The 2008 Lexus LX 570 is even larger and meatier than the previous generation, matching the trend of its beefier Toyota truck brethren. The monster lexo-luxo-cruiser gets the new Toyota 5.7-liter V8 mated to a new six-speed transmission, which puts out the 383 horsepower you'll need to propel this through the Whole Foods parking lot. In addition to all of the luxury goodies you'd expect, there's an optional 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system with optional music storage. In case you're not tall enough to reach the cabin, the active height control will kneel to let you in. We can't imagine a situation where anyone is going to need it, but the LX 570 also comes with crawl control in case you need cross any rocky terrain on the weigh to the stables. Press release below the jump:
Lexus Introduces All-New 2008 LX 570 Full-Size Luxury Utility Vehicle
December 20, 2007 - Torrance, CA - Lexus introduces the all-new, more powerful, more capable and more luxurious 2008 LX 570 premium luxury utility vehicle. With a host of technological advancements and a new high-strength chassis, the third-generation LX offers significantly increased performance and new safety features over the LX 470 model it replaces. The all-new roomier eight-passenger LX 570 casts about the same footprint as its award-winning predecessor.
Lexus established the paradigm for full-size, full-capability luxury utility vehicles when it debuted the original LX in January 1996. Since that time, the LX has won a multitude of awards for quality and value. For the third generation LX, Lexus retained the basic formula of the previous model, amplifying and enhancing its core attributes. The new LX 570 offers perhaps the most compelling combination of luxury, safety, on-road smoothness and off-road performance of any vehicle in its segment.
The 2008 LX 570 emphasizes Lexus identity with new L-finesse styling, combining it with the muscular strength and sense of security sought in a four-wheel-drive luxury utility vehicle. Under its dramatic new styling, the LX 570 is built on a more capable chassis and features an advanced new suspension system. With 383 horsepower, its new 5.7-liter V8 is 42-percent more powerful than the 4.7-liter V8 engine it replaces, and it is expected to achieve ULEV II certification.
The larger-displacement engine is mated to a new six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission designed and built to handle demanding tasks with Lexus smoothness and refinement. Not only do the powertrain advancements make the 2008 LX 570 more engaging to drive than its predecessor, but they also help increase towing capacity to 8,500 pounds, 2,000 more than the previous model.
New upgrades to the suspension and a full-time four-wheel-drive system enhance driving comfort and performance, both on- and off-highway. An electro-hydraulic system with four-wheel Active Height Control (AHC) and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) reacts more quickly and allows for a greater range of adjustment than the system it replaces.
"The original Lexus LX set the trend for the full-size luxury SUV, and the newest version, the LX 570, truly sets a new standard in luxury and technology for its class," said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. "The new LX 570 sets a high-water mark for a Lexus utility vehicle by providing the ideal combination of on- and off-highway capability while at the same time increasing the luxury quotient and roominess."
New Technology Showcase
Over the years, Lexus has debuted a number of new technologies in the LX, and the 2008 LX 570 continues that tradition. The LX 570 will offer a first-in-its-class Pre-Collision System with Adaptive Radar Cruise Control. In addition, LX 570 it is the first Lexus to offer a new Wide-view Front & Side Monitor feature designed for use in urban settings such as parking garages.
With cameras located within the grille and under the passenger side-view mirror, the driver can check hard-to-view areas by simply pressing a button on the dashboard and viewing the camera images on the standard navigation system screen. The Wide-view Front & Side Monitor functions up to a vehicle speed of about 7.5 mph and displays the front and side views simultaneously in split-screen mode.
New Lexus Design Theme with Muscular SUV Presence
The 2008 LX 570 luxury utility vehicle adopts many characteristics of the brand's L-finesse design theme. A wide stance and muscular cabin proportions are accented with subtle character lines and luxury touches such as chrome-plated door handles and moldings. The LX 570 conveys its Lexus identity most prominently from the front, where the wide grille, with its "arrowhead" corner treatment, character lines integrated into the bumper and large projector headlights convey a distinctly purposeful look.
Character lines in the hood help to convey the power of the new 5.7-liter V8 it covers. Wheel arches are pronounced, but not overly so, to add an element of ruggedness to the elegant profile. Standard running boards fit more closely to the body for a more integrated appearance. The standard ten-spoke, 20-inch alloy wheel design features a sporty yet elegant three-dimensional appearance. The LX 570 rides on 285/50R20 tires, while the previous LX 470 used 275/60R18 tires.
