurus.com. 2008-02-29. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  8. ↑ https://www.google.com/patents/USD477796
  9. ↑ https://www.google.com/patents/USD525173
  10. ↑ "Full Test: 1999 Lexus LX470 All Hail the King!". Edmunds.com. 1999-01-01. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  11. ↑ "J.D. Power and Associates 2002 Initial Quality Study". Jdpower.com. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  12. ↑ "J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Initial Quality Study". Jdpower.com. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  13. ↑ "Kelley Blue Book-Models to Best Hold Its Value". CARFAX. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  14. ↑ "Inside Line: News, Road Tests, Auto Shows, Car Photos and Videos". Edmunds.com. 2009-01-22. Retrieved 2010-04-14.
  15. ↑ "2003 Large Luxury SUV Comparison Test". Edmunds.com. 2003-04-02. Retrieved 2010-04-14.
  16. ↑ "Lexus Ranks Highest in Vehicle Dependability for the 11th Consecutive Year". Jdpower.com. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  17. ↑ "Patent D563834 – Automobile and/or toy replica thereof" (patent). 2008-03-11.
  18. ↑ "D668998 Motor vehicle and/or toy replica thereof" (patent). 2012-10-16.
  19. ↑ "D669401 Automobile" (patent). 2012-10-23.
  20. ↑ "Inside The Most Powerful Toyota Engine Ever – Consumer Feature". Truck Trend. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  21. 1 2 3 4 "LX 570 press release". Pressroom.lexus.com. 2007-12-20. Retrieved 2012-06-24.
  22. ↑ "LX 570 tried and tested around the globe". Pressroom.com.au. 2008-03-31. Retrieved 2012-06-24.
  23. ↑ "2009 Initial Quality Study (IQS) – Import Nameplates Capture 15 of 22 Segment Awards". J.D. Power and Associates. 2009-06-22. Retrieved 2009-07-06.
  24. ↑ Halvorson, Bengt (2015-08-14). "Refreshed 2016 Lexus LX 570 SUV Bows at Pebble Beach". The Car Connection. US. Retrieved 2015-08-19.
  25. ↑ Thomas, David (2015-08-14). "2016 Lexus LX 570 Gets New Look, Interior, Tech (35 Photos)". US: cars.com. Retrieved 2015-08-18.
  26. ↑ Campbell, Matt (2015-08-14). "2016 Lexus LX570 revealed". Australia: CarAdvice. Retrieved 2015-08-18.
  27. ↑ "Lexus LX460". Lexus.com.hk.
  28. 1 2 "Lexus sales figures 2000–2001". Theautochannel.com. 2010-09-13. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  29. 1 2 "Lexus sales figures 2002–2003". Theautochannel.com. 2010-09-13. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  30. 1 2 "Lexus sales figures 2004–2005". Theautochannel.com. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  31. 1 2 "Lexus sales figures 2006–2007". Theautochannel.com. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  32. ↑ "Lexus sales figures 2008". Theautochannel.com. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  33. ↑ "Lexus sales figures 2009". Theautochannel.com. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  34. ↑ "December 2010 Sales Chart". Toyota USA. 2011-01-04. Retrieved 2011-12-24.
  35. ↑ "December 2011 Sales Chart". Toyota USA. 2012-01-04. Retrieved 2012-03-13.
  36. ↑ "December 2012 and Year-End Sales Chart". Toyota USA. 2013-01-03. Retrieved 2013-01-04.
  37. 1 2 "December 2014 and Year-End Sales Chart" (Press release). Toyota USA. 2015-01-05. Retrieved 2015-01-06.
  38. ↑ "December 2015 Sales Chart" (Press release). Toyota USA. 2016-01-05. Retrieved 2016-09-28.

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