The Maserati GT2, a stunning race car, is set to make its grand entrance at the 24 Hours of Spa in Belgium. This new single-seater machine has been specifically designed to meet GT2 regulations and takes heavy inspiration from the road-going MC20 supercar. Its debut will take place during the final rounds of the Fanatec GT European Series, with plans for a full racing season in 2024.
Similar to its street-legal counterpart, the GT2 is powered by Maserati’s in-house Nettuno V6 engine. Starting next year, Maserati will no longer rely on Ferrari engines, as their current agreement comes to an end. Under the hood of the GT2 lies a 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine, producing a robust 621 horsepower (463 kilowatts) at 7,500 RPM, along with a peak torque of 730 Newton-meters (538 pound-feet) attainable at 3,000 RPM. If these figures sound familiar, it’s because they match those of the MC20 supercar.
In 1937, the Bugatti Type 57, driven by Jean-Pierre Wimille and Robert Benoist, ended Italy’s dry spell in the Le Mans 24 Hours race. This victory marked the first time in 11 years that a non-French car emerged as the winner of the endurance race.
Wimille and Benoist, who were not the favorites to win, piloted the Type 57 grand tourer, which was nicknamed ‘The Tank’ due to its new streamlined body design. The Alfa Romeo 8C, driven by Raymond Sommer and Giovanni Battista Guidotti, was initially expected to secure victory.
Throughout the race, the Bugatti, Alfa Romeo, and other competitors like Talbot and Delahaye engaged in an intense battle for the lead position. However, a tragic incident occurred when the 8C was involved in a fatal six-car pile-up, forcing it out of the race. Undeterred by the chaos, newcomer Wimille continued to perform exceptionally well and took the lead.
Despite facing challenges such as passing slower cars, a thunderstorm, and navigating through heavy mist during the night, Wimille maintained his position at the front while his competitors gradually dropped out of the race. Eventually, by 3 pm, Wimille and Benoist broke the distance record with an hour left to go. Only 17 out of the 49 participating cars finished the race, making it one of the most dramatic and challenging Le Mans races in history. The #2 Bugatti crossed the finish line seven laps ahead of its closest competitor.
Planning ahead is crucial for any long road trip, and one of the most important factors to consider is the vehicle you’ll be traveling in. When it comes to long road trips, features like fuel economy, cargo capacity, auto cruise control, and an entertaining infotainment system can make the journey much more relaxing. Hybrid cars, which can run on both an electric motor and fuel, have made long road trips more economical since their introduction in the United States in 1999. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, hybrid cars captured 5.5% of the light vehicle market in the United States by 2021. To support the growing hybrid vehicle market, an extensive infrastructure of charging outlets and stations has been built across the country. Traveling long distances in a hybrid car has never been easier, making more potential buyers consider purchasing the best hybrid cars for long road trips.
A parked shot of the 2023 Flying Spur Hybrid Speed model.
The 2023 Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid is not your average family hybrid sedan. It boasts a better-than-average combined MPGe of 46 and has an electric range of 21 miles with a total travel capacity of 430 miles. In a test conducted by Car and Driver, the Flying Spur outperformed its rating by traveling 35 miles on battery alone.
Specs and Features
Engine
2.9-liter Twin-Turbo V-6 Plug-in Hybrid
Electric Range
21 miles
Transmission
Eight-speed automatic
Drivetrain
AWD
Fuel Economy
46 MPGe
Power Output
542 horsepower
The interior of the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid is adorned with premium quality wood and leather upholstery. The rear seats provide a calming environment with seat massagers and the ability to recline. With a simple upgrade to the speed model, the power output increases to 626 horsepower. However, this luxury hybrid comes with a hefty price tag of $211,325.
22023 BMW 530e – 69 MPGe
BMW
Luxury meets performance in the stunning BMW 5 Series 2023
The BMW 530e is a road-trip favorite that offers great communicative handling and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in 5.6 seconds. It features an 83 kW electric motor, automatic eight-speed transmission, and intercooled turbo four-cylinder engine for optimal performance.
