Lexus next-generation model new SUV "LX" world premiere | For used cars [Goonet]

The LX was launched in North America in 1996. Since its release, it has refined ride comfort and quietness based on reliability, durability, and ability to run on rough roads, achieving both dynamic performance that can withstand driving on all roads and a high-quality ride. Positioned as Lexus' flagship SUV. As of the end of August 2021, approximately 500,000 units have been sold in approximately 50 countries. The new LX announced this time has evolved each status to enrich the user's life scene while providing a comfortable and high-quality time to the occupants in any place. Through the adoption of a new platform, weight reduction, and realization of a highly rigid body, the features of the vehicle have been renewed. In addition, the powertrain has also been improved, and driving performance has been pursued so that both on-road and off-road driving can be enjoyed only by Lexus. In addition, it is the first Lexus vehicle to use a fingerprint authentication start switch to reduce the risk of theft.

Using the new GA-F platform and reducing the weight by approximately 200kg

The new LX is designed to enable easy and high-quality driving on any road in the world. While maintaining the traditional body-on-frame structure, the basic characteristics that support the evolution of driving have been fundamentally reviewed. By adopting a new platform, the GA-F platform, and rethinking the car's framework from scratch, we have thoroughly lowered the center of gravity, reduced weight, and improved body rigidity. improved.

The new GA-F platform was adopted for the first time in Lexus, and the traditional ladder frame was renewed. By utilizing the latest welding technology, etc., a highly rigid (+20% compared to the conventional model) and lightweight frame has been achieved, improving collision safety performance, quietness, and driving quality. As for the body, the use of high-strength steel is being expanded, and the bonnet, roof, and all door panels are made of aluminum. In addition, the position of the powertrain has been moved 70mm to the rear of the vehicle and 28mm to the bottom. These innovations have significantly reduced the weight of the vehicle by approximately 200kg, lowered the center of gravity, and improved the front-rear weight distribution. . Together with the improvement of the driving position, it contributes to driving in line with the driver's intentions, and the weight reduction also contributes to the improvement of environmental performance.

In terms of details, computer analysis of body deformation behavior during steering was performed, and torsional deformation was suppressed by adding spot hit points, around door openings, and by optimizing the placement of structural adhesive on the floor, resulting in excellent body rigidity. realized. In addition to off-road performance, on-road steering response and response, rear grip, excellent ride comfort, and Lexus-like driving quality are ensured.

The body not only protects the living space of the occupants, but also protects parts such as the power unit and fuel tank, realizing excellent robustness. The cross-sectional characteristics of the side rails, which are susceptible to stress when driving on rough roads, have been optimized, and the placement of nine cross members has also been optimized to balance performance such as strength, rigidity, and collision safety against road surface input. Furthermore, by placing steel plates with a maximum thickness of 5 mm and high-tensile steel plates in the right places, the distortion of the vehicle body is suppressed even when the vehicle is hit on rough roads, reducing the impact on steering stability and ride comfort.

In addition, the world's first (as of October 2021, according to Lexus research) technology that combines thick and thin steel plates by laser welding and is press-formed. Significant weight reduction is achieved while maintaining rigidity. This technology is used in the side rails with increased cross-sectional height and in some of the cross members.

In order to achieve both off-road driving performance and on-road steering stability at a high level, the front uses a high-mounted double wishbone suspension geometry and coil springs. Optimize constants. It has achieved both excellent vehicle stability and ride comfort. In addition, the suspension stroke, which is an important factor in off-road driving performance, secures a sufficient length of rebound +15 mm compared to the conventional model, realizing excellent road surface followability and rough road driving performance. In the rear, while inheriting the highly reliable trailing link axle type suspension from the current model, the placement and characteristics of the suspension arms and shock absorbers were designed to make it easier to control the movement of the axle, resulting in excellent vehicle stability and stability. I balance ride comfort. In addition, the rebound stroke has been expanded by 20 mm compared to the conventional model, ensuring excellent road-following performance.　In addition, the rear shock absorber is placed outside the lower control arm, and the absorber mounting angle is adjusted to the axle movement angle. It makes it easier to follow the vertical movement of the tire, enhances the damping effect of the absorber, and contributes to the realization of excellent vehicle stability by absorbing shock and vibration from the road surface.

