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I am talking about redesigning the interior interior whilel keeping the it with the 2nd generation. Sequioa interior will barely change for the next 5 years.
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We'll see. I think there will be a significant freshening of the Sequoia interior by 2010. Particularly for the Lexus version of the Sequoia.
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Explain to me how a new frame, new diesel, Japan built 5.7, two different inteiors (lx is nothing like LC) two different suspensions (LX and LC have differnt suspensions), brand new rear axle, new gearing, upgrades such as 10 airbags and pre crash system, worlds first 4 zone HVAC, updated navi with integrated HVAC did not get any R and D.....
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They used a few new welding techniques and a different type of steel and kept the essential design configuration of the old frame. Toyota spent more on the marketing budget then they did on the LC frame design to convince loyalists they were getting a whole new vehicle when in reality they were getting very minor tweaks with a few new 3rd party accessories.
The diesel is irrelevant as its not available in the US. The 5.7 was designed in Cal. Where it's made is also irrelevant. Both suspensions of the LX and LC rely on live axles. Ever wonder why the best rock climbing vehicles and every monster truck and every high performance vehicle on the planet has an independent rear suspension? It's because its a far better approach to keeping power on the road and delivering better and more predictable handling. The only case for a live axle is in tractor trailers and large vehicles where handling is of lesser importance.
The American market demands a better handling vehicle and the Sequoia delivers it with the technically superior handling characteristics of an IRS over the antiquated live axle rear drivetrain design of the LC. The bonus upside is a frame that can better accomodate a fold flat 3rd row seat. The absence of IRS essentially eliminates the ability to have a 3rd row fold flat seat (ie. LC, LX, Escalade, Suburban and Yukon.)
GM will be the last large SUV manufacturer to produce an IRS suspension on their fullsize SUV line. Ford has done it with the Expedition and Navigator, Mercedes has done it with the GL series. Nissan has done it with the QX and Armada. Toyota has now done it with the Sequoia. GM will follow in less than 2 years with the Escalade/Yukon/Suburban.
The LC will retain its live rear axle since IMO it will no longer be sold in the US and instead become a ROW product where the investment into a better handling rear suspension is not necessary. An IRS will be an absolute must to be a competitive luxury SUV in the American market. When the music stops playing there will be one less chair and unfortunately the LC platform will be out of the US SUV musical chair game.