Specs and Features
Engine
2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline four-cylinder with an integrated electric motor
Electric Range
21 miles
Transmission
Eight-speed automatic
Drivetrain
RWD and AWD
Fuel Economy
69 MPGe
Power Output
288 horsepower
The BMW 530e offers great handling with its rear-wheel drive configuration. With an all-electric range of 21 miles and a 12.1-gallon gas tank, it can travel far. However, it has a fuel efficiency rating of 69 MPGe and a cargo capacity of only 10 cubic feet. The 2023 BMW 530e starts at $57,600.
The 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge is equipped with an 18.8 kWh battery and a 15.9-gallon gas tank. It can travel 41 miles on a full charge and features heated seats with powered cushion extensions in the front.
Specs and Features
Engine
2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine
Electric Range
41 miles
Transmission
Eight-speed automatic
Drivetrain
AWD
Fuel Economy
74 MPGe
Power Output
455 horsepower
The 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge offers a comfortable driving experience with a smooth, soft suspension and adjustable steering. Its base trim starts at $51,250.
42023 BMW 330e – 75 MPGe
BMW
BMW 330e sedan on a road with wind turbines in the background
The 2023 BMW 330e can travel a total of 320 miles on a combined MPGe of 75. It has a cargo space of 13.2 cubic feet and a wide trunk opening to accommodate its battery pack.
Specs and Features
Engine
2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline
Electric Range
22 miles
Transmission
Eight-speed automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
Fuel Economy
75 MPGe
Power Output
288 horsepower
With a spacious cabin and enough room for three standard suitcases, the BMW 330e offers a comfortable and practical option. It starts at $44,900.
The 2023 Lexus ES Hybrid boasts a range of 700 miles and a cargo capacity of 17 cubic feet. While it offers a comfortable ride, its fuel efficiency is comparatively lower at 44 MPG on the highway.
Specs and Features
Engine
2.5-liter engine with an integrated motor
Transmission
CVT
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel Economy
43 City/44 Highway MPG
Power Output
302 horsepower
The Lexus ES Hybrid provides a comfortable and quiet ride. Its seats are designed for support, while the rear seats are flat and can be comfortable for long stretches. The base trim starts at an MSRP of $44,490.
The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid features a 204 horsepower hybrid powertrain, all-electric range of 44 miles, and a 12.8-gallon gas tank. With a combined 48 MPG range, it offers maximum fuel efficiency and a smooth driving experience.
Specs and Features
Engine
2.0-liter four-cylinder Hybrid engine
Electric Range
47 miles
Transmission
Electrically variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel Economy
48 MPG Combined
Power Output
204 horsepower
The Honda Accord Hybrid offers ample cargo space and a responsive braking and suspension system for a comfortable ride. It comes with adaptive cruise control and starts at an MSRP of $27,295.
72023 Toyota Camry Hybrid – 44 City/47 Highway MPG
Toyota
Front shot of a 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid parked in a photo studio.
The Toyota Camry Hybrid has a fuel consumption of 47 MPG on the highway, allowing it to travel up to 640 miles. It offers ample cargo space, making it a practical choice for long trips.
Specs and Features
Engine
2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid setup
Transmission
Continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel Economy
44 City/47 Highway MPG
Power Output
176 horsepower
The Toyota Camry Hybrid offers a comfortable ride and a range of advanced safety features. It starts at an MSRP of $28,655.
Rear three-quarters shot of a red 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offers a fuel consumption of 51 MPG in the city and 51 MPG on the highway. It can travel up to 620 miles with its 13.2-gallon gas tank.
Specs and Features
Engine
2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid setup
Transmission
Eight-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel Economy
45 City/51 Highway MPG
Power Output
139 horsepower
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offers a comfortable driving experience with thick tire sidewalls that absorb shocks. It comes with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and starts at an MSRP of $28,250.
The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid offers an impressive fuel consumption of 56 MPG on the highway. Its range of efficiency allows for a total distance of 550 miles.
Specs and Features
Engine
1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid setup
Transmission
6-speed automated manual
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel Economy
53 City/56 Highway MPG
Power Output
139 horsepower
The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid offers a spacious cabin, responsive braking and suspension system, and starts at an MSRP of $24,550.
102023 Toyota Prius Hybrid – 57 City/ 56 Highway MPG
Toyota
A front shot of the 2023 Toyota Prius Hybrid
The 2023 Toyota Prius Hybrid offers an impressive fuel consumption of 57 MPG in the city and 56 MPG on the highway. With its 11.3-gallon gas tank, it can travel up to 640 miles.