The 3.5L V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine (V35A-FTS) generates a maximum output of 305kW (415PS) and a maximum torque of 650Nm. Adoption of D-4ST with multi-hole direct injection injector, long stroke, high-speed combustion and high-efficiency twin-turbo due to optimum arrangement of valve angles produce powerful low-speed torque and excellent supercharging response. The automatic transmission that is combined with this operates the lockup in almost all areas except when starting, realizing a direct feeling. In addition, the 10-speed system realized a cross gear step and a wide range of overall gear ratios, simultaneously achieving a rhythmic and comfortable driving rhythm, high-speed fuel consumption, start acceleration, and off-road performance. In addition, by optimizing the driving force characteristics and gear shift timing, it is possible to take advantage of the smooth torque characteristics up to the high rpm range, and achieve powerful acceleration that is close to the driver's intentions.

In addition, if the oil level drops significantly due to excessive tilting of the vehicle body, etc., an oil level sensor that detects the oil level drop and notifies the driver by lighting a warning light is adopted. ensure the oil supply performance of In addition, bearings and oil seals with high waterproof and dustproof performance are adopted, assuming usage scenes unique to SUVs such as crossing rivers and dusty environments.

On-road driving performance that pursues the "Lexus Driving Signature"

By revamping the features, deceleration, steering, and acceleration are seamlessly connected in all driving situations, providing a sense of comfort, ground contact, power, and security. Realizing a certain driving, the LX further deepens the "Lexus Driving Signature". In terms of on-road driving performance, the new AHC (Active Height Control suspension) and AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension system) are adopted, and while it is a frame vehicle, it can be used on-road while maintaining the traditional off-road performance and vehicle stability. It achieves high vehicle controllability and excellent ride comfort.

AHC is a system that can adjust the vehicle height according to the usage environment, expanding the selectable vehicle height positions. In addition, while following the mechanism that adjusts the vehicle height with shock absorbers, gas and hydraulic springs, and metal springs, by equipping the rear wheels with a spring rate switching device that was only attached to the front wheels in the conventional model, Shortened the time required for height adjustment. There are three types of vehicle height positions, Normal/Hi1/Hi2, and Low when getting in and out of the car. The vehicle height is displayed not only on the meter panel but also on the 7-inch touch display, making it possible to check at a glance. In addition to adjusting vehicle height, AHC also responds to changes in vehicle posture such as pitch and roll, and has a function to stabilize vehicle posture during cornering and acceleration/deceleration by optimizing the spring rate as needed.

By changing to a linear solenoid valve system, excellent responsiveness of damping force switching is realized, providing fine and smooth control according to the road surface and driving conditions. The damping force is set to a low level to ensure a comfortable ride when overcoming bumps in town, and the damping force is increased to ensure a flat and stable feeling during steering operation. In addition, the damping force changes according to the drive mode, contributing to driving that matches the driver's preference.

Electric power steering, which uses a new motor and speed reducer, has been adopted for the power steering, replacing the conventional hydraulic power steering. It enables fine tuning, and provides a sense of security that the car responds faithfully and linearly to the steering operation, and an easy driving that does not make you feel that it is a large vehicle. In particular, it offers excellent maneuverability at low speeds such as in parking lots and intersections, as well as a light steering feel at low speeds such as off-road driving, contributing to a reduction in the burden on the driver.

Employs an electronically controlled brake system that detects the amount of brake pedal operation with a sensor and creates the optimum braking force with hydraulic brakes, which provides more linear braking characteristics. When multi-terrain select is selected for off-road driving, high driving stability is ensured through fine brake control for slipping or spinning tires.

In order to improve both off-road and on-road driving performance, Lexus has adopted the largest size 22-inch tires for the first time. It reduces the unsprung weight of all tires, including 18-inch and 20-inch tires, and optimizes rolling resistance to improve fuel efficiency. In addition to pursuing the optimum tread pattern and structure to achieve steering stability, ride comfort, and quietness, tires are used according to the environment around the world, such as dry and wet roads, and how customers use them. This ensures steering stability and braking performance.

