NYIAS: 2008 Lexus LX570

[Chris_Doane]

Man the Lexus photography sure is nice. As for the vehicle itself...

This looks pretty interesting/innovative:

All-New 2008 Lexus LX 570 Full-Size Luxury Utility Vehicle Makes World Debut At 2007 New York International Auto Show

April 4, 2007 – New York - 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.

"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."

Improved Power Performance

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.

Innovative Suspension and Technologies

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.

Lexus Styling

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.

Spacious Interior Comfort

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.

Advanced Active Safety Technologies

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 Amenities

In addition to its numerous standard features and advanced technologies,

the LX 570 will also be available with a number of optional amenities including climate controlled front seats and heated rear seats, a 19-speaker Mark Levinson® audio system with Reference Surround Sound and a hard disc drive capable of storing up to 2,000 songs, a rear seat entertainment system with a nine-inch screen, the Lexus Intuitive Park Assist, a first-in-its-class Pre-Collision System with Adaptive Cruise Control and Lexus Link.

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.

[Northstar]

Looks like a bigger version of the Highlander with a Lexus front end (that looks forced and ugly). Escalade, Yukon Denali, GL, A7, and even the Navigator look better.

Interior looks nice though, sort of a truck version of the LS.

[sciguy_0504]

Half and half.

The front looks nice, the rear is alright but the sides are nasty and remind me of the current and next-gen Highlander. Lexus could have done much better.

Edit: Interior is beautiful but a little busy.

Edited April 4, 2007 by sciguy_0504

[bowtie_dude]

Hey Chris, I think thats the LX570, not the RX570.

[Chris_Doane]

Hey Chris, I think thats the LX570, not the RX570.

LoL...whoops...

Fixed.

[bowtie_dude]

They didn't do enough with it, IMO. Rear looks outdated, front is too much like the old.

The interior is, well, typical Lexus. Well-designed, exudes quality and fantastic fit'n'finish.

[bowtie_dude]

LoL...whoops...

I looked at it and thought "God, that looks an awful lot like the current LX470."

Not to mention I was quite taken aback by the notion of Toyota putting its new 5.7L V8 in the Highlander-based RX.

Edited April 4, 2007 by bowtie_dude

[siegen]

The vehicle looks refined and unoffensive. The design flows well with the rest of the Lexus line up. They did a fairly good job, although I think the rear could have been done a little better.

[Camino LS6]

Frumpy and fat like a middle-aged housewife who let herself go. The design seems thoughtless and uninspired, like they just tried to meet the minimum standards for the segment.

[Cory Wolfe]

Eh... I really cannot stand the styling at all.

[Drew Dowdell]

Lexus ES tall wagon

[aaaantoine]

Well... At least they finally updated it.

[Flybrian]

The Official Car of the Brand Whore.

[aaaantoine]

Hey... Does this mean Toyota finally updated the Land Cruiser? Where's that thread?

[CSpec]

Yuck, I do not like this at all. Why would you make a supposedly rugged, off-road SUV and base the styling on their most luxurious sedan?

[Northstar]

Yuck, I do not like this at all. Why would you make a supposedly rugged, off-road SUV and base the styling on their most luxurious sedan?

Toyota doesn't seem to understand things like this...

They say, "Hmm, this is our most expensive SUV, so let's make it resemble the most expensive sedan" without realizing doing so makes it look odd.

[Chris_Doane]

Added the press release and 2 more pics to the original post.

[Intrepidation]

Everything looks alright except the rear, which is bloated and ugly.

[Drew Dowdell]

What kind of turn of the 19th century switch gear is *THAT*?!?

[FAPTurbo]

Those switches look like they'd be fun to use. I have to hand it to Toyota, they can make some pretty cool switches and knickknacks.

Like the Rav4: I spent about 5 minutes just using the button thinger to open the top glovebox.

[Chris_Doane]

What kind of turn of the 19th century switch gear is *THAT*?!?

I was just looking to see what those were:

[Intrepidation]

What kind of turn of the 19th century switch gear is *THAT*?!?

It looks like the up/down window switches Chrysler used in the 90's.

[bowtie_dude]

I was just looking to see what those were:

Ah! Thanks for the better picture. Don't know why they thought those controls needed HUGE rocker switches instead of nice, flush buttons with talk-back LEDs. Kinda seem outta place. Probably still feel awesome (as anything inside a Lexus would), but they look out of place.

[Flybrian]

Those buttons are useless. They do nothing about my melting smoothie!!!!

[toyoguy]

Those buttons are useless. They do nothing about my melting smoothie!!!!

been taken care of, that's what the COOLBOX is for

Edited April 4, 2007 by toyoguy

[FAPTurbo]

Ownage?...

[vrazzhledazzle]

Eh, whatever.

Like others have mentioned, there is much better offerings out there (namely the Escalade and the other GM full-size trucks)

[DetroitNut90]

Eww. They took the last nice Lexus and ruined it.

[thegriffon]

Ehh, as much of an update as the GMT900s, if that (chassis is probably unchanged). Of course they sell far fewer, so there's probably less money for it.

[Intrepidation]

Those buttons are useless. They do nothing about my melting smoothie!!!!

been taken care of, that's what the COOLBOX is for

[AM6_Cutlass]

Horrible, chunky and mis-proportioned, especially at the rear. I can't remember the last time I even saw a Lexus SUV that wasn't a RX though..

[turbo200]

I can see the look appealing to people who like Toyota's "refined" styling, but it's not pretty or manly, which is what propels big lux SUVs. The interior has great quality and color choice, but it's not better looking or resolved than Esclade's which is a big plus in GM's book.

[K.C.]

OMG! The LS front on the SUV was a big mistake. I dont like the large rear overhang out back. The interior seems nice, but it still appears very snug for someone my size. I'm not impressed.

[tommo]

Found these spy shots of the landcruiser version

[mustang84]

Found these spy shots of the landcruiser version

Gotta admit, that doesn't look too bad. I actually like the profile quite a bit.

[Intrepidation]

Found these spy shots of the landcruiser version

So far I like what I see...especially the front.

[aaaantoine]

It only took them about 10 years to put out something new.

And the industry jabs at GM and Ford for their slow redesigns.

[Bigmikelakers]

Found these spy shots of the landcruiser version

Is it just me or does that interior kinda look like a Honda Pilots?