What is it?
2003 Lexus GX 470
What's special about it?
Adding a third dimension to the Lexus SUV lineup, the GX 470 slots above the RX 300 and below the top-of-the-line LX 470. The idea is to provide a full-size eight-passenger SUV that's a little more rugged than the plush LX.
Power comes from the same 4.7-liter V8 found in its big brother. With just 235 horsepower, it's won't be a speed demon, but 320 lb-ft of torque will give it a respectable 6500-pound maximum tow rating. A five-speed automatic transmission mates to a full-time four-wheel-drive system that also offers low-range gearing for hard-core off-road adventures. A full complement of alphabet safety systems will be standard, including ABS brakes, Active TRAC (traction control), brake assist, Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). New for a Lexus SUV is a Downhill Assist Control (DAC) that will further aid drivers during steep descents.
The vehicle itself retains a durable body-on-frame design, with an independent front suspension and solid-axle rear. The Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) uses multiple vehicle sensors to readjust shock settings constantly for optimum ride quality. An Adaptive Height Control (AHC) system allows drivers to select between varying levels of ride height for either maximum ground clearance off-road or a lowered stance for easier entry and exit.
Inside, the GX 470 will coddle passengers in typical Lexus luxury. Although slightly smaller than the LX 470 dimensionally, the GX will still offer eight-passenger seating with the optional third-row seat. High-end options include separate rear climate controls, a DVD entertainment system, DVD-based navigation and a Mark Levinson premium audio system.
Lexus expects to have the GX 470 in dealers starting early next year.
Why should you care?
Unless you have some serious cash to drop on an SUV (around $45,000 to $50,000), this Lexus probably won't be of much interest. But we all know there are plenty of people out there who do, and Lexus will undoubtedly have no trouble selling thousands of them. We're not particularly fond of the ill-proportioned styling, but it's hard not to like Lexus quality wrapped around that ultra-smooth V8 and a highly functional suspension. — Ed Hellwig
2003 Lexus GX 470
What's special about it?
Adding a third dimension to the Lexus SUV lineup, the GX 470 slots above the RX 300 and below the top-of-the-line LX 470. The idea is to provide a full-size eight-passenger SUV that's a little more rugged than the plush LX.
Power comes from the same 4.7-liter V8 found in its big brother. With just 235 horsepower, it's won't be a speed demon, but 320 lb-ft of torque will give it a respectable 6500-pound maximum tow rating. A five-speed automatic transmission mates to a full-time four-wheel-drive system that also offers low-range gearing for hard-core off-road adventures. A full complement of alphabet safety systems will be standard, including ABS brakes, Active TRAC (traction control), brake assist, Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). New for a Lexus SUV is a Downhill Assist Control (DAC) that will further aid drivers during steep descents.
The vehicle itself retains a durable body-on-frame design, with an independent front suspension and solid-axle rear. The Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) uses multiple vehicle sensors to readjust shock settings constantly for optimum ride quality. An Adaptive Height Control (AHC) system allows drivers to select between varying levels of ride height for either maximum ground clearance off-road or a lowered stance for easier entry and exit.
Inside, the GX 470 will coddle passengers in typical Lexus luxury. Although slightly smaller than the LX 470 dimensionally, the GX will still offer eight-passenger seating with the optional third-row seat. High-end options include separate rear climate controls, a DVD entertainment system, DVD-based navigation and a Mark Levinson premium audio system.
Lexus expects to have the GX 470 in dealers starting early next year.
Why should you care?
Unless you have some serious cash to drop on an SUV (around $45,000 to $50,000), this Lexus probably won't be of much interest. But we all know there are plenty of people out there who do, and Lexus will undoubtedly have no trouble selling thousands of them. We're not particularly fond of the ill-proportioned styling, but it's hard not to like Lexus quality wrapped around that ultra-smooth V8 and a highly functional suspension. — Ed Hellwig
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