In an effort to bolster sales of the mid-sized 2010 Lexus GX 460, Toyota Motor Corp. is sending out twenty specialist teams for a month-long tour of dealerships to teach salesmen how to create a buzz over a vehicle the company feels has never been fully appreciated.

Redesigned for the coming model year, the GX will be offered in a base and premium trim level. Sales will begin in late December with most initial units making it to the dealerships in January.

The GX is equipped with a new 4.6-liter V6 producing 301h (as compared to 4.7-liter V8 with 263 hp on the outgoing GX 470). Torque is up to 329 pound-feet from 323 on the 2009.

With a six-speed transmission, drivers can expect 15 mpg in the city and 20 on the highway (again an improvement over the 2009's 14/18. Third-row seating is standard and the seats fold flat at the push of a button. Cargo space is 13 cubic feet with leg room in the third row improved by 4.4 inches.

Mark Templin, the general manager for the Lexus Division said, We still think there is an audience that wants a more rugged vehicle. We made it more rugged and more fuel efficient, adding, The GX470 was very popular for us. The segment has declined dramatically. This is the product that will continue to bring out young, affluent families.

The base model carries an opening price of $52,845, with the premium listed at $57,640.