Japanese off-road aftermarket part manufacturer JAOS has revealed a customised version of the 2022 Lexus LX600 before it’s unveiled in the metal at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon.

    Built as a collaboration between Lexus and JAOS, this customised LX is said to “inspire a sense of adventure for its driver and passengers”.

    This early reveal also coincides with the new-generation Lexus LX officially going on sale in Japan.

    First established in 1985, JAOS develops and manufactures off-road, performance and aesthetic parts for SUVs and four-wheel drives.

    Using a Japanese-market Lexus LX600 Offroad as a base, the modifications JAOS made to the Lexus LX600 give it an even more rugged and off-road-ready aesthetic.

    The exterior of the modified LX has lightweight, carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) front and rear bumper skid protectors and fender flares with vents.

    There are also door handle protectors, as well as sample-only mud flaps and an exhaust tip that aren’t yet available for purchase.

    The modified LX has specially-developed Enkei 20-inch gold titanium wheels forged by JAOS, which are fitted on 285/55R20 Toyo Open Country A/T III all-terrain tyres.

    Revealed in October 2021 and confirmed for a local launch later this year, the regular Lexus LX is based on the new 300 Series Toyota LandCruiser.

    It uses the same GA-F body-on-frame architecture as not only the LandCruiser but also the redesigned Tundra full-size pickup.

    In LX600 form the four-wheel drive comes with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine that produces 305kW of power and 650Nm of torque. This is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

    This powertrain is the backbone of the LandCruiser range across the Middle East and is also used in the new-generation Tundra.

    The redesigned LX will also be available in LX500d guise, with the same 227kW/700Nm twin-turbo 3.3-litre V6 diesel as seen in the local LandCruiser range.

    In Japan, the LX range also includes a four-seat VIP grade plus an LX600 Offroad with three differential locks (front, centre and rear), exterior black pack, and 18-inch grey aluminium wheels with all-terrain tyres as standard.

    It’s available with either five or seven seats.

    Local Lexus LX specification, pricing and drivetrain options have yet to be confirmed.

    The 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon kicks off on January 14 and runs until January 16, with plenty of automakers gearing up to show off other new cars and concepts.

    Daihatsu will show off two customised versions of its Atrai kei car, Honda will reveal a prototype version of its Civic Type R, Nissan will reveal its Nismo Z GT500 racer and Mountain Base concept, Subaru will debut its STI E-RA concept, and Toyota will reveal its GR GT3 concept and a tuned GR Yaris.

    Mitsubishi has also revealed its clearly Outlander PHEV-based Vision Ralliart concept and its K-EV concept early before it’ll be shown off in the metal at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon.

    MORE: Everything Lexus LX

    Jack Quick

    Jack Quick is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne. Jack studied journalism and photography at Deakin University in Burwood, and previously represented the university in dance nationally. In his spare time, he loves to pump Charli XCX and play a bit of Grand Theft Auto. He’s also the proud owner of a blue, manual 2020 Suzuki Jimny.

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