Lexus brought a GX 460 four-wheel-drive SUV to an auto journalists' event here last week with one thing in mind: To demonstrate how it can tackle the most rugged of hills and show how a Lexus can get down-and-dirty with just about any off-road SUV out there.
It's not just for show, says Paul Williamsen, a Lexus technical expert.
"There are a lot of places in the world where people of wealth live but there are no paved roads," he says. So if they hope to make it to their Aspen estate for a weekend of skiing with a blizzard bearing down, this is the Lexus they'll want to own. "You want to be the guy with the all-wheel-drive."
Besides being extra strong due to its body-on-frame, rather than crossover, construction, the GX 460 has some nifty technology aimed at keeping it in control and giving it a Lexus -like ride over difficult terrain:
•Suspension. Its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System reduces body lean by trying to better compensate for bumps and gullies.
•Torque split. The GX can sense if the rear wheels are going to spin, allowing the differential to change how much power is going to a particular wheel.
•Crawl Control and Downhill Assist. You can take your foot off the gas and just cover the brake as the GX creeps up steep hills and down them, keeping the driver in control.
•Height adjustment. The vehicle rises or lowers two inches to allow more wheel clearance and suspension travel over rough terrain.
GX has plenty of power, with a 301-horsepower 4.6-liter V-8. It also received some updates for 2014, including a new grille, rear-end look and other touches. It is priced starting at $49,085 plus $910 for shipping.
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