In the rear, wide combination lights emphasize the large size of the sculpted rear door. They employ high-intensity LEDs and a specially designed diffusion pattern to project "radiance" and to give drivers following behind ample visibility of the LX 570. Tasteful chrome accents set off the lights and the license plate surround.
Throughout the LX 570, ample function is integrated into the design. For example, the standard Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) helps to illuminate a turn or curve as the driver steers into it. In addition, the standard power rear door, Smart Access keyless entry system with push-button start, headlamp washers and a front windshield wiper de-icer provide the level of all-weather convenience expected in a Lexus.
Spacious Interior Comfort and Traditional Lexus Luxury
The new LX 570's 112.2-inch wheelbase is unchanged from its predecessor, helping to maintain admirable maneuverability. Both interior and exterior length has, however, increased by four inches and width by nearly an inch achieving best-in-class front seat legroom and third-row seating legroom superior to the Cadillac Escalade. The result is an even more inviting and comfortable space for up to eight passengers and their cargo. The LX cabin is unreservedly luxurious and Lexus-quiet.
Traditional Lexus luxury touches include Optitron instrument gauges and a multi-information display. The full array of standard luxury amenities includes leather-trimmed upholstery, a best-in-class four-zone independent climate control, a voice-activated Hard Disc Drive (HDD) navigation system with Bluetooth® capability, a nine-speaker Lexus Premium Audio system, front-seat power-seat cushion extenders, and much more. Standard XM® Satellite Radio capability (requires subscription) includes XM NavTraffic, a real-time traffic information service designed to provide driver alerts for accidents, road closings and traffic jams.
Of special note is the new four-zone automatic climate control system designed to cool even during extreme heat. The zones are (1) left and (2) right front seats and (3) left and (4) right sides for the second and third rows. With 28 total air vents, the climate control system is designed to bathe occupants in comfortable air rather than simply project streams of cool air at them.
Lexus requires an air conditioning system to maintain a 64-degree Fahrenheit temperature at each register after 30 minutes of idling during a typical Arizona desert summer. The LX 570's new system, featuring a new high-efficiency compressor and new spiral dual-wall refrigerant pipes, exceeds that standard.
For extreme cold situations, the LX 570 is equipped with an auxiliary positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater. The PTC heater consists of a PTC ceramic element, aluminum fin, and brass plate. When current is applied to the PTC element, it generates heat that instantly warms the air passing through the unit.
Luxury Options
In addition to its numerous standard features and advanced technologies, the LX 570 also offers a number of optional amenities to allow tailoring the vehicle to personal tastes. The available Lexus' Intuitive Park Assist (IPA), a first-in-its-class Pre-Collision System with Adaptive Radar Cruise Control and the Lexus Link® telematics system can add to the peace-of-mind factor for the driver and passengers.
The LX 570's standard level of luxury already sets a high standard in the segment. Options that can take it even higher include climate-controlled front seats and heated rear seats. Onboard entertainment options can make the LX 570 a virtual movie theater and concert hall on wheels. The available rear-seat entertainment system plays DVDs and uses a nine-inch wide-format screen. The available 19-speaker Mark Levinson® Reference Surround Sound audio system is capable of storing up to 2,000 digital songs on a portion of the navigation system's HDD.
Versatility
Lexus recognized that many LX customers use their vehicles for family activities and therefore focused on enhancing roominess, passenger comfort and carrying versatility. The first-in-class standard power-sliding second-row seat now slides forward and aft 4.1 inches for more passenger comfort and cargo storage versatility. A power retractable third-row seat is standard. The seatbacks provide a convenient 40/20/40 split.
The tumble mechanism for the second-row seat again shows Lexus' attention to detail. The quality construction of the second-row seat, along with its power slide feature, makes it too substantial for a conventional hinge. Instead, Lexus uses specially engineered spiral springs and a rotary damper to make the seat easy for anyone to tumble forward, and it does so with typical Lexus fluid-smoothness that can also be found in other moving parts throughout the brand's vehicles.
The split rear gate uses a power upper glass section, and the lower section raises and lowers with minimal effort using a smooth torsion spring-and-damper mechanism. The two-year development of the mechanism included a rigorous 45,000-cycle open/close reliability test simulating 15 years of usage.
Brawny V8 is Lexus Smooth
The LX 570's new 5.7-liter V8 delivers the punch and towing power demanded in this segment. The new, high-tech powerplant produces 383 horsepower at 5,600 rpm. Peak torque of 403 lb.-ft at 3,600 rpm is 22-percent better than the 4.7-liter V8 in the previous LX 470 model.
Just as crucial to LX customers, 90 percent of peak torque is available at just 2,200 RPM.
