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Lexus GX 470 is luxurious mid-size SUV with V8 power and 4WD
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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HEBER CITY, Utah -- Silted soil and loose gravel clot a narrow trail cut into mile-high slopes of the Wasatch Range during off-road tests steering the new Lexus GX 470 sport-utility wagon through the Rocky Mountains of Utah.
At one point a fallen boulder blocks the hillside trail, prompting a driver to veer around the barricade in a maneuver that pitches the wagon precariously at a canted angle, left wheels hiking high on the hill and right ones in a rut between slope and stone.
Despite the slippery grade and a tricky maneuver, the Lexus trudges forward making steady progress without tipping, rolling or foundering in what becomes a keen demonstration of its wily off-road manners.
This is a formidable machine with a tall stance, hefty V8 engine pumping 235 hp and massive torque muscle, plus a four-wheel-drive (4WD) system with two speeds that's capable of confronting daunting off-road obstacles.
The 4WD equipment, permanently engaged, has a torque-sensing center differential that distributes the engine torque between front and rear wheels. Add a locking mechanism to the center differential for low range crawling over the rough stuff plus a limited-slip rear differential and you get maximum potential for traction.
In addition, the suspension height of this wagon may be modified by the driver from a console toggle.
Press the button and a hydro-pneumatic apparatus raises or lowers the suspension by multiple inches to increase the ground clearance for covering off-road barriers. Or it automatically drops down to a hunky low stance when cruising at speed on a highway.
An alphabetical melange of computerized electronic safety equipment helps this new Lexus manage tire traction and braking. The high-tech gear includes anti-lock brakes (ABS), emergency brake assist (EBA), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and active traction (A-TRAC) and vehicle skid control (VSC) devices.
But wait, there's even more: A sophisticated device labeled Downhill Assist Control (DAC) operates on demand to hold tires tightly on a steep grade while descending and it works in conjunction with the smart ABS controls and an electronic throttle.
To use this tool, the driver depresses a console switch marked "DAC" and sets the 4WD transfer case to "L4" (four-low). Heading down a steep grade, the DAC indicator light blinks on and off as the equipment operates, selectively deploying brakes to rein the wagon or adding engine power via the electronic throttle to keep it moving forward.
Yet another mechanism dubbed Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) works the opposite of DAC by preventing the wagon from rolling backward when climbing a steep slope.
DAC and HAC devices represent only two of the many mechanical tools to control the new GX 470 over rough terrain, but the new Lexus wagon also proves on pavement it can be a smooth rider rigged with a cushy suspension to cradle up to seven riders in a vast passenger compartment.
And those posh appointments: Soft leather hides and genuine golden bird's eye maple wood trim dash, doors and console, with power-everything, and 11 audio speakers to envelop you in soothing stereo sounds.
It blends elements from the elegant Lexus flagship LS 430 sedan, including electro-luminescent analog instruments which seem to float in front of driver in magical three-dimensional glow.
The result: A dazzling mid-size sport-utility wagon with luxurious fittings of an elite sedan and the muscular assets of a powerful off-road warrior.
What a refined way to travel.
GX 470 becomes a new product for the expansive line of luxurious vehicles by Lexus, elite upshot brand from Toyota of Japan. And it's the third sport-utility wagon for Lexus, with mid-size measurements fitting neatly between the smaller RX 300 and full-size LX 470.
Many of the mechanical features that make LX 470 such a strong and powerful SUV also apply to GX 470.
Shared hardware includes the 4.7-liter V8, a new five-speed electronic automatic transmission, the 4WD equipment and suspension with height controls, plus a new variable gear ratio steering (VGRS) system and the alphabetical mass of vehicle controls like ABS and EBD brakes, A-TRAC and VSC.
Cabins for the two wagons, although different in size, seem similar in that both support three rows of seats and contain so many plush appointments.
Even the list of options compares with the Lexus Link telecommunications and a new nighttime Lexus vision enhancement system called Night View.
Core structure of the GX 470 compares to new generational issues of Toyota's mighty 4Runner wagon.
Like a truck, the GX 470 is constructed with a body-on-frame chassis. The ladder format has boxed rails extending for the length of the platform and nine cross members to maximize torsional rigidity.
Suspension amounts to an independent double wishbone design up front with coil springs over gas shocks and a solid axle in back set in four-link scheme also with springs on shocks.
In addition to auto-leveling and rear adjustable height control (RAHC), there's adaptive variable suspension (AVS) damping, which improves the ride quality by continuously changing damping rates on shock absorbers for individual wheels in response to variances such as the vehicle's speed, condition of the road surface, steering and braking changes plus vertical movement of the vehicle.
A big V8 engine forms the core element of GX 470. Off an iron block rigged with aluminum heads, the plant displaces 4.7 liters and carries four cams. It produces 235 hp at 4800 rpm and 320 lb-ft of torque at 3400 rpm.
The plant delivers impressive low-end torque and can tow a trailer rig weighing up to 4500 pounds.
Classy package styling enables GX 470 to stand apart from other vehicles, not only due to the wagon's bulk but visual characteristics that look strong and powerful.
Standard cabin gear includes leather seating with heat elements in front seats, automatic climate controls, steering wheel audio controls, memory settings for driver's seat plus steering wheel position and mirrors, and a premium audio system with CD changer in the dash for six discs. The list of options extends to a power moonroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a roof rack and navigation system.
Score new GX 470 on top of the mid-size SUV class in all aspects, from its size and muscle to the off-road prowess and luxury appointments -- but also in price, as Lexus sets the MSRP at $44,925.
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 2003 LEXUS GX 470 Specs |
| Description: |
5-door mid-size luxury SUV
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| Model Options: |
5-door mid-size luxury SUV
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| Wheelbase: |
109.8 inches
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| Overall Length: |
188.2 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 4.7-L V8
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| Transmission: |
Auto/5 ECT
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| Drive: |
4WD (full-time)
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| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/
ABS/BA/EBD/A-TRAC/VSC/
HAC/DAC
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| Airbags: |
2 (front) + 2 (side)
+ 4 (side curtain) |
| Gross Weight: |
6100 pounds |
| Towing Capacity: |
5000 pounds
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| Gas Mileage: |
15/18 mpg
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| Price: |
$ 44,925 |
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