2008 Lexus LX570

With a crowd of about 300 journalists gathered in the in the dark, but loud, Special Events Hall of the Javitz Center, Bob Carter, Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager, introduced the 2008 Lexus  LX 570.

The 2008 Lexus 580 is the replacement for the LX 470. According to Carter, it is one of the most versatile vehicles available. It is powered by a new ULEV II – certified engine a 5.7 liter V8.  The engine produces 381 horsepower which is 111 more than  the LX 470.  It produces 90 percent of its more than 400ft-lbs of torque at the low-speed range of 2,200 RPM.

The car boasts a new 6-speed, sequentially shifted transmission. The combination of the upgraded chassis and suspension system raises the towing capacity to 8,500 pounds.

Other new features are a four-wheel electro-hydraulic suspension with Active Height Control.  This new cross linked sys allows each wheel to not only react to the driving surface that’s it’s in contact with but also to react to what the opposite wheels are doing.  The new suspension system senses chassis roll and reduces that roll by more than 30%.

For improved aerodynamics, at highway speeds,  the vehicle lowers by nearly an inch in front and by ½ inch in the rear/
The LX 570 also features Craw Control which is the capacity to use throttle and brake to automatically maintain appropriate low speeds. Carter called this “cruise control for rough country”  the LX 580 features a multi-terrain ABS designed to reduce stopping distances on sand and gravel.

The interior of the LX 580 includes climate –controlled from and rear seats, a 19 Speaker  - hard disk drive audio system. The sound system has the ability to store up to 2,000 songs. Other features include a nine-inch screen, sonar part assist and a Pre-Collision System with Adaptive Cruise Control and Lexus Link (OnStar).

The LX luxury package features a cooling box up front in the center console and a Smart card key.  The steering wheel option includes wood.

The cars safety features include an Active Front Headrest and 10 standard airbags; including driver and front passenger knee airbags, second –row seat-mounted side airbags and a third-row curtains. Another new safety feature is the blind-corner monitor.  Cameras are located within the grille looking forward, and under the passenger side-view mirror looking down and back, to eliminate blind spots and protect not only from car-to-car accidents, but from car-to-child driveway collisions.

Clever doo-dads include a refrigerated box in the front center console, illuminated scuff plates, a Smart Card key, and special Bubinga wood trim.

Specifications follow the photos.

LX570 photos

 

LX570 preliminary specifications

	2008 LX570	2007 LX470
Horsepower	381	268
Torque	401	328
Transmission	6-speed auto	5-speed auto
Towing, lb	8,500	6,500
Interior length (in)	128.5	124.2
Width	77.6	76.4
Height	74.4	72.8
Length, exterior	196.5	192.5
Wheelbase	112.2	112.2
4WD system	Full time with Torsen LSD	Full time
Tires	285/50R20	275/60R18
Emissions	ULEV II	ULEV II

 

We will have photos soon.