When contemplating tough and durable SUVs, I must confess that Lexus is not the initial brand that comes to mind. This perception changed when I joined Ivan Stewart for an off-road test in an LX 570 and he confidently stated, “we could conquer the entire Baja 1000 peninsula with this stock SUV, just as it is.” With decades of off-roading experience under his belt, his statement holds weight.
Having clinched a triumph in the 2019 Rebelle Rally with a completely standard GX 460, Rachelle Croft and Taylor Pawley opted for the J201 Concept in the 2020 rally. This formidable Lexus SUV, based on the LX 570, underwent modifications recommended by Lexus and implemented by Croft and Clay, the accomplished duo behind Expedition Overland. While securing the runner-up spot in the J201, it did not diminish the value of what our very own Chris Tsui refers to as a “vehicle ready for any apocalypse scenario.”
X Overland
Boasting the luxurious interior of the LX 570, the J201 is equipped on the exterior with protective elements such as skid plates, rock sliders, and CBI Offroad bumpers to withstand demanding terrains like the 1200 miles of rough, sandy, and dusty roads in the Rebelle Rally. Expedition Overland included enhancements like a Warn Epic recovery kit, TJM Airtec snorkel, an Icon Vehicle Dynamics suspension, 17-inch Evo Corse DakarZero wheels, 33-inch General Grabber X3 tires, and upgraded front and rear performance differentials to enhance off-road capabilities.
Fronted by recovery hooks and a light bar, the front bumper of the J201 hosts a spare tire, two five-gallon water containers, and a ladder at the rear. As a tribute to real-life adventurers who may utilize this vehicle should it reach production, the Crofts integrated a drawer system in the cargo area that includes built-in dog bowls for their furry companions.
Enhancing the vehicle is a TVS1900 Magnuson supercharger fine-tuned to deliver 550 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque, an increase from the LX 570’s V8 power output of 383 hp and 403 lb-ft. Acting as the counterbalance to this enhanced power are the drilled StopTech brakes.
“We enhanced the vehicle with front and rear air lockers, re-geared it to accommodate taller tires, and then supercharged it. The performance is remarkable,” shared Clay Croft with a grin.
Kristin Shaw
Rachelle shared that the vision for the J201 concept was tailored to match the preferences of individuals interested in such a vehicle. With a history of crafting 19 off-road vehicles primarily for Toyota or Lexus, except for a Ram 3500 diesel and a 2020 Gladiator named Odin.
Starting from a higher tire and practical features like a light bar, they retained the stock suspension due to its exceptional performance. Subsequently, they meticulously selected products that aligned with their vision.
Focusing on the suspension, which includes ICON Vehicle Dynamics control arms, the Crofts employed a common modification used for Land Cruisers to raise the suspension by 1.5 inches. By adjusting the upper and lower control arms, the SUV’s sensors were deceived into perceiving it was at the original ride height.
“The strength of this SUV is derived from its Land Cruiser legacy,” Rachelle expressed. “The LC 100 was designed for a 500,000-mile sustainable lifespan in a developing country and they were engineered to flourish.”
Clay added: “Land Cruisers are commonly used as everyday vehicles in the U.S., so we’re driving a car that was crafted with astounding endurance, durability, and dependability that gives the Land Cruiser its legendary status.”
Although the Land Cruiser has been ceased in the U.S., the Lexus LX 570 stands prepared to take on the role of its off-road-capable body-on-frame relative. Clay Croft mentions that 90 percent of the J201 is replicable, so maybe we’ll witness more like this on the trails.
Have a suggestion? Drop the author a message: kristin.shaw@thedrive.com
