It’s lifted. It’s blacked out. And it’s ready to hit the trail (and beyond). Meet the Lexus J201 Concept, a LX 570-based concept car that’s the result of a partnership between Expedition Overland and Lexus. It’s basically the LX 570 on off-roading steroids.
The concept model takes its roots in the off-roading community, a community that is known more for their acquisition of the LX’s little brother, the GX, than the LX itself.
The concept didn’t happen upon its name by some random luck of the draw. It takes its moniker from the code for the Lexus LX platform: URJ201. That’s the same platform the Toyota Land Cruiser uses, however, the LX is rarely thought of as being as capable as the Land Cruiser.
With the design of the J201, Lexus and Expedition Overland strived to make a model that is both tasteful and capable. The concept had to be “always on” and ready to take on terrain in a better way than the standard LX. It also needed to be human-focused.
At the front is a CBI off-road bumper, Warn Zeon 10-S winch, and a 30-inch Rigid Industries RDS SR-Series Pro light bar. The rig rides on 17-inch x 8-inch EVO Corse DakarZero wheels wrapped in General Grabber X3 tires. It has drilled front and rear rotors, Super Sport performance brake pads, and color-matched calipers from StopTech.
The drivetrain has been improved by the addition of a Magnuson supercharger that helps the SUV deliver 550 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque. It has front and rear performance differentials and ARB air lockers. A TJM Airtec Snorkel helps with air flow. There’s also an ARB high performance twin on-board compressor that is mounted using a Slee Off-Road system.
CBI Offroad rock sliders and skid plates protect the underside of the J201, which includes an Icon Vehicle Dynamics upgraded suspension. With the new suspension, the LX 570 has received a 2-inch front lift and a 1-inch rear lift in Normal Mode. With four settings, the suspension can provide up to 4.8 inches of lift at the front and 4.1 inches in the rear.
On top os a Prinsu Design roof rack system and a 40-inch Rigid Industries SR Series Spot Midnight light bar.
The rear of the car features a CBI Offroad rear bumper system with a rear ladder, dual swing-outs, spare tire, and Baja Designs S2 Sport lighting. Sceptor 5-gallon water can complete the exterior enhancements.
On the roof console there’s a new ARB Line accessory interface to digitally control lighting, air lockers, and the compressor, as well as monitor the status of the battery and angle of the model.
Goose Gear drawer models are in the cargo area an house the car’s Warn Epic Recovery Kit. Zero Halliburton has provided Pursuit Aluminum travel cases.
The J201 Concept will be put to the test by defending Rebelle Rally champions, Rachelle Croft and Taylor Pawley of The X Elles as part of the 2020 Rebelle Rally.
