Automotive Engineering - March 2024 - 15

ROAD READY
a hydraulic system, which was that the
front and the rear systems were linked, "
Tsukasaki said. " Now we're able to independently
control the front and the rear
separately, so that's how the electric
system brings in a better advantage. "
The E-KDSS offers 24 in (621 mm) of
articulation on the new GX, an improvement
over the 22-in (559 mm) articulation
in the new GX versions with standard
KDSS and 21-in (535 mm) articulation in
previous GX models with KDSS.
Electronic control was also a lowercost
solution and allows the GX to control
the coupling and decoupling at
more precise rates for better ride quality,
he said. When on paved roads, the
GX monitors steering angle, vehicle
speed and lateral Gs to decide when to
engage and disengage. The E-KDSS
stabilizer is also thicker than it would be
if it weren't always being disconnected,
which further minimizes body roll and
increases body structural rigidity.
Turning the 2024 Lexus GX away
from the ease of paved roads proves
Tsukasaki and his team have improved
the SUV's off-roading chops to tackle
modest trails and hills. Whether on the
trail or a freshly paved suburban cul-desac,
the new GX delivers a quiet, comfortable
ride, especially given the bodyon-frame
structure at work.
Toyota and Toyo Tires co-developed 33-inch (838 mm) all-terrain tires for the new GX that give the
SUV an extra 0.2 inches (5 mm) of ground clearance on the Overtail and Overtrail+ trims.
There's plenty here to help beginning
off-road drivers, too. The Multi-Terrain
Monitor uses visual feeds from the
front, side and rear cameras to show
what's under the massive front end on
the dashboard's 14-inch display. An
electronically controlled locking rear
differential works with Downhill Assist
Control (DAC) to keep the GX from accelerating
out of control when on an
incline. DAC can even be used in reverse
gear if you're attempting a trail that
turns out to be too much.
Tires, too, with Toyo
Lexus is offering new 33-inch (838 mm)
specially designed tires for the new GX.
These all-terrain tires come standard on
the Overtail and Overtrail+ trims and
give the SUV 8.9 inches (226 mm) of
ground clearance. The standard GX without
the special tires rides a little lower,
with 8.66 inches (220 mm) of clearance.
Toyota and Toyo Tire began working
on these tires three years ago, Tsukasaki
said, and engineers were focused on
three main factors: reducing road noise,
cooling performance, and aerodynamics.
The tires' side tread pattern was crucial
in improving aerodynamics.
In addition to the GX, Toyota will use
these new tires, or something very similar,
in the new Land Cruiser, including
the next 4Runner.
Toyota will start building the new GX
at its Tahara plant in Japan in February
2024 and said it expects to sell more
than 33,500 units in calendar year 2024.
Whatever the sales numbers, Tsukasaki
already sees success when he looks at
the SUV. Despite the many challenges
this team faced during the development
process, they managed to reposition the
GX how they wanted.
" When I look at the different parts of
the vehicle, the faces of the engineers
that worked on it pop up into my head, "
he said.
The interior of a 2024 Lexus GX Premium.
AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING
Sebastian Blanco
March 2024 15
BOTH IMAGES: LEXUS

Automotive Engineering - March 2024

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