Lexus unveiled the all-new 2008 LX 570
full-size luxury utility vehicle at a press conference today at the
2007 New York International Auto Show. The all-new third-generation
LX will feature more technological advancements to provide added
power, luxury, safety, roominess and both on- and off-road
capability over the award-winning LX 470 it replaces.
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"The all-new LX 570 is packed with the
luxury appointments and seamless technology our buyers expect of a
Lexus vehicle," said Bob Carter, Lexus Division group vice president
and general manager. "Equally important, the new LX 570 sets a
high-water mark for Lexus by providing more on- and off-highway
prowess than ever before, while at the same time providing the
amount of interior space, comfort, luxury and ride quality our
customers demand."
The LX 570 will be
equipped with a powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine that will
produce 381 horsepower, over 110 more than the vehicle it
replaces and over 400 lb.-ft. of torque.
The engine will be
mated to a new six-speed sequential-shift automatic
transmission designed and built for large tasks. Both the
engine and transmission are controlled and linked by
sophisticated electronic management systems that help ensure
optimal performance and fuel economy, with minimal emissions
at all times. The new LX is expected to be certified as ULEV
II.
With its upgraded powertrain mated to a new
chassis and suspension system, the LX 570 will have a towing
capacity of 8,500 pounds, an improvement of 2,000 pounds over the
previous model.
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Significant upgrades to the
suspension and full-time four-wheel-drive system raise the
LX to new levels of driving comfort and performance, on- and
off-road. A Four-Wheel Electro-Hydraulic Suspension with
Active Height Control (AHC) and Adaptive Variable Suspension
is quicker and allows for a greater range of adjustment than
the system it replaces. The new cross-linked system allows
each wheel to react to the driving surface it is in contact
with and also react to the actions of the opposing wheels.
Using a valve at each corner and a center or master valve,
the cross-linked suspension system detects the extension or
deflection of each of the LX 570's 20-inch wheels and
counters that with appropriate response at the opposite
wheels.
The intelligence built into the LX
570's new suspension senses chassis roll and helps reduce
that roll by more than 30 percent. The system also controls
ride height quickly, lowering the chassis by an average of
two inches for entry and exit and returning automatically to
its normal height when the vehicle begins acceleration.
For improved aerodynamics, the new
AHC system lowers the vehicle by nearly one inch in front
and by a little more than a half inch in the rear at highway
speeds. Finally, when the transfer case is shifted into low
range, the AHC system raises the vehicle by approximately
three inches to provide additional ride height in driving
situations where chassis clearance is at a premium.
The LX 570 will also include a new
Crawl Control feature for increased throttle control when
maneuvering over rough or difficult surfaces. When in low
range, Crawl Control helps maintain appropriate low speeds
allowing the driver to concentrate on steering the LX 570 on
the desired path. Similar to cruise control in maintaining
vehicle speed, Crawl Control also actuates a set of virtual
locking differentials to minimize tire slippage and maximize
chassis behavior. Because chassis control is significantly
improved, the likelihood of bottoming the LX 570 on the
driving surface is significantly reduced.
While Crawl Control can be compared
in some ways to cruise control, the driver constantly
maintains control over the vehicle. Without cancelling the
Crawl Control mode, the driver can reduce vehicle speed by
braking, or alter the speed higher or lower by adjusting a
speed selector switch.
The new LX 570 will also feature a
multi-terrain ABS braking system. This new technology is
designed to help reduce stopping distances on slippery
surfaces such as sand or gravel. Among its many advanced
technologies the LX 570 will also offer a new blind corner
monitor feature designed for use in urban settings such as
exiting a parking garage. With cameras located within the
grille and under the passenger side-view mirror, the driver
can easily check hard-to-view areas by simply pressing a
button on the dashboard and viewing the camera images on the
navigation screen.
The luxury styling of the new LX
570 emphasizes the Lexus identity by combining the muscular
strength and sense of security expected in a
four-wheel-drive utility vehicle with the simplistic
originality of the Lexus L-finesse design theme, making it
much more refined and dynamic than its predecessor.
The bold theme of the new LX carries over
from front to rear with a wide stance and brawny cabin proportions
that are accented with subtle character lines and luxury touches
such as chrome-plated door handles and moldings.
The wide front grille and arrowhead design
on the corners reflect a Lexus styling cue. Distinctive character
lines in the hood convey a feeling of power. The character lines are
integrated into the bumper and lower intake to convey an aggressive
stance. The large projector headlights are restyled to add a dose of
sophistication to the beefy front end.
The cut-line above the front fenders adds
to the performance image of the new LX while the wheel arches add an
element of ruggedness to its clean profile. The running boards are
fitted closer to the body to provide a more integrated appearance.
In the rear, the LX features a sculpted
rear door for a more dynamic look and wide combination lights that
emphasize its large size. The combination lights and license plate
are accentuated with tasteful chrome accents. A six-spoke 20-inch
alloy wheel design creates a two-dimensional appearance that is
sporty yet elegant. The styling is complemented with features that
include Adaptive Front Headlights, a power back door, puddle lamps,
headlight washers and a front wiper de-icer.
The overall wheelbase of the new LX 570 is
unchanged from its predecessor, helping to maintain its impressive
maneuverability. However, interior and exterior length have
increased by at least four inches and width by nearly an inch,
creating a more inviting and comfortable space for up to eight
passengers and their cargo.
Inside, the LX cabin is modern, civilized
and characteristically quiet. It will also be equipped with an array
of luxury amenities including four-zone independent climate control
complete with numerous air vents, a power-sliding second-row seat
with a 40/20/40 split, a power third-row seat, navigation with
Bluetooth® capability, a nine-speaker premium audio system, XM
Satellite Radio with XM NavTraffic, a real time traffic information
service that provides driver alerts regarding accidents, road
closings and traffic, front seat power bottom cushion extenders, and
much more.
For enhanced safety, the new LX will
feature a segment-leading 10 standard airbags including driver- and
front-passenger knee airbags, second-row seat-mounted side airbags
and third-row curtains. Among the many safety features on the new LX
are Active Front Headrests, a first for a Lexus utility vehicle,
second-row seat belt pretensioners, and a direct tire pressure
monitor system.
Luxury packages will also be offered on the
new LX that will include features such as semi-aniline leather
interior trim, a cool box in the front center console, illuminated
scuff plates, unique wheel finish, a Smart Card key, and Bubinga
wood trim, a wood used to craft fine furniture, instruments and to
decorate private jets.
The all-new LX 570 will reach Lexus dealer
showrooms in early 2008
