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Lexus GX debuting on 8 June, a sign new Prado is coming in 2023
GX's now official reveal date has all but confirmed the next generation Prado showing itself before year-end.
Previous teaser shows a final design similar to the Land Cruiser 300. Image: Lexus
The first teaser image released almost exactly two weeks ago, Lexus has dropped another visual hint, including the reveal date, of the all-new GX.
Premiering on 8 June, the single depiction of the model underpinned by the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, shows the rear three-quarter and although a clear confirmation of Toyota’s retaining the trademark block design, reveals a lot more than simply new lights.
Land Cruiser traces evident
Whereas the previous pair of images showed comparatively little, the newest sees the GX, and therefore the Land Cruiser Prado, adopting a flowing shoulder and profile similar to the Land Cruiser 300, while the oversized mirror is a clear nod to the Land Cruiser 70-series.
The Land Cruiser 300 inspiration continues in the look of the wheel arches and the design of the rear window.
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More bizarrely is the side window that resembles that of the Land Cruiser 76 station wagon, while the main light cluster, connected by the already seen full-width LED bar, has been slimmed down from that of the Land Cruiser 300 and appears nearly identical to that of the last generation Mitsubishi Pajero.
With exactly two weeks to ago until its premiere, more images are likely to be revealed soon, but for now, the apparent resemblance to other models, which started with the Chevrolet Colorado-inspired headlight teaser, alludes to a likely interesting final picture.
New platform, emphasis on hybrid
What is known though is that the GX will become the latest Toyota SUV to ride on the body-on-frame TNGA-F platform after the Land Cruiser 300, the Sequoia and its senior sibling, the LX.
A platform that will soon also underpin the next generation Fortuner, 4Runner and of course the Prado, the GX is anticipated to provide seating for at least or seven or eight, have an interior similar to the Land Cruiser 300 and possibly even the newly released Tacoma, plus the retention of a low range gearbox.
Up front, the current model’s 4.6-litre V8 is expected to give way to the turbocharged 3.5-litre i-Force Max hybrid V6 used in the Sequoia and the Tundra bakkie, while in the Prado, at least four units have earmarked; a 2.5-litre hybrid, the 2.4-litre turbo and hybrid turbo that become available in the Tacoma, the incoming 2.8 GD-6 mild-hybrid turbodiesel and even the 3.3-litre V6 oil-burner from the Land Cruiser 300 and LX.
More details soon
As mentioned, Lexus is expected to reveal more information soon in the run-up to the GX’s debut that will reportedly take place in Austin, Texas.
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