Lexus LX570-Based Prototype SUV is Everything We’ve Ever Wanted (Helicopter Not Included)
Seriously, Lexus, quit pretending the J201 Concept is just a prototype and MAKE this 550hp luxury off-road King a reality.
These are the days I love my job most. A manufacturer I adore drops a concept SUV that may just be the coolest truck in the company’s history. But let’s back up. Just two short weeks ago, I was privileged to review the Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition for ClubLexus. Obviously, it was an amazing experience overall. But Toyota’s aren’t Lexus-luxurious. And its aging powertrain, shared with the current-gen LX570, feels a touch underpowered compared to the competition.
Enter the Lexus J201 Concept SUV.
My god, folks. Would you look at this? I’m literally drooling over a press release and its related media assets. (I’ve already replaced one keyboard.)
For those super into the Lexus brand, you’ll probably recognize the name J201 as a play on the LX 570’s internal Lexus chassis and platform code, URJ201. Designed by Lexus and assembled by overlanding experts, Expedition Overland, the J201 Concept takes Lexus’ flagship SUV to the next level. The LX570 (and Land Cruiser) are already known for their offroading capabilities, but this concept takes things to the next level.
This overlanding beast boasts a supercharged 5.7 3UR-FE V8 with 550 ponies and ft.-lbs. of torque. Throw in performance differentials, bigger brakes, larger tires, a height-adjustable suspension, a snorkel kit for crossing deep water, underbody protection, and a host of accessories and organizing tools, and you’ve got one serious truck ready for, well, everything.
Here’s a full list of what Expedition Overland added.
Lexus J201 Concept SUV Components
FRONT BUMPER
- CBI Offroad Front Bumper
- Winch Mount / Recovery Points / Lightweight
- WARN Industries Winch
- Zeon 10-S
- RIGID Industries Light Bar
- 30-inch RDS SR-Series Pro
WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES EVO Corse DakarZero Wheels
- 17-inch x 8-inch
- General Grabber X3 Tires
- LT285/70R-17 (33-inch)
- StopTech Braking
- Drilled Front and Rear Rotors / Super Sport Performance Pads / Color-Matched Calipers
DRIVETRAIN
- Magnuson Supercharger TVS1900
- 550 hp / 550 lb-ft
- Performance Differentials
- Front and Rear 4.30 Nitro Gears / ARB Air Lockers
- TJM Airtec Snorkel
- Raised Air Intake
- ARB High Performance Twin On-Board Compressor
- Slee Off-Road Compressor Mount System
UNDERBODY PROTECTION
- CBI Offroad Rock Sliders
- Lexus Illumination / Hex Traction
- CBI Offroad Skid Plates
- Front Skid / Transfer Case / Fuel Tank
SUSPENSION
- Icon Vehicle Dynamics Upgraded Suspension
- Upper Control Arms Front / Lower Control Arms Rear / OEM Front and Rear Spacers
- Adjusted OEM Height Sensors
Normal: +2-inch lift front, +1-inch lift rear
L4 Range HI: +3-inch lift front, +2-inch lift rear
HI: +4-inch lift front, +3.4-inch lift rear
Extra HI: +4.8-inch lift front, +4.1-inch lift rear
CARGO CARRYING
- Prinsu Design Roof Rack System
- MAXTRAX Storage / Scene Lighting / Low Profile
- RIGID Industries Light Bar
- 40-inch SR-Series Spot Midnight
REAR BUMPER
- CBI Offroad Rear Bumper System
- Rear Ladder / Dual Swing-Outs / Spare Tire / Baja Designs S2 Sport Lighting
- Scepter 5-Gallon Water Cans
INSIDE
- ARB LINX Accessory Interface
- Lighting / Air Lockers / Compressor Control / Battery Monitor / Angle Meter
CABIN ORGANIZATION
- Zero Halliburton for Lexus
- Pursuit Aluminum Travel Cases
- Goose Gear Drawer Module
- Dog Bowls / WARN Epic Recovery Kit / Twin Drawers
ClubLexus First Reactions
We live in a world bombarded by marking and PR messaging. Admittedly, the J201 Concept SUV is no different. Its purpose is to generate hype and, most likely, gauge interest in the potential for such a model (or trim level). Perhaps I’m naive. Perhaps I’m just a sucker for spin. But, when I look at the J201, I see the same impressive level of engineering and thought we saw earlier this year when Ford unwrapped its all-new Bronco and Bronco Sport.
You’re telling me Lexus is considering making the most ultimate version of its ultimate truck? More luxury? More power? And even more capable?
Oh HELL yes.
To be fair, I don’t know if I would personally need all the extra drawers and organizers, but it’s cool to see this truck fully decked out for a safari. Still, the key components for me are the upgraded powertrain and suspension goodies. The LX570 is already a great SUV, but lacks power and this iteration could be a great fix. That said, I don’t know if you really want drilled rotors on anything that could get submerged in water (seems like a recipe for early cracking, IHMO).
Other than a couple of nitpicks, my only true complaint is, why hasn’t Lexus done this sooner and why can’t I currently buy a supercharged 550hp LX570 right now?
Seriously, Lexus, get to work. We need to drive this one!
Photos: Lexus
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