Toyota forgoes badge engineering: 2009 Lexus LX to be unique

Lexus will discontinue the existing LX line after the 2007 model year, according to a recent report published in a Japanese auto magazine. While there were rumors that a replacement would come in the form of a souped-up next-generation Toyota Land Cruiser, the automaker reportedly made a last-minute decision to create a distinct model for its Lexus brand. The existing LX is nearly identical to the Toyota Land Cruiser, but this will not be the case for the new LX, the report said. The change of plans means there will be no Lexus LX for the 2008 model year. The all-new LX will arrive for the 2009 model year, a Toyota spokesperson said. The debut of the 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser, however, is right around the corner. It will feature a more radical design based on the FTX pickup concept (pictured), the magazine said.