2008 Lexus LX570

[Thai]

Link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/AutoshowArticles/articleId=120277

What is it?
2008 Lexus LX 570

What's special about it?
For just the third time since its debut in 1996, Lexus is treating its big LX SUV to a complete makeover. The all-new 2008 Lexus LX 570, which goes on sale in early 2008, is larger, more powerful and offers greater off-road capability.

The former 4.7-liter V8 is replaced by a 5.7-liter V8 rated at 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. That's nearly 100 hp more than the old engine, while the 75 lb-ft boost in torque helps the LX 570 increase its tow rating from 6,500 to 8,500 pounds. A new six-speed automatic transmission replaces the five-speed automatic.

Improved off-road capability is expected to come from a new active suspension design with electrohydraulic wheel control. Ride height control is also part of the package. Better off-road performance is expected as well from the LX 570's increased wheel travel. Lexus also says its new multiterrain ABS braking system reduces stopping distances on slippery off-road surfaces such as sand or gravel, as well as during everyday driving conditions. Meanwhile, the active suspension reduces body roll by 30 percent, so the LX 570 should be better to drive on the pavement as well.

The LX's wheelbase and height remain the same as before, but the LX 570 gains 4 inches in overall length plus an inch in width, which should increase comfort in its eight-passenger cabin. As expected, there's no deviation from typical Lexus luxury in the new LX 570, and amenities include four-zone independent climate control, a power-sliding second-row seat with a 40/20/40 split, a navigation system with Bluetooth, a nine-speaker premium audio system and XM Satellite Radio with real-time traffic monitoring. Enhanced safety features include active headrests for the front seats, a first for Lexus in the United States.

A more masculine-looking exterior also brings the LX 570 in harmony with the L-finesse design theme that Lexus has recently adopted.

What's Edmunds' take?
There aren't many choices when it comes to eight-passenger luxury SUVs. If you're in need, Lexus is finally ready to offer you a new one.

 

[Thai]

Two Pics

 

[Thai]

Not sure if i like it...it looks very generic. So far, i like the current look better. It will probably has an air suspension similar to the current Range Rover (cross-linking air suspension). Unfortunately, Lexus/Toyota still does not offer a rear locker on their top end SUVs.

 

[GatorGreg]

Looks good, not as drastic a change as I was expecting. Would like to see some other angles. Will reserve judgement though til I take one for a test drive

 

[Thai]

Official Toyota Press Release Part I

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

04/04/2007 New York
April 4, 2007

 

[Thai]

Part II

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.

 

[Thai]

Part III

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

 

[CNI]

Still looks like a Sequoia to me. Yuck.

 

[Thai]

Part IV

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

 

[Thai]

More Pics

 

[GatorGreg]

Re: Part II

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.

Thai, since you are a Board Certified SUV Nut, could you please explain to me what a "virtual locking differential" is? I assume it's something more than ATRAC?

 

[Thai]

More pics

 

[Thai]

Re: Re: Part II

Thai, since you are a Board Certified SUV Nut, could you please explain to me what a "virtual locking differential" is? I assume it's something more than ATRAC?

Yup...pure marketing BS...it's ATRAC (i assume at this point).

 

[Pirate VI]

Wow, just this morning I was looking at future cars to come out soon and saw the new highlander (which I don't like at all) and thought, "hey they have to be putting out a new Land Cruiser soon" well I searched and looked a bunch of places and all I could find were bad spy shots. this is such a coincidence that you posted this today.
It looks real nice to me, not sure how I like the back door though, I don't like how under lower half sticks out much more than the window, like the new Rav4s.
Overall, IMO I still like the 4runner better.

 

[Uneek]

Lots of styling cues off the LS460, especially the headlights. Overall, I like the second gen LX styling better, but I could probably get use the LX570. The technology incorporated in the third gen LX is incredible though.

 

[salsa_sr5]

I like it. Looks very elegant. It must be big, because those 20" wheels still look small.

Am glad they kept the split tailgate, don't like the wheels - look wimpy.

Lots of off road gadgetry - but when was the last time an LX owner actually took their truck off road ? The most expensive vehicle I see off road is usually mine. Most are $500 beaters, not $80K luxury SUV's.

They probably target the horse stable set. Most drive Range Rovers, and need to go 'off road' from the highway to the stable. Sometimes it gets muddy on the way to the horsies...

Here's a link with some more pics:

http://www.leftlanenews.com/lexus-lx-570.html#more-4951

 

[Mark86]

Not sure about the exterior design, but that interior is beautiful! I am going to the NY AutoShow this weekend, so I will hopefully see it first hand! If I can get decent pictures, I will post them here.

 

[Thai]

After looking at the pics, for now, i am still not impress. This look would be OK for a Land Cruiser, but for Lexus, it needs to look more distinctive/elegant esp. looking at it's competitors. I think that Lexus took the conservative/safe approach. The interior is beautiful (identical to LS460).

Take a look at the Range Rover...now, THAT looks distinctive and elegant the first time you laid eyes on it! Or the G500...it looks distinctive (not beautiful or elegant)...aka, you know what it is by glancing at it. Or the new BMW X5...that thing looks damn sporty just by it's shape and aggressive stance. Porsche Cayenne has the weakest image and has never been my favorite, but it is still somewhat distinctive. The LX570 is neither elegant nor distinctive. It is just a big big SUV with LS460 headlights. Bland for ultra-lux SUV.

Where are the side vents to make it look more aggressive (see Range Rover or the new Ford F-superduty), where is the rear side vent (on the current LX), and the nose is just plain.

Basically, i don't see the current Range Rover/G500/Cayenne/X5 owners dumping their vehicles and running to Lexus dealers, unless for reliability reasons. Hell, the feedback on Lexus LX owners (on Clublexus) is less than positive, but that could be due to the need to reconfirm their purchase. Still, it is mostly negative feedback on the exterior. Mostly, i would bet that this LX570 will attract previous Lexus owners...it won't hurt sales of Range Rover, Porsche Cayenne, or BMW X5 all that much.

BTW, i am including X5 and Cayenne in my post because most people who buy these SUVs are for sport, style, status, or distinctive (aka different from the Jones). Very few buy these SUVs for off-roading. The biggest direct competitor is the Range Rover. (G500s were never strong competition for the masses.)

 

[Pirate VI]

I just think it looks a bit unfinished on the outside. How about some fender flares and plastic molding. I agree that if that is the Lexus I will be dissapointed to see what the Land Cruiser looks like since it should be the same sheet metal, but a big less fancy interior and exterior trim pieces.

 

[Thai]

Well, this is the only picture that looks good IMO:

Here are more:

This closeup does show some interesting subtle curves that i did not see before:

This reminds me of Navigator: