The Lexus LX is a full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) sold by Lexus since 1996. Three generations of the Lexus LX have been produced, all based heavily on the long-running Toyota Land Cruiser series of SUVs. The first generation LX 450 debuted in 1996 as Lexus' first entry into the SUV market. Its successor, the LX 470, premiered in 1998 and was produced through 2006. The latest third generation Lexus LX 570 debuted at the New York International Auto Show in April 2007 as a complete redesign for the 2008 model year.
The latest two generations of the Lexus LX have featured a V8 engine powertrain, a welded steel unibody shell combined with a full-size steel ladder frame (body on frame construction), and the capacity to seat eight passengers (LX 470 and LX 570). The first generation LX 450, classified as a mid-size SUV, featured an inline-6 engine and capacity for seven passengers. The second generation LX 470 shared exterior styling with the Toyota Land Cruiser Cygnus, sold in Japan. The LX ranks as Lexus' largest and most expensive luxury utility vehicle, sized above the GX and RX series of SUVs. It was Lexus' most expensive offering until the LS 600h.
The LX 450 was released to the U.S. in early 1996 as a 1996 model; Canada received the LX from 1997. The LX 450 was Lexus's first entry into the SUV market and was almost entirely based on the sixth generation 80 series Toyota Land Cruiser. Differences between the LX 450 and the Land Cruiser lay in a restyled, more luxurious interior and softer suspension settings. The LX 450 was powered by a 4.5 liter, twin-cam, four-valve inline-6 engine which produced 212 horsepower (158 kW) and 275 ft·lbf (373 N·m) of torque. Both front and rear axles were solid. Externally, the LX 450 was largely identical to the 80 series Land Cruiser, with the exception of the grille, side body cladding, and wheels. Side running boards allowed step-up access into the vehicle's cabin. The vehicle was also fitted with additional sound-absorbing insulation.
Onboard amenities included leather seats and seating capacity for up to seven passengers in three rows of seating. The third row seat was accessed by tilting the second row bench seat forward. The third row itself could be folded to the side for more cargo area, and the second row seat could fold down for further space. The vehicle also came pre-wired for the Lexus remote telephone system, and was equipped with a remote entry key system. The three available options consisted of a console-mounted 6-disc CD changer, electronic front and rear locking differentials, and a power moonroof. At the time of its 1996 debut, the LX 450 was listed in the U.S. with a manufacturer's suggested base price of $47,995. This was approximately a $7,000 price premium over the Land Cruiser, which had a base price of $40,678 for 1996.
Targeted against luxury SUV competitors such as Land Rover/Range Rover, the LX 450 sold over 5,000 units in 1996 and over 9,000 units in 1997. At its launch, the LX 450 sold out its initial production allocation, resulting in a two-month wait list; surpassing initial expectations which had called for 4,000 units sold that year. The LX 450 was brought to market as U.S. buyers showed greater interest in large SUVs; these vehicles had grown popular because of their high driver's vantage point and truck-like characteristics. Lexus customer research also revealed that one in six owners were purchasing large SUVs to add to their garages. An additional factor was the U.S.-Japan trade war of the mid-1990s. At the time, the U.S. government threatened to place 100% tariffs on all Japanese luxury import cars, but not including SUVs. The LX 450 was produced as a rebadged model (in contrast with other Lexus efforts which were independently or divergently developed from Toyota vehicles), giving Lexus a model that was exempt from the tax. Ultimately however, a gentlemen's agreement was reached and the threatened tariffs did not materialize.
No comments:
Post a Comment