Specs and Features
Engine
2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid setup
Electric Range
44 miles
Transmission
Continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain
AWD
Fuel Economy
57 City/ 56 Highway MPG
Power Output
196 horsepower
The Toyota Prius Hybrid offers ample cargo space and starts at an MSRP of $27,450.
Planning ahead is essential for any long road trip, and one of the most important considerations is the vehicle you’ll be traveling in. When it comes to long drives, features like fuel economy, cargo capacity, auto cruise control capabilities, and an entertaining infotainment system can make the journey more relaxing. Hybrid cars, which can run on both an electric motor and fuel, have made long road trips more economical since their introduction in the United States in 1999. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, hybrid cars captured 5.5% of the light vehicle market in the United States by 2021(source). To support the growing hybrid vehicle market, an extensive infrastructure of charging outlets and stations has been built across the country with 138,111 outlets and 53,393 stations as of May 2023(source). With these advancements, traveling long distances in a hybrid car has become easier, leading more potential buyers to consider purchasing the best hybrid cars for long road trips.
A parked shot of the 2023 Flying Spur Hybrid Speed model.
The 2023 Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid offers more than just the average family hybrid sedan. With a combined MPGe of 46 and an electric range of 21 miles, it can travel up to 430 miles in total. In a test conducted by CarandDriver, the Flying Spur outperformed its rating and traveled 35 miles on battery power(source). The interior is luxurious, with premium wood and leather upholstery, as well as rear seats that can be adjusted and have seat massagers. The power output of 542 horsepower is also higher than that of a typical hybrid sedan, and an upgrade to the speed model offers a W-12 engine with 626 horsepower. However, it does come with a hefty price tag starting at $211,325.
Luxury meets performance in the stunning BMW 5 Series 2023
The BMW 530e is a road trip favorite that offers great handling and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in 5.6 seconds. Its 83 kW electric motor, automatic eight-speed transmission, and intercooled turbo four-cylinder engine provide excellent performance. The 530e’s rear-wheel drive allows for supreme handling, and it has an all-electric range of 21 miles. With a 12.1-gallon gas tank, this BMW hybrid can travel far. However, its efficiency isn’t as high, with a fuel economy rating of 69 MPGe, and it has a limited cargo space of only 10 cubic feet. The 2023 BMW 530e has an MSRP starting at $57,600.
Specs and Features
Engine
2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline four-cylinder with an integrated electric motor
Tesla’s NACS charger has gained recognition for its superior charging capabilities compared to the CCS connector. This is not just Tesla boasting about its product, but rather a genuine advantage. One commendable feature of Tesla’s charging network is its extensive coverage and seamless integration with its vehicles. In contrast, other charging stations can be troublesome and cumbersome to use. Tesla has even made the design specifications for NACS chargers available for free, encouraging wider adoption of this efficient technology.
Ken Gushi is a racing driver for Team Toyota and a well-known figure in the world of Formula Drift. He has been driving for the series for as long as it has been in the United States, and he has always been behind the wheel of a Toyota.
Gushi expresses his excitement about being partnered with Toyota, stating that it is a dream come true for him. He grew up watching his father race the AE86 Corolla, and his family has always owned Toyota cars. Being able to represent Toyota as an athlete and share his story is something that still makes him feel good even after 15 years.
Gushi, who was born in Japan and now lives in Southern California, competes in Formula Drift with a Toyota GR Supra. He developed his love for drifting at a young age, learning to drive in his father’s Toyota AE86 when he was only 13 years old.
Despite coming from a family with limited financial resources, Gushi’s determination and talent led him to become the youngest competitor in the D1 Grand Prix and Formula Drift championships at the age of 16. He firmly believes that there is no dream too big to pursue.
Throughout his more than a decade-long partnership with Toyota, Gushi has become one of the most recognizable figures in drifting and has played a crucial role in the sport’s growth. He attributes his success to the support he has received from fans and the dedicated team members who have been with him throughout his journey.
Ken Gushi, Moty’s / Three’s Racing Toyota GR86
The Drift Difference
Drifting is a unique form of racing in which drivers maneuver their cars through a marked course while deliberately sliding sideways at high speeds. Unlike other motorsports that focus on speed or time, drifting is judged based on the execution and style of the slides.