Fusion of tradition and advanced technology improves performance on rough roads

By fusing tradition and advanced technology, performance on rough roads has evolved. The hardware performance of the traditional body-on-frame structure and rear rigid suspension has been refined, and software such as multi-terrain select and crawl control has evolved. It made me feel safer.

The wheelbase inherits the golden ratio of 2,850mm, which has been inherited from successive generations of LX, achieving both high performance on rough roads and a roomy interior space. The ground obstacle angle (approach angle, departure angle, ramp breakover angle), maximum stable tilt angle of 44 degrees, hill climbing ability of 45 degrees, and maximum river crossing performance of 700 mm are maintained at the same level as the previous model. It was realized.

Multi-terrain select with six modes (AUTO/DIRT/SAND/MUD/DEEP SNOW/ROCK) for off-road driving support according to road surface conditions is also adopted in the new model. In addition to conventional brake hydraulic pressure, driving force and suspension are integrated and optimized according to the selected mode. It is possible to draw out the running performance according to the road surface condition. In addition, the operating range, which was previously limited to low range (L4), has been expanded to include high range (H4), enabling easy, high-quality driving on any road in the world, from extremely low-speed driving on rocky roads to high-speed driving on unpaved roads. It has evolved into a function that can be realized. In addition, the AUTO mode, which estimates road conditions while driving based on information from various sensors and optimizes brake oil pressure, driving force, and suspension control, is the first Lexus vehicle to adopt this mode.

Crawl control is a system that automatically controls driving force and brake hydraulic pressure according to five speed settings selected by the driver. When driving on uneven off-road or slippery road surfaces, the driver can operate the steering wheel at extremely low speeds without having to operate the accelerator or brake. The ability to escape from a stuck vehicle is high because it suppresses wheel spin and wheel lock, and the load on the drive system is also reduced. In addition, quietness has been greatly improved by improving the specifications to make the most of the linear brake hydraulic control by the newly adopted electronically controlled brake system. In addition, even if the driver operates the accelerator while the crawl control is in operation, seamless driving force and brake hydraulic control have been achieved that do not interfere with the driver's acceleration operation.

When the Transfer H4 range is selected, Downhill Assist Control, which operates when going downhill at vehicle speeds of 30km/h or less, supports stable descents when descending steep slopes where engine braking alone cannot sufficiently decelerate. Since the selected vehicle speed is maintained by operating the switch, the driver can concentrate on steering operation without having to worry about operating the brake or accelerator, reducing the driver's burden.

This is the first Lexus vehicle to use a dual display with two upper and lower screens on the instrument panel. A 12.3-inch touch display on the top displays navigation and audio screens, and can be used as a multi-terrain monitor when driving off-road. The 7-inch touch display at the bottom displays the air conditioning control screen, multi-terrain select, drive mode select, and other driving-related screens. While the camera image is displayed on the upper screen, the vehicle status is simultaneously displayed in real time on the lower screen, making it possible to grasp the situation during off-road driving without switching the screen display.

The multi-terrain monitor is a system that supports the confirmation of the situation around the vehicle with four cameras. Images captured by cameras mounted on the front, sides, and rear can be switched with a camera switch, and images around the vehicle can be displayed more clearly and smoothly on the entire surface of the 12.3-inch display. You can check the status. In addition, when switching to the underfloor view, past images shot in front are provided as transparent images under the floor, and by synthesizing lines indicating the current vehicle and tire positions, it is possible to check the condition under the vehicle and the position of the front wheels. . In addition, a function has been added that allows the vehicle to be seen through and the area around the rear wheels to be displayed in a large close-up, allowing the driver to grasp the situation around the tires and the sense of distance to obstacles, contributing to escaping from a stuck or dead end. In addition, the world's first "back under floor view" (as of October 2021, according to Lexus research) synthesizes past images taken in front of the vehicle when reversing to simulate the transmission of the vehicle and the vicinity of the rear wheels. Ability to display It is useful for grasping the positional relationship with obstacles behind the vehicle and checking the rear wheels and the road surface, contributing to driving performance on forest roads, mogul roads, and rocky roads.