The V8's more advanced Dual VVT-i system controls valve timing and overlap on both the intake and exhaust valves, which helps to optimize power, fuel efficiency and emissions. An Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) uses butterfly valves inside the intake manifold to switch the length of the intake tract in two stages, based on RPM and throttle angle, to improve torque across the engine speed range. Tubular stainless steel headers flow into a full stainless steel exhaust system. Customers who tow or do much mountain driving will appreciate the standard engine oil cooler.
New Six-Speed Transmission
The LX 570's new six-speed automatic transmission is designed to handle high torque while performing with Lexus quietness and smoothness. New technology and quality inspection techniques developed for the Lexus LS 460 flagship sedan's transmission were also applied to the LX 570's transmission.
The transmission's control unit estimates road conditions and predicts the driver's intention to select the appropriate gear ratio for the vehicle's speed and the driving conditions. Even at very low speeds, such as trail driving, the transmission operates smoothly and imperceptibly. A sequential shift mode allows the driver to select gears manually. In this mode, the transmission automatically selects first gear when the vehicle comes to a stop, regardless of the gearshift position.
New High-Strength Chassis
Body-on-frame construction was retained for its ruggedness and durability in extreme driving conditions, its towing capability and its ride isolation characteristics. Strengthening a unitized body to stand up to the stress of rough roads and high-capacity towing would have increased vehicle mass enough to negate the lighter weight usually gained by unitization.
Applying advanced computer aided engineering and lightweight components, engineers developed an all-new frame structure that uses lightweight, high-strength steel. Deeper, wider frame longitudinal members help to provide enhanced safety. Taking full advantage of body-on-frame construction's potential to reduce road noise, suppress vibration, and enhance on-road and off-road comfort, Lexus used four types of bushings to mount the body. The new frame was tested over some of the worst roads in Australia, plus desert areas of the U.S. and other parts of the world in conditions where other SUVs could not go.
Reconciling the need for a stiff frame with the requirement of crash energy absorption presents special challenges. The front of the LX 570 frame adopts a three-stage crush structure to help reduce frame damage to other areas of the vehicle in a frontal impact. The new, patented design can disperse collision force from the main side members to floor frame members, helping to minimize deformation in the passenger compartment.
The body utilizes welded high-strength sheet steel, especially in the A-, B-, C- and D-pillars and in the rocker area to reduce weight and increase rigidity.
New Suspension Technologies, Added Capability
The new frame provided an opportunity to enhance suspension design and performance for on-road handling and ride comfort as well as off-road capability. The high-mount, double-wishbone front suspension allows for nine inches of total front wheel travel - four on the jounce stroke and five on rebound - for outstanding articulation over rough roads and obstacles. The power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering uses a variable gear ratio that requires just 2.4 turns to go from lock-to-lock.
The four-link trailing-arm rear suspension retains the solid-axle configuration for strength and durability. Camber rigidity is increased, as is bearing rigidity, and all bushings are enlarged. Suspension geometry helps promote safety, and spring and damper rates are optimized for ride smoothness.
A premium SUV should provide the ability to drive over rough ground with a sense of security for occupants. The 2008 Lexus LX 570 debuts a vehicle "posture control" system with Lexus advanced technology, including Four-Wheel AHC + AVS (Active Height Control + Adaptive Variable Suspension). The new system reacts more quickly and allows for a greater range of adjustment than the system it replaces.
The new LX 570 suspension system helps improve on-road handling by reducing body sway by more than 30 percent and by suppressing dive and squat during cornering, braking or acceleration. The compression chambers of the shock absorbers are diagonally linked (front-left shock linked to rear right, and front right linked to rear left) by a center-control valve. Passing small body motions from front-to-rear increases overall vertical suspension damping. The control unit - protected by a specially designed pipe-shape covering - determines optimal balance of hydraulic pressure.
Front shock absorbers are equipped with a spring-rate switch control that stiffens or loosens the spring rate in two steps. When cruising on the highway, for example, the spring rate is loosened for better ride comfort. The system can respond to different inputs at the front and rear suspension simultaneously.
Active Height Control (AHC)
The revised Active Height Control (AHC) system in the new LX 570 also controls ride height, lowering the chassis by about two inches for entry and exit and returning automatically to its normal height when the vehicle begins to accelerate.
Vehicle height automatically lowers within two seconds of switching off the ignition when the vehicle is stopped. Of course, the system is designed to lower the vehicle with Lexus smoothness, not in a sudden, rough movement. An Easy Access mode allows the driver to also lower the vehicle while it is stopped. For improved aerodynamics, the 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.
