Preview: Next-Generation Lexus GX 460 (Sort of…)
The Lexus line of SUVs is a complex thing, with models outside the U.S. wearing multiple names, including Land Cruiser, Prado and combinations of the two. But to simplify things, what you see here is a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado--essentially a beefed up, luxury version of the 4Runner--and therefore a preview of the basic outlines of the next-gen Lexus GX, which is expected to be called the GX460.
So far the version of the vehicle revealed ahead of this week's Frankfurt auto show is only the European Prado variant, but the U.S. Lexus-branded version should stick fairly close to the corporate basis on the technical side of things. The 2010 Land Cruiser Prado can thus be taken as a preview of the features and abilities, not to mention the basic design template, for the next-gen Lexus GX. Both three-door and five-door variants will be available, though some markets will only get one or the other. It's not yet known if Americans will see both.
Proving the vehicle is still meant to see some off-road use, Toyota has fitted a range of new electronic aids. "Multi-terrain Select " helps automatically optimize traction and control on a variety of surfaces, while "Multi-terrain Monitor" acts like a sort of bionic spotter, its set of four cameras feeding real-time images to the driver to help keep the SUV on the right path.
The "Steering Angle Display" feature takes the familiar technology used to help millions parallel park and uses it to give a predictive look at where the vehicle will go based on the current position and steering input, making it easier to clear complex or tricky rock crossings or other obstacles.
Currently, the GX470 sports a 265-horsepower 4.7-liter V-8 engine and scores 14 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. That's expected to change for the upcoming model, with the badge changing to an unconfirmed GX460, hinting that changes under the hood are on their way, too, possibly including the 268-horsepower V-6 also found in the next-gen 4Runner.Inside, the 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado--and therefore the vehicles based on it as well--gets more space thanks to a lower floor and flush-folding rear seats that no longer swing into the side, but collapse under the cargo deck. Upgraded audio in the form of a 14-speaker, 7.1-channel JBL Synthesis surround sound system, a hard-disc drive navigation and audio library, and the usual Bluetooth and other suspects make for a fun and flexible family/commuter as well.
Keeping things safe, Toyota has fitted a full complement of seven airbags including driver's knee airbags, plus a full slate of electronic aids such as stability control, active torque control, downhill assist control, and hill-start assist control.
Pricing hasn't been announced for the next-gen Lexus GX for obvious reasons, but it will likely start near the current model's $47,615 base price. Sales of the Prado will start in Europe in December, but there's still no timeline for the updated GX's debut in the U.S.
[Toyota]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
VW Declares Polo ‘Safest Compact Car In The World’
Although it will be a little while yet before we know when and how the Volkswagen Polo will arrive Stateside, the safety story is already looking promising. The subcompact VW that's bound for the U.S. for 2011 has achieved a top five-star overall result in tougher new European crash tests.
The latest tests from the Euro NCAP program, released today, give seven out of the eight models an overall five-star score. The VW scored highest in occupant protection of the eight vehicles in this group, but it was technically tied with the Honda Insight in the Adult protection category—both tied at a score of 90 out of 100—but scored two points higher (86 versus 84) in the Child protection category.
Volkswagen declares in a press release that the test "confirms optimal protection for occupants and pedestrians," yet the Polo did not score particularly well in the European test's new Pedestrian category, with an overall score of just 41 percent and the test group's note that "in most areas likely to be struck by an adult's head, poor protection was provided."
Among the other U.S.-bound vehicles tested by the Euro NCAP program were the Honda Insight, Toyota Prius, Subaru Legacy, and the new Kia Sorento, which hasn't yet been unveiled in U.S.-market form. Each of these vehicles also achieved a five-star overall rating.
For the new Polo, VW points to an extremely rigid and optimized body structure, including a "harp," located behind the front bumper cover, that helps provide extra deformation space, lessening the chances of intrusion and leg injuries. The Polo also includes electronic stability control, whiplash-reducing front head restraints, and "a highly effective belt-and-airbag combination."
TheCarConnection.com earlier today posted a preview covering the 2011 Volkswagen Polo, which is roughly the same size as the original Mk1 Volkswagen Rabbit that gathered a strong following in the 1980s. The 2011 Polo will have a strong resemblance to the Golf but more fuel-efficient engines (including possibly a 1.2-liter TDI) and a price tag that will likely start around $14,000.
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This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