New “EXECUTIVE” and “OFFROAD” grades

In addition to the standard specifications, the new LX has new “EXECUTIVE” and “OFFROAD” grades . The “EXECUTIVE” is fully equipped with functions that emphasize comfort, and the “OFFROAD” is equipped with special equipment that enhances rough road driving performance.

"EXECUTIVE" is a 4-seater specification that emphasizes expansion of rear seat space and relaxation, aiming for a space where you can relax even when driving long distances or driving on rough roads. The seat is based on the neutral posture advocated by NASA, and the front passenger seat can be moved forward while controlling the reclining angle and seat angle of up to 48 degrees. In addition, by folding down the rear seat display behind the front passenger seat and securing forward visibility, a sense of openness and a maximum leg space of 1,000mm create a relaxing space. In addition, the rear seats exclusively for the "EXECUTIVE" feature concave headrests, seat backs and cushions that gently envelop the head, hips and buttocks.

Furthermore, as equipment to create a comfortable private space, a dedicated reading light, a rear seat display, and a dedicated audio system are standard equipment. In addition, the dedicated "EXECUTIVE" air conditioner outlet on the ceiling diffuses the air from the upper part, and it also has a shower air conditioning function that comfortably envelops the rear seat occupants. In addition, an air-conditioning outlet has been added to the side of the center console dedicated to the rear seats, and by blowing warm air curtains in winter, the effect of cooling the head and feet is further enhanced. The rear control panel, which centrally manages the various functions and equipment of the rear seats, and its surroundings have been designed to be easy to reach and have functionality, giving top priority to usability. It also has a non-contact charging space for smartphones, a cup holder that can be used as a notebook table, a small item holder, and a USB & HDMI socket.

"OFFROAD" is set as a domestic specification, further improving rough road driving performance. Three differential locks (front, center, rear) are equipped as standard to demonstrate even higher off-road driving performance, and by locking the differential as needed, the ability to escape has been enhanced. In addition, it is equipped with 18-inch tires with a high profile, improving road surface followability on rough roads.

In terms of design, it has a special exterior such as matte gray painted wheels, black painted wheel arch molding, and dark gray metallic painted front grille. It has a unique design that emphasizes powerful off-road performance.

Proportions in line with Lexus' next-generation design language

The new LX has a design keyword of "Dignified Sophistication" We aimed for high-quality and sophisticated proportions that aim for an overwhelming presence while considering the off-roader's running performance.

The exterior features a cab-backward design that pulls the front pillars toward the rear of the vehicle.In addition, 22-inch tires, the largest in Lexus, are used on the robust body, creating a dynamic and smart expression. On the front face, as an expression of a new spindle grill suitable for the LX, seven sets of floating bars create a three-dimensional shape, creating a seamless structure without a frame to achieve both design and cooling performance. In addition, the side radiator grilles have large openings to ensure cooling performance, and the shape has a high rectification effect, realizing a design that is rooted in function. The headlamp has a three-dimensional L-shaped clearance lamp (with a daytime running lamp function), and the inner lens is doubled to create a level difference, giving a sense of depth and change depending on the viewing angle.

The side is a solid mass with a strong sense of unity, with a horizontal torso starting from the front that runs all the way to the rear, a quarter pillar narrowed from the roof to the back window, and an underflow running up from the bottom of the rocker to the rear of the rear tires. express feelings.

In the center of the rear, the brand mark has been renewed from the conventional L-shaped logo to the new Lexus logo, symbolizing the next generation Lexus. The rear combination lamp also adopts a tail lamp that combines an L-shape and a single character in the flow of the axis that continues from the front to the shoulder and rear silhouette.

The aluminum wheels are 22-inch forged wheels that emphasize the maximum diameter of LEXUS with a high contrast of black and cutting brightness. The high-brightness paint expresses a deep three-dimensional effect, and it is tailored to the feet with a presence that is suitable for the car class.

The cockpit adopts a new concept called the "Tazuna Concept," which allows the driver to more intuitively connect with the car, allowing them to concentrate more on driving. In order to realize smooth movement of the line of sight while driving, a head-up display and driving information display system connected to the meter from the road ahead was arranged, and a 12.3-inch touch display was used as a navigation screen. In addition, the driving system switches are placed in an easy-to-reach position in the center cluster, and the air conditioner switches are arranged under the 7-inch touch display.