In a Formula Drift event, drivers compete in tandem battles in a single-elimination bracket format. The drivers are ranked and placed into a bracket based on their qualifications, determining the pairs for the competition. Each driver competes one-on-one against another, and they are judged on their ability to complete the course with a high angle while maintaining fluidity and forward momentum.
Although drifting originated in Japan, Formula Drift is the first official drifting series in North America, established in 2003. Gushi has been involved in drifting for over 17 seasons and has witnessed the growth of the sport in the United States from its early days. He started his professional career in 2004, competing in the inaugural Formula Drift Championship in the U.S.
For Gushi, drifting is not just a job but a hobby that he is fortunate enough to get paid for. He feels a sense of accomplishment and joy when participating in the sport.
A Series Leader
Gushi has achieved multiple top-three finishes in the Formula Pro Championship standings throughout his career. His first victory was in 2005, which he remembers as a significant accomplishment and a moment of great happiness.
In 2019, as the owner-driver for Ken Gushi Motorsports, he finished 11th in the final standings and secured his first victory since 2005 in the series finale at Irwindale Speedway. His most recent win was in Salt Lake City in 2022.
During the Irwindale event, Gushi began the race in second position with his Toyota 86 and advanced to the Final Four after competing against several other drivers. In the final series, he faced a tough battle but ultimately emerged as the winner at the “House of Drift” in front of his home crowd. The victory holds a special place in his heart and is a moment he will never forget.
Ford has a long history of success in motorsports, but they have never participated as a factory-backed team in the Dakar, the toughest off-road race in the world. However, that is set to change next year as Ford Performance announces their entry into the Dakar Race with a new Ranger Raptor in the top-tier T1+ category.
Mark Rushbrook, the global director at Ford Performance Motorsports, explained that while there was a Ford South Africa effort in 2014, this time they will be going as a factory team with great partners.
The Dakar is known for its challenges, and this year’s race covered over 3,000 miles of Saudi Arabian desert. Participants faced intense conditions like heavy rains, rocky terrain, and other grueling obstacles. In January 2024, Ford Performance will enter a Ranger Raptor into the T1+ category, which is the top class where renowned drivers like Nasser Al-Attiyah and Sebastien Loeb competed for overall victory last year.
To come out on top, Ford will rely on the assistance of their partners. One major partner is Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM), a South African team that already worked on a Dakar entry in 2014. NWM will take charge of the design and initial development of the Ranger Raptor, a process that has been underway for several years. Ford Performance’s direct involvement marks a significant development.
The other partner is M-Sport, the race shop led by Malcom Wilson that has been responsible for Ford’s World Rally Championship efforts for over 25 years. According to Rushbrook, M-Sport has vast experience in designing and engineering vehicles, as well as building service and support trucks, which are crucial for success in the Dakar.
It seems that NWM will primarily handle the development of the 2024 truck, while M-Sport will take care of the logistical challenges involved in running and supporting the team throughout the demanding Dakar race.
Volkswagen is launching a global performance program called “ACCELERATE FORWARD | Road to 6.5” with the aim of improving the brand’s performance and profitability in the long term. The goal is to achieve a return on sales of 6.5 percent and improve earnings by around €10 billion by 2026. The program will focus on streamlining administrative processes, increasing efficiency in development and production, streamlining the model range, reducing the number of equipment variants, and improving product quality. The program will be managed by a Project Management Office (PMO) led by Stephan Wöllenstein and will be implemented in consultation with employee representatives, with a target completion date of October 2023.
The decision to launch the “ACCELERATE FORWARD | Road to 6.5” program by the VW Board of Management is a response to the challenging market environment and economic situation. The program is a top priority and aims to strengthen the Volkswagen brand and position it for future growth. The ambitious goal of achieving a sustainable return on sales of 6.5 percent by 2026 can be achieved through leveraging synergies, improving efficiency, and becoming more effective across all divisions of the company. Stephan Wöllenstein will manage the program and ensure its successful implementation.
The Management Board and Works Council have also agreed to work together on the common goals of profitability and job security. They are committed to achieving targeted savings without reducing wages or shedding jobs, focusing instead on areas such as Group management, brand cooperation, software development, and product quality. The workforce will be kept informed and involved throughout the process.