When the transfer case is shifted into low range, AHC raises the vehicle by approximately three inches to provide additional ride height in driving situations where chassis clearance is at a premium.
Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)
The Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system responds to the different inputs and spring rates, and it optimally adjusts the shock absorber damping force to provide optimal handling and comfort for on-road or trail driving. AVS provides three positions to control the spring rate and shock-absorber damping force.
Position 2 will suit most driving conditions and will automatically select the appropriate suspension damping in response to driving conditions. Position 1 provides a softer response on extremely bumpy roads. Positions 3 and 4 help provide increasingly greater levels of control for driving a heavily loaded vehicle, driving at higher speeds on paved roads, or driving on unpaved roads. When the driver shifts the two-speed transfer case into low range for negotiating steep inclines, AVS automatically selects the suitable damping setting.
Full-Time 4-Wheel Drive
The LX 570's new transfer case provides full-time four-wheel drive that is equally adept at handling the rigors of slippery winter weather or deep mud or snow. The lightweight, compact, chain-driven transfer case provides a 2.618:1 low-range ratio for challenging driving surfaces. High and low ranges are selected with a rotary dial. The locking function is actuated by a push-button switch.
A TORSEN® limited-slip locking center differential distributes the power 40:60 front-to-rear, directing more power to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur. Traction control (TRAC) employs both brake and throttle intervention to help control wheel spin. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), with a cut-off switch, helps maintain directional control during cornering by manipulating engine torque and individual wheel-braking influence when it detects tire slippage.
New Crawl Control
The LX 570 also introduces a new Crawl Control feature for improved throttle modulation when maneuvering over rough or difficult surfaces. When the transmission is shifted into low range, Crawl Control regulates engine speed and output, along with braking force, to propel the vehicle forward or in reverse at one of three low-speed settings. With Crawl Control activated, the driver can more easily focus on steering over particularly rough level ground or steep grades without having to also concentrate on the throttle or brake pedals. Crawl Control also actuates a set of virtual locking differentials to help reduce tire slippage and optimize chassis behavior.
Such enhanced chassis control reduces the likelihood of bottoming the LX 570 on the driving surface. Without canceling Crawl Control mode, the driver can reduce vehicle speed by braking or adjust the crawling speed with a selector switch. The Crawl Control development engineers worked with a team of highly skilled off-road drivers to fine-tune the system's responses, testing in extreme rocky conditions for two years. Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) provides additional control for off-road driving by helping to keep the vehicle stationary while starting on a steep incline or slippery surface.
Larger, More Powerful Brakes with Multi-Terrain ABS
The LX 570's brake system is more powerful than the previous generation LX, with 13.4-inch ventilated discs and four-piston calipers up front and 13.6-inch ventilated discs at the rear. The LX 570 is equipped with a multi-terrain anti-lock braking system (ABS) that is designed to help reduce stopping distances on slippery surfaces such as sand or gravel. The new ABS system determines road-surface conditions and automatically optimizes lock-up control, selecting the suitable ABS profile for on- and off-road driving surfaces. The system is designed to stop the vehicle with ABS even on loose surfaces, where conventional ABS systems could potentially hinder effective braking.
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) employs the multi-terrain ABS to properly balance braking forces between the front and rear wheels, while Brake Assist (BA) provides auxiliary force to assist the driver during emergency braking.
Comprehensive Passive Safety
For enhanced occupant safety, the new LX 570 is equipped with a segment-leading 10 standard airbags, including driver- and front-passenger knee airbags, front and second-row seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags for all three rows. All eight seating positions feature three-point seatbelts. Active Front Headrests are a segment first. The Active Front Headrests move up and forward almost instantly in the event of certain rear-end collisions when the force of the occupant's body is applied to the seat back. The feature helps reduce the distance between the occupant's head and the headrest.
The LX 570 comes standard with a direct tire pressure monitor system that notifies the driver of a critical drop in air-pressure in any of the tires including the full-size spare tire.
The LX 570 gains second-row seat belt pre-tensioners for the outside seats and an ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelt for the center seat. The optional Pre-Collision System features advanced front seatbelts designed to retract when the brakes are suddenly applied or when tire slippage is detected by the VSC system.
Premium Protection
All new Lexus vehicles come with a 48-month/50,000-mile basic limited warranty with roadside assistance for 48-months/unlimited miles. Powertrain and restraint system coverage is provided for 72 months/70,000 miles. Corrosion perforation protection is covered for 72 months, regardless of mileage. [Source: Toyota]