New GX to be Built on Unibody Frame?
The word from Wards Auto is that Lexus is contemplating building the next generation of GX on a unibody platform, instead of the body-on-frame construction they currently use. The change essentially means turning the GX into a car based SUV from truck one. Imagine the RX, but bigger, and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what a unibody GX would be like.
The advantages of a unibody are primarily in weight and handling. Body-on-frame SUV’s handle like trucks and are prone to tipping over, while a unibody would make it handle more like a car. BMW, Ford, and Nissan all have CUV’s with similar layouts for this reason. Unfortunately, they also lose the towing and carrying capacity that a body-on-frame SUV would have. It’s a small price to pay if you don’t have to tow a yacht or use your SUV for work, and let’s be real, no one is using the GS as a beast of burden.
In addition, they also say they’re considering jumping on the turbo bandwagon with this one. Turbo’s have become extremely popular in recent years thanks to advancements in technology and are a great way to make power while saving weight. Saving weight means better fuel efficiency and Toyota is all about saving fuel.
