No longer the ugly duckling of the Lexus lineup, the 2014 version of the GX460 has been revamped inside and out. The new GX460 has a few improvements to its inner workings, such as a smoother ride on road, while maintaining its off-road capabilities. The GX460 is a go-anywhere SUV for the consumer who wants luxury and ruggedness.
The Lexus GX 460 is a luxury utility vehicle and it continues with a very quiet cabin and a long list of standard features and options that make it a versatile choice for city and off-road driving. With its seven-passenger, three-row configuration and body-on frame construction, the GX 460 combines “right sized” mid-size packaging with family-friendly comfort and premium craftsmanship, while getting fuel economy of 17 mpg combined, 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.
The GX 460 is powered by a 4.6-liter V- 8 engine mated to a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with sequential shift and produces 301 hp at 5,500 rpm and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm, enabling the GX to tow up to 6,500 lbs. The 32-valve DOHC engine has aluminum block and alloy cylinder heads and dual Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i), which controls valve timing and overlap on both the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize power, fuel efficiency and emissions.
The GX 460 is a premium luxury utility vehicle that can deliver genuine trail driving capability. The standard full-time fourwheel drive uses an electronically controlled transfer case and a TORSEN torquesensing limited slip center differential that can be electronically locked. It also offers a low range for off-road driving. The TORSEN differential distributes power 40:60 front/rear under most driving conditions and changes the ratio as needed based on wheel slip.
Available on the Premium model, the optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Driver Attention Monitor Package can help reduce collision damage. The package includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which uses millimeter-wave radar to measure and help maintain a pre-set following distance from a vehicle traveling ahead.
The Driver Attention Monitor uses a camera to monitor the orientation of the driver’s face. If it determines that the driver is not facing forward when an obstacle is detected ahead, it alerts the driver, first with a warning chime and a warning display. If the driver doesn’t respond as the car gets closer to the obstacle, PCS will warn the driver by gently applying the brakes. To help assist the driver in maneuvering around the obstacle, the system changes the steering ratio, amplifying the intensity and quickness of the steering response. At the same time, PCS automatically retracts the front seatbelts and prepares the brake system to respond with increased braking force when activated by the driver in anticipation of a possible impact.
The MSRP on the 2014 Lexus GX460 is $49,085.
Grant Miller is the publisher of Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or by addressing email to Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com.