The “ACCELERATE FORWARD | Road to 6.5” program will be implemented through major action areas within the brand, including administration, technical development, material costs, products, price/mix, vehicle construction, sales, and quality. Additionally, flagship projects spanning multiple action areas will further increase efficiency and profitability. Examples include focusing on volume models, reducing complexity by eliminating lower-volume models, optimizing plant capacity utilization, and maximizing the potential of the Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB) and the Modular Electric Drive Toolkit (MEB).
The program will be managed by a lean Project Management Office (PMO) under the leadership of Stephan Wöllenstein. The Brand Board of Management will oversee the program, with individual members leading action areas and flagship projects. The program is expected to be fully implemented by October 2023, following consultation with employee representatives.
The Volume brand group, which includes Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, SEAT/CUPRA, and Škoda, will provide additional synergies and higher returns. Production within this group will be more focused on multi-brand plants and vehicle platforms, maximizing efficiencies and cost savings. The brands will also collaborate on selling expenses and overheads, further optimizing operations.
Toyota and Lexus love to keep their models unchanged for a long and after an excellent decade, the time to revive most of their SUVs and vehicles has come. Just lately, Toyota alone revealed a brand new Tundra, Tacoma, and even gave out rumors relating to the revival of the Land Cruiser nameplate within the US. Lexus can be following an analogous development and has simply launched the all-new GX.
The second-generation GX has been on sale for more than a decade and an overhaul from the bottom up was the necessity of the hour. Thankfully, that’s precisely what the world acquired and it is likely to be one of the surprising and thrilling options that Lexus may have offered.
A front-facing shot of the 2024 Lexus GX and 2023 Lexus GX
The world has developed a ardour for the outside. Adventure is one thing folks search as lives have gotten extra metropolis and routine oriented. As people, we have a tendency to like change. The sense of the unknown excites and intrigues folks in a means that appears to be lacking from fashionable dwelling. This is probably one of many foremost causes actions like overlanding, off-roading, and tenting have gotten extremely well-liked over the previous few years.
Now, this improve within the curiosity in outside car-based exploration actions has been noticed by automakers who’ve give you merchandise to fulfill buyer wants. Today, almost most 4x4s supply an off-road-oriented model and Lexus has additionally joined the sport. This is likely to be among the finest occasions to affix the off-road market because the curiosity in such automobiles solely appears to be rising. Oh, and it’s secure to say that the corporate’s first effort is a wonderful one.
The Lexus GX Now Offers An Overtrail Trim Level
Lexus
A side-view shot of the 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail
The new GX is the whole lot we didn’t anticipate it to be. It is boxy and old skool which has clearly made it interesting to loads of journalists and off-road fans. However, much more impressively, Lexus now presents the automobile in an Overtrail trim stage. As the identify suggests, this can be an off-road-oriented trim stage of the luxurious SUV.
The Overtrail comes with quite a lot of upgrades that make the GX extra adventure-ready. Firstly, the Overtrail will solely be accessible as a two-row automobile. This is finished to maximise cargo area enabling clients to make the most of the accessible area for tenting and off-road tools.
Also accessible on the Overtrail are some 18-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch all-terrain Toyo tires. The tire dimension and tire sort are nice for this automobile and may elevate the skills of the GX in comparison with the outgoing mannequin. Worth mentioning is the truth that Lexus additionally gave the GX entrance and rear restoration hooks, skid plates, and bumpers that supply nice method and departure angles.
Lexus
A 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail+ on the grass
Interestingly, the automobile is continually in 4 wheel drive because of the utilization of a middle differential. That heart diff may be locked to distribute equal energy to the entrance and rear axles within the occasion of slippage. A rear locker can be accessible as is crawl management and multi-terrain choose.
Finally, the Lexus GX sits on the same platform as the new Tundra, Tacoma, and Land Cruiser 300 series; due to this fact, unbiased entrance suspension paired with a strong coil sprung rear axle is anticipated. The GX options the identical engine because the stated fashions with energy figures sitting at 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This is a automobile that’s constructed for journey but additionally manages to sprinkle an excellent quantity of luxurious on prime.
The Most Impressive Feature About The New GX Is The Design
Lexus
A entrance 3/4 shot of a 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail
Some producers have gone again to old-school seems to be. Old college is extremely scorching proper now. Vintage 4x4s are promoting at loopy value tags and every time a producer comes up with a brand new automotive that’s barely extra angular and boxier than the remaining, the world appears to go loopy.
