Lexus unveiled the all-new LX 570 for the 2008 model year and onward. The LX 570 is equipped with a powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 381 horsepower -- over 110 more than the vehicle it replaces -- and over 400 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a new six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission.

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With its upgraded powertrain mated to a new chassis and suspension system, the LX 570 has a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, an improvement of 2,000 pounds over the previous model.

Significant upgrades to the suspension and full-time four-wheel-drive system improve ride and performance. 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.

High-tech features

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 also includes 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.

The new LX 570 also features 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 new technologies, the LX 570 offers 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 truck is 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.

Larger interior

The overall wheelbase of the new LX 570 is unchanged from its predecessor, but interior and exterior length have increased by at least four inches and width by nearly an inch. Features include 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.

Luxury packages are offered on the new LX that include features such as semi-aniline leather interior trim, a cool box in the front center console, illuminated scuff plates, a Smart Card key, and Bubinga wood trim, a wood used to craft fine furniture, instruments and to decorate private jets.

Safety

The new LX features ten 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.

Pricing

Pricing for the 2008 Lexus LX 570 starts $6,405 over the previous-generation's sticker price -- listing for $73,800. That price point is nearly $18,000 more than a Cadillac Escalade and only $3,000 short of Mercedes-Benz's GL550.