Car Chat General discussion about Lexus, other auto manufacturers and automotive news.

Lexus GX 460 to debut on November 23, 2009 at Guangzhou Auto Show

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-16-09, 12:34 PM
  #31  
(Cj)
Lexus Test Driver
 
(Cj)'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: somewhere out there
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by SLegacy99
If GM can do it, I am sure that Toyota can as well.
All of GM's hybrid BOF SUVs are mild hybrids I believe and if you look at their EPA mileage it still sucks.
Originally Posted by SLegacy99
Better question, is there still a market for the GX at all?
I don't really think so. Most GX's I see are driven by soccer moms and soccer dads that don't even need a BOF SUV. A midsized crossover (ala GL, X5, Q7) is what Lexus needs.
(Cj) is offline  
Old 11-16-09, 12:39 PM
  #32  
SLegacy99
Lead Lap
 
SLegacy99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: MD
Posts: 4,511
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by (Cj)
All of GM's hybrid BOF SUVs are mild hybrids I believe and if you look at their EPA mileage it still sucks.
The Tahoe and Silverado hybrids are full hybrids. Their mileage sucks because GM paired them with one of the biggest V8s in their arsenal rather than an efficient V6 which would have sufficed. For reference, the much smaller Vue full hybrid when paired with the 3.6L engine was supposedly expecting a rating of 28/31 if I remember correctly. GM chose power over efficiency, thus they are not selling well. I am seeing more of them. I'd be interested to see some real world #s.
SLegacy99 is offline  
Old 11-16-09, 02:32 PM
  #33  
Megafast13
Instructor
 
Megafast13's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1,178
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
Default

The testing car is ugly IMO.

I know they are using random taillights on the rear, but I don't know about the front end either
Megafast13 is offline  
Old 11-16-09, 02:47 PM
  #34  
encore888
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
 
encore888's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: CA
Posts: 8,695
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by (Cj)
It's probably cheaper for coporate to just rebadge the Prado instead of switching the GX's platform. There are still rumors that a GS based crossover could be in the works, but if I were Toyota/Lexus I would just make an RX350/450L to maximize on the RX "brand". Imagine how many sales the RX would add by having a LWB 3 row seat version. It would also add to the RX's appeal for larger families.
Yes indeed, there were lots of rumors of an RX 350 L model...that could cannibalize the GX market though, but I think more RX variants are worth looking at...
encore888 is offline  
Old 11-16-09, 04:37 PM
  #35  
MR_F1
Lexus Champion
 
MR_F1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NY
Posts: 3,370
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Toyota/Lexus need LESS SUVs/Crossovers, not more.

As is, the Lexus SUV lineup is pretty good, I think on the Toyota end, the LC needs to take a leave of absence from the american market, and let the LX pick up where it left off. The FJ is cool, but really, it's almost the same size as the new 4Runner... maybe a 4Runner 2 door could take it's place?
MR_F1 is offline  
Old 11-16-09, 05:07 PM
  #36  
(Cj)
Lexus Test Driver
 
(Cj)'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: somewhere out there
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by MR_F1
Toyota/Lexus need LESS SUVs/Crossovers, not more.

As is, the Lexus SUV lineup is pretty good, I think on the Toyota end, the LC needs to take a leave of absence from the american market, and let the LX pick up where it left off. The FJ is cool, but really, it's almost the same size as the new 4Runner... maybe a 4Runner 2 door could take it's place?
Toyota definitely needs less SUV/CUVs in their lineup. But Lexus could use a fuel efficient large crossover slotted above the RX. I honestly doubt the new GX's 3rd row will be anything significant due to the fact that it's a BOF. A crossover to compete more directly with the GL/Q7/X5 would be good for the lineup. Remember that 40% of Lexus's US sales are the RX so adding another CUV wouldn't be a bad thing. A CUV isn't a "necessity" for Lexus. A necessity would be a coupe or two.

As for Toyota I agree with what you said. The 4runner could even go and not be missed by many.
(Cj) is offline  
Old 11-16-09, 05:24 PM
  #37  
SLegacy99
Lead Lap
 
SLegacy99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: MD
Posts: 4,511
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I think that the FJ has filled its niche and can go. The 4 Runner should be able to do whatever it could.
SLegacy99 is offline  
Old 11-16-09, 06:53 PM
  #38  
MPLexus301
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (3)
 
MPLexus301's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Friend Zone
Posts: 9,044
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

The front end is absolutely hideous. Say what you will about the current GX, but it's at least not downright ugly.
MPLexus301 is offline  
Old 11-16-09, 07:52 PM
  #39  
MR_F1
Lexus Champion
 
MR_F1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NY
Posts: 3,370
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by SLegacy99
I think that the FJ has filled its niche and can go. The 4 Runner should be able to do whatever it could.
Agreed.

