Not many of us still have a daily need to descend 45-degree slopes, cross deep water or slog through miles of muddy trail, but for those that do--or just like to on the weekends--Toyota has a new generation of the Land Cruiser Prado for Europe, meaning a possible new version of the Lexus GX for the U.S.
The previous-generation Prado and the GX it spawned is a solid vehicle on all accounts--well made, capable and comfortable--but it lacked in efficiency. The new model is expected to make up for that with available three-door and five-door configurations plus a more efficient range of powertrains.
Our lucky European friends will be graced with the choice between a 3.0-liter D-4D diesel engine or a 4.0-liter V-6 gasoline engine. Here in the U.S., the V-6 engine will likely be the only available powertrain, getting about the same power as the V-8, but at less fuel cost.
That current V-8 engine is good for 14 mpg city and 18 mpg highway, according to EPA ratings, but as always, real-world figures will differ with usage. The $47,615 base price of the current model leaves little doubt that it's intended to be what it is, without apology for its thirsty position among Toyota's rather more efficient lineup.
New features for the 2010 model year includes "Multi-terrain Select," which automatically tunes power and braking to optimize traction and control on a variety of surfaces. A complementary feature, "Multi-terrain Monitor" keeps tabs on the terrain with a set of four cameras feeding real-time images to the driver to help keep the SUV on the right path. A "Steering Angle Display" feature gives a predictive look at where the vehicle will go based on the current position and steering input, allowing the driver to better map and negotiate tricky areas.
Other usual improvements, including an 11% stiffer body-on-frame design, revised suspension geometry for better comfort and steering feel plus optional dynamic anti-roll bars to help improve all-around performance.
Interior comforts are upgraded with a more spacious cabin and flush floor-folding third-row seats to replace the side-swinging rear jump seats of the current model. High-tech add-ons include an optional 14-speaker, 7.1-channel JBL Synthesis surround sound system, hard disc drive nav and music library, plus the standard array of Bluetooth and MP3 capability. Expect this specification to move even further up-market in Lexus trim.
Standard safety features include stability control with active torque control, downhill assist control and hill-start assist control, a full seven airbags, including driver's knee airbag, ABS and active front
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Тема: Lexus GX 2009 (Прочитано 81011 раз)
