Since the eight-seat GX works a tough end of the street, competing with BMW X-5, Cadillac Escalade and SRX, the new Land Rover LR3, Lincoln Aviator, Porsche Cayenne and soon a brand new Mercedes-Benz ML500, it has to stay on its toes.
But getting en pointe should be easier for the GX in 2005 on road as well as off, since the addition of Toyota's variable valve timing, a new induction system and a higher compression ratio boosts the 4.7-litre V-8's max horsepower to 275 (up from 235) at 5,400 rpm and its max torque to 330 lb-ft (up from 320) at 3,400 rpm. Power is sent to all four wheels as required, through a five-speed automatic transmission.
The result, says Stuart Payne, the director responsible for Lexus in Canada, makes the GX 470 ''a superb choice for drivers who want the muscle to conquer challenging terrain and the exceptional luxury and quality of a Lexus in one exceptional SUV.'' It is also a better off-roader than the RX 330 faux-by-four, and less overwhelming financially than the $99,900 LX 470.
Payne points out that Lexus SUVs have been doing very well in Canada this year, with sales up to 4,295 at the end of October, from 3,926 over the same 10-month time in 2003. He expects to add to that volume with the sale of 700 GX models a year, which should more than make up for a slight decline in RX 330 and LX 470 sales.
As for the cars that bear the Lexus name, ES and LS sales are up over last year, Payne notes, but the rest have decreased. Indeed, Lexus car sales were down to 2,661 units in the first 10 months of 2004, from 2,903 in the same time in 2003.
Like corporate headquarters in Japan, Payne is enthusiastic about the future on the Lexus brand in Canada, starting with the GX 470 for 2005, but certainly not stopping there. ''It's just going to get better,'' he promises.
photo:Toyota Canada
But getting en pointe should be easier for the GX in 2005 on road as well as off, since the addition of Toyota's variable valve timing, a new induction system and a higher compression ratio boosts the 4.7-litre V-8's max horsepower to 275 (up from 235) at 5,400 rpm and its max torque to 330 lb-ft (up from 320) at 3,400 rpm. Power is sent to all four wheels as required, through a five-speed automatic transmission.
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Payne points out that Lexus SUVs have been doing very well in Canada this year, with sales up to 4,295 at the end of October, from 3,926 over the same 10-month time in 2003. He expects to add to that volume with the sale of 700 GX models a year, which should more than make up for a slight decline in RX 330 and LX 470 sales.
As for the cars that bear the Lexus name, ES and LS sales are up over last year, Payne notes, but the rest have decreased. Indeed, Lexus car sales were down to 2,661 units in the first 10 months of 2004, from 2,903 in the same time in 2003.
Like corporate headquarters in Japan, Payne is enthusiastic about the future on the Lexus brand in Canada, starting with the GX 470 for 2005, but certainly not stopping there. ''It's just going to get better,'' he promises.
photo:Toyota Canada
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