Lexus GX550 Trademark Could Signal Arrival of Turbo V6
The GX is in need of a major overhaul, and this trademark filing may hint at one big change.
Big Clue
With a brand new LX on the way, it's only a matter of time before the slightly smaller GX gets a complete redo as well. In production since 2010, the GX is undoubtedly getting a bit long in the tooth and is in need of some major changes. Now, MotorTrend has found a hint that one of those changes may involve a new powertrain, thanks to a recent trademark filing from Lexus.
Photos: Lexus
Ditching the V8
The trademark is for the model name "GX550," and was filed in Costa Rica, where Lexus currently sells its entire SUV lineup. The GX is, like the LX, powered by a naturally-aspirated V8, in this case, Lexus' 4.6-liter unit. But after the Land Cruiser recently eschewed its V8 for a turbo V6, it seems likely that these other models will follow suit.
Photos: Lexus
What's In a Name?
The GX is based on the smaller Land Cruiser Prado, which is due for a total redesign in the next couple of years. Thus, it seems like the GX is destined to follow suit. The "550" part of "GX550" won't likely point to any sort of engine displacement figure, however, as Lexus seems likely to follow the lead of other automakers in its naming strategy moving forward.
Photos: Lexus
More Power
The good news is, the next-gen GX will undoubtedly offer up more power than the current 301 horsepower V8. MT guesses that the new model will be powered by the same 409 hp twin-turbo V6 that can be found under the hood of the new 300-series Land Cruiser, or at least some sort of variant of it.
Photos: Lexus
Holding Out
That would certainly be good news for the big SUV, which is admittedly a bit underpowered at the moment. And while we will certainly miss the V8 and its predictable low-end grunt, Lexus has held out longer than most every automaker when it comes to ditching the old reliable powerplant.
Photos: Lexus
Changes Coming
Of course, this trademark filing could also turn out to be nothing, perhaps just a way for Lexus to hold onto the GX550 name so that no one else can trademark it. But if we were the betting types, we'd certainly wager that big changes are on the horizon for the luxury brand's "other" big SUV.
Photos: Lexus
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