In the 3rd row seat of the 7-passenger specification, electric reclining is possible so that the cargo space can be adjusted according to the application. For the seat arrangement, Lexus' first "multi-seat auto arrangement" is adopted, and by operating the auto arrangement switch in the luggage compartment, all seats including the front seats move, creating a large luggage space "Luggage space expansion mechanism" By pressing the switch on the shoulder of the second seat, the second seat is electrically folded and flipped up, making it easier to get in and out of the third seat (7-seater specification). .

Advanced safety technology and improved convenience based on human-centered thinking

The fingerprint authentication start switch, which is the first Lexus model to be used, is standard equipment on all models. If you carry the smart key and touch the fingerprint sensor in the center of the start switch while stepping on the brake, the fingerprint information registered in the vehicle will be collated, and if the fingerprint information does not match, the engine will not start.

The latest multimedia system pursues intuitive usability, and achieves excellent accessibility by always displaying the selection switches for various menus as icons on the driver's seat side. The layout also divides the display area according to the granularity of information, and unifies the operation flow for navigation, music, vehicle settings, etc., and is particular about ease of use. In addition to activation by operating the talk switch on the steering wheel, the voice recognition function can be activated by operating the microphone icon on the display or by voice. In addition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are set, and in addition to USB connection, Apple CarPlay is scheduled to support wireless connection via Wi-Fi with an OTA software update. In terms of acoustics, the Lexus Premium Sound System, which consists of 10 speakers, including a large-capacity subwoofer box, was used with the aim of reproducing rich and sharp low frequencies.

Lexus Safety System + is adopted for preventive safety technology. By improving the performance of the monocular camera and millimeter-wave radar, the range of pre-crash safety that can detect cyclists during the day and pedestrians at night has been expanded. It is also possible to detect pedestrians crossing from the front when turning left. In addition, functions such as emergency steering support and low-speed acceleration suppression have been added. In addition, it is equipped with functions such as "Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)", "Radar Cruise Control (with all vehicle speed tracking function)", and "Road Sign Assist (RSA)". In addition, a driver abnormality response system has been adopted, and if the driver continues to be inactive during LTA control, the driver is prompted to operate with a warning sound, display, and slow deceleration, and an abnormality is notified outside the vehicle with a hazard and a horn. while slowing down and stopping in the own lane, helping to avoid self-inflicted accidents and reduce accident damage. After the vehicle stops, it unlocks the doors and automatically connects to help net to request lifesaving, contributing to early driver lifesaving and rescue.

The headlamps are equipped with a new Blade Scan Adaptive High Beam System (AHS). Light from the LED, which is the light source, is radiated onto a blade mirror that rotates at high speed, and the light reflected by the blade mirror travels at high speed through the lens, illuminating the front. With this mechanism, the LED light can be turned on and off at appropriate times to finely control the light distribution, making it possible to recognize pedestrians and traffic signs without dazzling oncoming or preceding vehicles. rice field. > Click here for Lexus LX new car estimates

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Since the first issue of the used car information magazine GOO in 1977, we are a group of professionals related to used cars, producing various articles such as used car related articles, latest news, test drive impressions of popular cars. . Goonet has a wide range of recommended information on purchasing used cars, from light cars to luxury imported cars. We are here.

In addition, as the latest information, we will translate and deliver the announcements of manufacturers such as Toyota and press releases of overseas manufacturers such as BMW. We will support your comfortable car life by taking advantage of the wealth of used car information, knowledge of used car purchases, and knowledge of the car itself that we have cultivated since the days when magazines were the main source of information.

Since the first issue of the used car information magazine GOO in 1977, a professional group of used cars that has produced various articles such as used car related articles, latest news, test drive impressions of popular cars. is. Goonet has a wide range of recommended information on purchasing used cars, from light cars to luxury imported cars. We are here.

In addition, as the latest information, we will translate and deliver the announcements of manufacturers such as Toyota and press releases of overseas manufacturers such as BMW. We will support your comfortable car life by taking advantage of the wealth of used car information, knowledge of used car purchases, and knowledge of the car itself that we have cultivated since the days when magazines were the main source of information.

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