Posted on the Offroad Mailinglist, from Keith Dicker:

Date sent:        Fri, 08 Dec 1995 21:27:03 -0800
From:             kld@netcom.COM (Keith Dicker)
Subject:          Lexus LX450
To:               offroad@ai.gtri.gatech.edu
Send reply to:    offroad@ai.gtri.gatech.edu


        I'm a freelance Television camera operator and was hired by a
Southern California production company to shoot an introductory dealer
video of the new '96 Lexus LX450 Sport Utility. The shoot was today and I
took the opportunity to drive the LX. It's Lexus' answer to the Land Rover.
The one I drove is one of three currently in the U.S. As you would expect
it bears a great resemblance to the Toyota Land Cruiser. The LX I had was
very well appointed; Leather interior, cruise control, premium sound system
w/ CD, cellular phone with hands free & auto dial, (there was a little 3
position switch and microphone mounted on the inner left side of the
steering wheel, I'm not sure but I think the three positions were memorized
number dialing). The LX seated 7 in a 2-3-2 configuration with fold down
rear jump-seats.
        The engine was the inline six. wheelbase was 112 inches long and 64
inches wide (center tread to center tread) GVW is around 5000 Lbs. and it's
full time four wheel drive. I neglected to look closely at the tires but I
know the were Bridgestones and I think they were 31, 10.5 x 16, with a very
non-aggressive tread. Here's the kicker, The front and rear diff's are
equipped from the factory with switchable lockers! A dash mounted switch on
the left side of the driver, switches in either the rear only or the front
& rear together. There is a separate dash light (picture of the drivetrain)
for the front & rear. The LX was equipped with a three speed automatic with
switchable overdrive (center console shift). A second shift lever shifts
the transfer case from High to Neutral to Low. I was only able to do this
in park with the brakes released. Next to the shifter were a pair of
pushbuttons. One was labled "power" I'm not sure what this did as I didn't
drive the LX at highway speeds. The other button was labled "2nd Start" I
didn't try (stupid me!) but I think it allowed the ignition to start the LX
in 2nd gear.
        I was fortunate enough to have the truck off-road. I did a little
bit of rock crawling / climbing. It definatley felt "locked up" The LX also
felt very heavy. The power steering was not a lot of help with the front
locked and trying to maneuver in a steering lock to lock situation. By the
time I got off the rocks I was huffin' & puffin'. The LX450 reminded me of
those Reeses Peanut Butter Cup commercials where the guy with the peanut
butter runs into the guy with the choclate. In this case I think the guy
with the Rolls-Royce ran into the guy with the HUMMV.

Keith
'94 Toyota 4-Runner
ARB rear, Lockright front + a lot more.
TLCA #3574

From the 80-series Mailinglist:

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> because Americans can't tell the difference.  Put a top of the line toyota
> camry and the lexus es300 side by side without logos and I could point out
> the differences but most people in the US can not tell the difference.
>
> Any comments about the Lexus/Toyota comparison, please email me directly so
> that we can get back to Toyota Landcruisers.

Actually, you've raised some important points that do concern us.

The Lexus LX450 is built differently to our cruisers. More to the
point, more care is taken in the choice of components and build
quality. They do get better motors, gearboxes and diffs than we do. The
smoothest, quietest and most powerful components (from factory testing)
are used. The rest are bolted into LCs.

Apart from the obvious trim differences, they get more sound proofing
bits too. Just have a look at the sound proofing strips around the
doors. There are hundreds of bits and pieces that go into one that we
don't get in our LCs.

Toyota can build 450s and offer service quality far above that of a
Toyota dealer for what I consider to be a small difference in purchase
price. I wouldn't mind seeing this level of build and service quality
in Australia.

I am pissed off however that in Australia, a heap of factory components
aren't available. Factory diff locks, laminated diff housings etc etc
have all gone from the dealer option books. In fact the only options on
any 80 here is airconditioning, snorkel (yes, there's a factory
snorkel), auto trans and finally tracker wheel replacements (like
they'll sell thousands of these...not).

I do however feel pleased that we get so much more than you guys in the
US.
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