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We’re still a few weeks away from seeing an all-new Toyota SUV (the new 2010 4Runner should debut on September 24), but the Japanese automaker is showing a revised Land Cruiser Prado (known here as the Lexus GX470) at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show.
Instead of re-inventing the Land Cruiser’s baby brother, Toyota engineers chose to refine and improve its off-road credentials. The new Prado is still a body-on-frame design, but the chassis is 11 percent stiffer than before. Base models receive a revised independent suspension design both front and rear, while the top-end LC5 model receives a new adaptive air suspension system.
Off-road enthusiasts will likely enjoy the Prado’s new Multi-Terrain Select system. Similar to Land Rover’s Terrain Response technology, the controller allows drivers to select different power, braking, and suspension settings for different road environments.
The revised SUV should appear in European dealerships by December, but it’s uncertain if we’ll see it wear Lexus badges in North America. Reports suggest Lexus may shift the GX nameplate to a crossover built upon the GS sedan in the near future.