Of course, there isn’t any downside with that. Angular and boxy 4x4s do look higher as they’re extra purposeful and aggressive. The Lexus GX is proof of this as its design is probably essentially the most talked about trait of the automobile.
At first look, the spindle grille on the brand new GX is damaged up by a body-colored decrease portion that helps make it a bit extra refined in comparison with different Lexus SUVs. The headlights have the traditional Lexus “L” motif that on this occasion compliments the angular design of the automobile properly. Talking in regards to the angular design, the brand new GX has angles and sharp curves all over the place.
The hood bulges at both sides, there’s a distinctive kink beneath the rear home windows (that is harking back to the outdated Defender), and the meaty all-terrain tires, absolutely embrace the GX’s outdoorsy character. In the rear, the boxy design continues with sharp strains across the taillights. A big gentle bar that makes its means throughout the automobile additional exaggerates the width of the brand new GX.
Lexus
Rear finish of a 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail+
But wait, there’s extra. The outdated GX used to have a relatively bizarre slim and tall design that made it look a bit tippy. This isn’t the case with the brand new automobile as it’s each longer and wider. Wheelbase is now 1120 inches and width has now grown by 4.5 inches.
The most enjoyable a part of the design, nevertheless, is the colour Lexus determined to launch the Overtrail in. It is known as Earth and has a sandy/earthy colour to it that screams journey and is actually not anticipated to return from Lexus. That being stated, that is nonetheless a luxurious automotive; due to this fact, it breaks up the Earth colour through the use of a two-tone design with a gloss black roof and door handles. The fender flares are additionally black however aren’t shiny which is a good suggestion as mat black gained’t present off-road scratches as a lot.
The Interior Fits The Exterior Of The Vehicle Perfectly
Lexus
Interior shot of the 2024 Lexus GX dashboard
Inside, the brand new GX is a fabulous mix of butch and rugged with luxurious and cozy. The seats, for instance, now have an adjustable thigh cushion which was lacking from the outdated automobile. Even extra impressively, the choice of massaging seats is now accessible. Imagine cruising by means of the powerful trails of Moab Utah whereas getting a therapeutic massage in your Lexus. That can be insane!
The new GX additionally presents a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, a heads-up show, and Toyota’s newest infotainment system. Thankfully, Lexus has retained bodily buttons for the most typical controls. This makes the infotainment system simple to regulate even when bouncing round off-road or whereas sporting gloves.
The better part in regards to the inside is likely to be the truth that it follows the design of the outside. It is blocky and upright which differentiates it from the interiors of most fashionable SUVs. When being round or contained in the GX you’re feeling that it was constructed for a sure function and that function is protecting lengthy distances over harsh terrain in consolation and luxurious.
Believe it or not, the outgoing Lexus GX had been in production for 14 years which is a long time. This may come as a surprise with the previous SUV receiving so many updates, but it was fundamentally the same vehicle from 2009.
The third generation GX was just unveiled, and it is an all-new vehicle built from the ground up. There have been significant changes made to make the GX competitive in today’s market. From a new platform and engine to better technology and safety features, the GX is setting up to be one of the best new vehicles in its segment. This GX may be around for a long time since Lexus/Toyota doesn’t introduce new models so often. Let’s take a look at what we get with this new model compared to the old one.
The new GX rides on an all-new TNGA-F platform introduced on the current LX600 and Toyota Land Cruiser. This is the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) that will be used on all upcoming Lexus/Toyota models. It is still a body-on-frame chassis but it is lighter, stronger, and still maintains its off-road capability.
New double wishbone suspension is used in the front with independent multilink rear suspension. Gone is the old hydraulic unit which is now replaced with Electronic Power Steering. These changes help improve on-road handling and off-road capabilities. Towing capacity has also increased with a max capacity of up to 8,000 pounds, the old GX had a max towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.
A New Rugged Design
Lexus
A front-facing shot of the 2024 Lexus GX and 2023 Lexus GX
Without a doubt, you can tell this is a different vehicle from its exterior design. While the outgoing SUV was getting more aggressive with its facelifts, the initial platform could only allow for limited changes. The new GX has become very boxy and aggressive, it looks like a merger between a G-Wagon, Jeep Wrangler, and the Land Rover Defender.
