Fan

Hi guys,

After a wreck this week my BMW was totalled. I'm thinking of an LX470 to better protect me from drivers that run stop signs.

I've searched the net but I can't find any info on next year's model changes. Does anyone have any information? Bigger engine?? What year is the LX470 due for a make-over?

Any buying advice will be greatly appreciated. I can wait until the Fall to purchase.

Thanks,
Dave

LexFather

Dude, Lexus is so secrative of new models it is SICK! Nothing so far. But I figure looking at model cycles (came out in 98) a new one will be out for sure in 2003, or another refreshning at least.

Faheta

Given that Lexus is introducing the GX470 in January 2003, I would imagine, at minimal, the LX470 will get an engine upgrade. I read from MotorTrend (or was it Car&Driver?) that Toyota hinted a "540" nomenclature. Obviously, that means a 5.4 liter V8. This makes sense since the current LX is a bit heavy for the 4.7 engine. The competitions are also leaving Lexus behind in terms of power (especially the new Navigator and Escalade which come with high displacement V8s generating 300+ hp).

Personally, I'd like to see Lexus drop a V12 in there as the top-of-the-line model (LX600? ... I know they only put the V12 in their limo-like "Century" model in Japan). That will be a coup and a huge image booster since pretty much no other ultra SUVs out there carry a V12. See, other manufactures try high output V8 (Escalade, BMW X5 4.6is), but they seem to only add "sporty" appeal. A V12, my friend, adds both ultimate "sporty" and "luxury" appeal. In the high ultra-luxury market, it's about being "excess".

Man, I hope by then, I'll be able to afford one.

Jayson

Dave,

Here is some info for you that I pulled off Toyota's TRD-USA web page.

"The 4.5L Inline-Six Supercharger delivers a significant power increase to 1995 to 1998 Land Cruisers with a 110 hp gain (@ 4,400 rpm) and an added 160 lb./ft. of torque (@ 3,200 rpm). With the addition of a TRD Air Valve Relocator Kit, this unit will also fit 1993 to 1994 model year Land Cruisers.

The superchargers contribute to TRD's growing line of fully warranted, bolt-on performance parts, including the widely popular 3.4L V6 Supercharger for Toyota trucks. Currently under development is a V8 Supercharger for the Toyota Tundra and all-new Sequoia sport utility vehicle."

If this supercharger is under development for the Tundra and Sequoia, chances are there will be a kit fitting it to the Land Cruiser and LX470 vehicles. Why not add it on? You're already running premium unleaded with the stock Land Cruiser and LX470 anyways. Chances are you'll probably get better gas mileage with the supercharger. More power to move that heavy weight at less throttle = better gas mileage.