Originally Posted by (Cj)
Toyota definitely needs less SUV/CUVs in their lineup. But Lexus could use a fuel efficient large crossover slotted above the RX. I honestly doubt the new GX's 3rd row will be anything significant due to the fact that it's a BOF. A crossover to compete more directly with the GL/Q7/X5 would be good for the lineup. Remember that 40% of Lexus's US sales are the RX so adding another CUV wouldn't be a bad thing. A CUV isn't a "necessity" for Lexus. A necessity would be a coupe or two.

As for Toyota I agree with what you said. The 4runner could even go and not be missed by many.
"Fuel efficient" and "larger than RX" is somewhat of an oxymoron. All the GX needs is a diesel and better onroad manners to better compete with the X5 et al.... they aren't much bigger, if at all, what would be the point?

Also, On the contrary, the 4Runner would be missed.
MR_F1 is offline  
Old 11-17-09, 04:39 AM
  #40  
spwolf
Lexus Champion
 
spwolf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 19,923
Received 161 Likes on 119 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by MR_F1
Agreed.



"Fuel efficient" and "larger than RX" is somewhat of an oxymoron. All the GX needs is a diesel and better onroad manners to better compete with the X5 et al.... they aren't much bigger, if at all, what would be the point?

Also, On the contrary, the 4Runner would be missed.
new GX will lave LX-like driving manners, if you like that...

But the thing is - all these SUV's will still be produced because they are sold in other markets in the world. So it does not make any sense for Toyota not letting you order it in USA when cars are already available everywhere else.
spwolf is offline  
Old 11-17-09, 04:45 AM
  #41  
spwolf
Lexus Champion
 
spwolf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 19,923
Received 161 Likes on 119 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by MR_F1
A GX450d (using their 4.5 TT V8 diesel) would make so much more sense than a hybrid application on this platform.
V8 diesel is punchy but noisy and expensive... and still not as fast as old V8 yet alone that new one in LX.

I have no idea why would anyone in the usa chose diesel V8 vs petrol V8. It uses more gas, but it is much faster, smoother. Here where we have choice between petrol or diesel V8 Land Cruiser 200, diesel engine option is also a lot more expensive, negating any mpg gains. Now reason people buy diesel here regardless is that you would never be able to sell used petrol V8.. ever.
spwolf is offline  
Old 11-17-09, 05:21 AM
  #42  
The G Man
Lexus Test Driver
 
The G Man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: MA
Posts: 8,698
Received 68 Likes on 56 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by MPLexus301
The front end is absolutely hideous. Say what you will about the current GX, but it's at least not downright ugly.
The rear end of the current GX is ugly.
The G Man is offline  
Old 11-17-09, 05:23 AM
  #43  
(Cj)
Lexus Test Driver
 
(Cj)'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: somewhere out there
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by MR_F1
"Fuel efficient" and "larger than RX" is somewhat of an oxymoron. All the GX needs is a diesel and better onroad manners to better compete with the X5 et al.... they aren't much bigger, if at all, what would be the point?

Also, On the contrary, the 4Runner would be missed.
The GX will never have the onroad manners of the X5 because the GX is a BOF SUV and the X5 is a crossover. That's why I'm saying Lexus should make a larger than RX crossover (which would be more efficient than the BOF GX).

The 4Runner's market is shrinking, so I don't think it would be missed, especially now that the Highlander is the same size with a little more interior room (due to the fact that it's a crossover and not a SUV).
(Cj) is offline  
Old 11-17-09, 05:27 AM
  #44  
The G Man
Lexus Test Driver
 
The G Man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: MA
Posts: 8,698
Received 68 Likes on 56 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by (Cj)
The GX will never have the onroad manners of the X5 because the GX is a BOF SUV and the X5 is a crossover. That's why I'm saying Lexus should make a larger than RX crossover (which would be more efficient than the BOF GX).
Never mine the GX, even the RX doesnt have the same road manner as a X5 and the RX is a crossover. You are comparing apples to oranges my friend.
The G Man is offline  
Old 11-17-09, 05:31 AM
  #45  
Joeb427
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joeb427's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SC
Posts: 11,670
Received 17 Likes on 16 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by (Cj)
The 4Runner's market is shrinking, so I don't think it would be missed, especially now that the Highlander is the same size with a little more interior room (due to the fact that it's a crossover and not a SUV).
I agree.The '10 4Runner has more of a truck look which will be a turnoff for many households.
The Highlander will get the 4Runner sales.I can see the 4Runner gone in the near future.
Joeb427 is offline  


Quick Reply: Lexus GX 460 to debut on November 23, 2009 at Guangzhou Auto Show



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:18 PM.