The new Lexux GX460 is out and I am going to have nightmares tonight.
- Thread starter Christian P.
- Start date
Let me object a little bit here since I started this thread. I absolutely agree that typically owners of a current generation vehicle don't like the new model/redesign at first. It takes some time to get used to it. As you said I also see it all the time in forums (BMW is a good example)
However in that specific case, I think this does not apply (at least to me) as I don't own a current LX460 and I don't plan to buy one.
I am also not entirely sure, but it seems to me like the rest of the vehicle has not changed much, which makes this change even less visually pleasant.
The front end is just not only ugly but ridiculous.
There have been example in the past when a manufacturer really do screw up and I wouldn't be surprise if that's the case here...as an example:
Appearance of the front end aside, sales of body on frame SUVs like the Prado/4Runner/GX460 are down worldwide*. Unibody designs like the Highlander and RAV4 are lighter, get better mpg, have lower step in height, and offer more interior room. Unless Toyota decides to produce designs using lots of aluminum (like Range Rover did), the days of the body on frame SUVs are numbered.
*The only exception is sales of the Wrangler. Jeep sells as many as they can make. However, Jeep does sell more unibody Grand Cherokees than Wranglers. And the new Cherokee sales look like they will overtake the Wrangler as well.
*The only exception is sales of the Wrangler. Jeep sells as many as they can make. However, Jeep does sell more unibody Grand Cherokees than Wranglers. And the new Cherokee sales look like they will overtake the Wrangler as well.
4xdog
Explorer
That's probably an important consideration in the GX facelift. With so little but the front changed, it was probably to move to the Lexus corporate spindle grille consistently across the product line. As the GX becomes a likely casualty in future product plans it gets hard to justify styling and tooling changes.
it's all good friendly banter.
looks great!
Let me object a little bit here since I started this thread. I absolutely agree that typically owners of a current generation vehicle don't like the new model/redesign at first. It takes some time to get used to it. As you said I also see it all the time in forums (BMW is a good example) all of this is purely subjective. eg 9 out of 10 wives and gfs i meet i wouldn't touch with a 10ft pole or give them time of day, but somebody on planet earth either put a ring on it or staying exclusive. beats me.
However in that specific case, I think this does not apply (at least to me) as I don't own a current LX460 and I don't plan to buy one. that's fine, but there are thousands of other deep-pocketed folks who will just like they did with prev gen lexus trucks
I am also not entirely sure, but it seems to me like the rest of the vehicle has not changed much, which makes this change even less visually pleasant.
The front end is just not only ugly but ridiculous. again, subjective. and you should all know by now that toyota/lexus takes a very conservative approach when it comes to releasing new chassis and engines. this speaks to their decision to be the reliability/durability leader in a cut throat industry. whereas you see audi, merc and in some cases GM tinkering around and releasing new engines nearly every gen, adding more complexity like DFI, turbo, auto stop/start, toyota stays put and waits it out a bit. so it's not that the germans can't make more reliable cars. it's not that toyota can't make very exciting, cutting edge stuff. each manufacturer has their own mission objective and it's bred in their dna and has been for decades on end. will this change much? prob not. for example, the 5.0 in the lexus isf is based on the same block as the LS. the new RC-F continues to evolve slowly but surely from that same naturally aspirated 5.0. we're approaching 15+ yrs of this engine. i happen to love it as i don't like turbos and i don't like leaving my vehicles in the hands of strangers. they rarely if ever give it back to me in the same exact condition i left it. so i choose to prioritize trustworthiness over latest/greatest. toyota is the best brand along this front for my use case. give me the same silky v8, body on frame chassis, but pls do update it with the LED DRL, spindle grill to give it some panache. i really like the direction lexus is taking their entire line-up. what i don't like are OEMs like land rover sedan-izing the range rover. thank goodness toyota is sticking with it (for now).
There have been example in the past when a manufacturer really do screw up and I wouldn't be surprise if that's the case here...as an example: what consequence? a niche forum with niche consumers complaining about a bumper/corp design refresh? i wish my screw-ups were so minor!
View attachment 206737
looks great!
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4x4x4doors
Explorer
Mrs. seldom comments on autos unless we are actively seeking a new one but she made the exception on this one night. "did you see that? That's got to be one of the ugliest things I've ever seen."
YMMV
YMMV
Montana Cruiser
Adventurer
^ Couldn't agree more, really REALLY bad
All right, let me say something nice to counter-balance...it seems like they did a better job with the Corolla - it looks better than the previous generation
4xdog
Explorer
Man, Lexus seems to be stretching to justify this design:
“Everyone at Lexus believed that we should try putting forward our L-finesse design philosophy in a much bolder manner,” explains Takeshi Tanabe, project manager of the Lexus Design Division. “L-finesse consists of the following three elements: seamless anticipation, intriguing elegance and incisive simplicity. They all must be reinforced in our design.”
and
The spindle grille is Lexus's seal of authenticity, and all 2014 models will share this bold, recognizable frontal design. Each version gets a slightly different design treatment to cater to each model's specific target audience.
from: http://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/magazine/articles/Vehicle-Insider/Spindle-Grille
One can almost see the newer Audi grille styling in their top-to-bottom design. It does indeed look a lot better on the sedans than the SUVs.
and in the interests of full disclosure...
I like my Lexus (a 2008 RX350), and I like my Toyota (a 2001 Tacoma DC 4WD), but neither one of those is a styling award winner, either. Especially for their grilles!
“Everyone at Lexus believed that we should try putting forward our L-finesse design philosophy in a much bolder manner,” explains Takeshi Tanabe, project manager of the Lexus Design Division. “L-finesse consists of the following three elements: seamless anticipation, intriguing elegance and incisive simplicity. They all must be reinforced in our design.”
and
The spindle grille is Lexus's seal of authenticity, and all 2014 models will share this bold, recognizable frontal design. Each version gets a slightly different design treatment to cater to each model's specific target audience.
from: http://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/magazine/articles/Vehicle-Insider/Spindle-Grille
One can almost see the newer Audi grille styling in their top-to-bottom design. It does indeed look a lot better on the sedans than the SUVs.
and in the interests of full disclosure...
I like my Lexus (a 2008 RX350), and I like my Toyota (a 2001 Tacoma DC 4WD), but neither one of those is a styling award winner, either. Especially for their grilles!