2011MY Toyota Land Cruiser Receives Updated 3.0L Diesel with 190HP

Even though the latest generation of the Toyota Land Cruiser (sold as the Lexus GX in the States) with a fresher design and updated engine lineup was only introduced into the market last fall, the Japanese automaker is already getting ready to roll out a new model year version for Europe and other markets.

The important news for the 2011MY Land Cruiser is the presentation of a tweaked version of the popular in the European market, 3.0-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine that is not only more powerful but now also meets the requirements of the Euro 5 emissions regulations.

The uprated D-4D unit, which comes equipped with a newly developed diesel particulate filter system, produces 190-horsepower and 420Nm (309.8 lb-ft) of peak torque between 1,600-2,800rpm, an increase of 17HP and 10Nm over the outgoing diesel engine

Despite the increase in power, fuel economy remains the same at 8.1lt / 100km (29mpg US) as the 2010MY, according to Toyota.

Also new for the 2011MY Land Cruiser is the introduction of an optional Executive package that includes a glass sunroof. At least in Europe, sales of Toyota's updated 4x4 are scheduled to start in December.

Lexus Announces Fix for 2011 GX460's Stability Problems

Lexus has released an update to fix its recalled GX460, and if you're an owner they should be contacting you shortly.

"Our dealers began contacting customers yesterday offering to make arrangements to perform the update, and we expect them to get in touch with most GX owners within one week."

Now that everything with the GX appears to be in order, sales will be back on track. While the safety aspect is definitely important, I fail to see how the GX's performance will be "even better". After all, it's still a top-heavy SUV. If anyone from Lexus would care to clarify, that would be great.

Lexus said that it will be continuing to offer courtesy vehicles for people worried about driving to the dealerships themselves.

By Phil Alex

Breaking News: Toyota Temporarily Suspends Sales of 2010 Lexus GX 460

It looks as if Consumer Reports' GX 460 "Safety Risk" story (click here for details) is picking up steam in a bad way. Mark Templin, Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager, has just added a little bit to Lexus' press release regarding the GX's rollover stats.

Here's what Templin-san has to say: "At this time we have asked our dealers to temporarily suspend sales of the 2010 GX 460."

Furthermore, he adds that Lexus engineers are "vigorously" reevaluating the GX SUV using the same testing methods used by Consumer Reports "to identify how we can make the GX's performance even better."

Owners, now's the time to call: 1-800-255-3987.

As one website put so well, it seems like Toyota has hit rock bottom and then found a shovel.

By Phil Alex

Consumer Reports Labels 2010 Lexus GX 460 as a "Safety Risk"

Consumer Reports claims people shouldn't buy the Lexus GX 460; no, not because of its fugly looks, but because the publication deems that it tends to roll over when performing evasive maneuvers (or "emergency handling"). That means it has been labeled as a "Don't Buy vehicle" and a "Safety Risk".

According to Consumer Reports, "the rear of the GX we bought slid out until the vehicle was almost sideways before the electronic stability control system was able to regain control. We believe that in real-world driving, that situation could lead to a rollover accident."

They go on to explain that nothing else in their garage is as poor as the GX in regards to the lift-off oversteer test (i.e. its ESC is slow-reacting), including its Toyota 4Runner platform-mate.

The test is meant to emulate scenarios such as turns that are too tight or avoiding obstacles while turning, both situations in which a driver's "natural impulse is to quickly lift off the accelerator pedal."

Toyota's expected response was that they were "concerned", that they have run "similar" tests without the same results, and that they will try to reenact Consumer Reports' test methods to see if there's a problem.

If anyone owns one of the new 2010 Lexus GX 460s and is concerned, the Lexus service number is 1-800-255-3987.

For reference, the last time anything this bad occurred was when CR tested the '01 Mitsubishi Montero Limited (the SUV that looked like it would tip over in a breezy parking lot).

By Phil Alex

2010 Lexus GX460: Mega Photo Album and Pricing of Lexus'... Re-Grilled Toyota Land Cruiser

Sans a new grille, some minor styling/trim enhancements inside and out, and most importantly, a V8 engine, the new 2010 GX460 is in essence the U.S.-spec version of Toyota's 2010 Land Cruiser that was recently launched in Europe and other markets. Featuring a standard 7-seat configuration, Lexus positions the new GX between the brand's LX 570 premium luxury utility vehicle and unibody-based RX models.

In the States, the GX470's replacement is fitted with a new 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of peak torque, and coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift.

It comes equipped with standard full-time four-wheel drive using an electronically controlled transfer case and a TORSEN torque-sensing center differential that distributes power 40:60 under most driving conditions and changes the ratio as needed based on steering input and wheel slip.

The new Lexus GX also offers a low gear range for off-road driving while the Japanese automaker claims that it retains the same 6,500-lb. towing capacity as the 263HP GX470 offered,

According to the automaker, the new GX460 returns an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined (2009 GX 470: 15 mpg).

For the first time, the GX will be offered in two trim levels, with the base carrying an MSRP of $51,970 and the higher-spec Premium, $56,765. To that you'll have to add delivery, processing and handling fee of $875.

The new GX will make its first public outing in North America at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December with sales starting towards the end of the month.