Celebrating their continued partnership with the World Surf League, Lexus created this one-off custom LX with pro surfers in mind.
The matte blue finish and white roof look the part, but it’s the accessories and build that make it practical for board sports.
The external ladder and exoskeleton rack make it easy to get your boards to the beach, then have a better view of incoming swells before paddling out. The steps are illuminated, too, perfect for dawn patrol sessions.
Inside, the rear compartment has sliding storage that combines vented compartments to help dry your trunks, rash guard, and wetsuit…or at least keep them from soaking the rest of the car and getting funky.
A Dometic cooler keeps bevvies chilled, and a slide out waxing table puts your board at the right height for prep work. There’s even a changing mat to throw on the ground, but privacy is up to you.
Seats are covered in real leather, perfect for wet and sandy people.
It has upgraded 20″ wheels with 33″ all-terrain tires…good for sand, but it doesn’t appear to have any extra lift. It’s just a concept, though, so it’s good to see that 33’s can fit out of the box. If you want an LX that’s actually for sale, check out the…
Lexus LX 700h Overtrail
While the smaller GX550 Overtrail has gotten most of the attention, there’s also an off-road upgraded version of the larger LX platform, too. The LX Overtrail starts at $115,350, gets a 3.4L twin turbo V6 hybrid powertrain, and comes standard with front and rear lockers.
It also has a high- and low-range transfer case and Torsen limited-slip locking center differential, plus multi-terrain select, crawl control, multi-terrain monitor (ground cameras that let you see under the vehicle), and downhill assist control.
The LX Overtrail rolls on 33″ Toyo Open Country A/T III all-terrain tires with 18″ wheels, and underneath there’s a new frame supporting the vehicle. It has a three-cross frame, with re-positioned spare tire that not only makes room for the hybrid batteries, but also improves ground clearance and departure angle.
Inside, you have your choice of two or three-row configurations, and the second row can be opted for a bench or captains seats. And there’s a 2400W 120V inverter to power coolers and other overland accessories.
Hybrid power, but different
Regarding the hybrid power system, this is the first Lexus hybrid to have a distinct alternator and starter as separate components, letting them get the start the motor and charge the auxiliary (starter) battery even if the hybrid batteries are fully drained or the system is inoperative, so you can still drive using only the combustion engine.
It also applies electric motor-driven power to the low-range gearing now, too, for improved power and control in low-speed manueuvering.
The LX Overtrail is only available as a 10-speed automatic hybrid, putting out a combined 457hp and 583 lb-ft of torque, all with a claimed EPA estimated 20mpg.
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