The aforementioned SUVs look great since they’ve had the same shape since inception and have aged very well. This is a good thing as we expect the GX to be around for a long time and will probably age well too. Its new muscular look also makes it imposing and emphasizes its off-road capabilities. No one will make any mistake about the intent of this car.
Despite its rugged look, there are many modern design elements in the new GX. While the spindle grill is still huge, it has been raised slightly with a shorter front overhang to improve front clearance. The triple-beam LED Headlamp is also integrated seamlessly into the grill giving it a cleaner look. The overall width of the vehicle has also increased by 3.74 inches to achieve a more stable stance. Its wheelbase is now 2.36 inches longer than the previous vehicle which means a bit more room inside the cabin.
Lexus
Rear 3/4 shot of the 2024 Lexus GX Premium
Adding to the boxy stance of the GX are 32-inch tires with the option of either 20 or 22-inch wheels which will complement the aggressive looks very well. Although they may be bigger, the designs of these new wheels look very similar to the ones used on the previous-gen, but those only went up to 20 inches. There are eleven exterior colors available but are dependent on the Premium, Luxury, or Overtrail trims.
At the rear, there’s nothing much to talk about except that it looks taller since the tailgate is completely flat. Light bars are the new trend and the new GX has a full-width rear tail light. Due to customer feedback, the new GX now has a pop-out window, power liftgate, and kick sensor for ease of use especially when your hands are full.
But this engine seems to be detuned for this application as it makes 400 horsepower in the LX 600 but maintains the same torque figure. The transmission is also a new ten-speed automatic sending power to a standard full-time four-wheel drive system.
Fuel economy would also improve with this new GX since the old V-8 model was a gas guzzler at 15/19 MPG city/highway. The new GX will offer an estimated 17 mpg combined. Lexus has also announced that there will be a hybrid model to join the lineup later which will further increase fuel economy.
Updated Lexus Interior And Features
Lexus
Interior shot of the 2024 Lexus GX dashboard
Despite looking like a bully on the outside, let’s not forget the GX is a luxury vehicle and has a new interior with updated features for added safety and comfort. Right in front of the driver is a new 12.3-inch full gauge cluster. The all-new instrument panel is now lower which makes the controls easy to reach.
A new 14-inch center touchscreen is now standard with physical climate control knobs, the outgoing GX only had a 10.3-inch center screen. It’s also equipped with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto where the previous-gen used a wire. You still get a gear selector stick with a knob to switch between different drive modes.
Lexus
Interior of a 2024 Lexus GX Premium
Three-row seating is still available with the option of captain’s chairs or bench seat configuration in the second row. Getting into the third row is also made easier with a one-motion tumble system. Six illuminated charging ports are available throughout the interior with a wireless charging pad in the center console and 12 cupholders.
Music lovers will be treated to crisp music from the optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system, but the 10-speaker surround system comes as standard. Additional options include Heads Up Display, Traffic Jam Assist, and a digital key that can be given to friends and family to access your car through their smartphones. Equipped with Lexus Safety System+, new active safety systems include Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist.
Front 3/4 shot of the 2024 Lexus GX Overtrail on a hill
Just like Toyota has the TRD and TRD Pro trim, the new GX has a new Overtrail and Overtrail+ trim which adds some off-road features to the GX. The GX is the first vehicle to receive this trim as part of the “Overtrail Project” which will appear on other vehicles. Lexus also plans to sell factory parts and accessories as well as off-road experiences to support this trim. Black roofs are available with four exterior colors to create a two-tone effect.
33-inch all-terrain tires are standard with 18-inch wheels, black over fenders instead of body-colored, and aluminum skid plate as standard. These are only available on the Overtrail and Overtrail+ trim. Off-road systems include Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, Downhill Assist, and 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor systems which are standard on the GX Overtrail. You also get an Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System for improved wheel articulation and an E-locking rear differential exclusively on the Overtrail for maximum traction.
The old GX has been a favorite for people who wanted a rugged Luxury SUV with off-road capabilities. Its old V-8 may be gone, but the new V-6 offers more torque necessary for towing and better fuel economy. The new GX offers a completely new design with a new powertrain and a host of new technology and safety features. It has been improved in every aspect and is already a better vehicle than the old one. Lexus doesn’t change cars often, but when they do, they do a great job.
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