Lexus LX 2012 News

The Lexus version of the 200 Series has follow the new GS sedan's styling lead but it brings with it a $9000 slice to the price and a boost for the features list. On sale now and starting from $140,900, the updated LX 570 has been reduced to a single model and has styling tweaks front and rear, new 20in alloy wheels, daytime LED running lights, but Lexus says the main changes are under the skin. The price cut narrows the gap to the top-spec Land Cruiser Sahara petrol V8 (albeit a 227kW/439Nm 4.7-litre) to $26,000. The new 570 sits below the Range Rover petrol-engined line-up by $18,000, boasting extra seating capacity above the off-roading Brit. The 570 undercuts the G and GL-Class Mercedes-Benz off-road brigade by between $21,000 and $33,000. The outputs of the 5.7-litre petrol V8 remain at 270kW and 530Nm, with a 14.8l/100km combined-cycle fuel economy claim. Changes to LX 570 are more than just skin deep, says Lexus, with the new off-road Turn Assist feature that reduces the turning circle by adding more brake force to the inside rear wheel - anyone who has driven a tractor will be familiar with this type of function. The big eight-seater Lexus also has "Multi-Terrain Select" function, which allows the driver to select one of five terrain types (no doubt inspired by Land Rover's Terrain Response system) - rock, rock and dirt, mogul, loose rock, and mud and sand - to tailor the electronic control systems to the prevailing conditions. The system also has four wide-angle cameras to show the driver what's going on in areas out of sight, displaying the images to the driver on the eight-inch LCD screen. There's also a new display between the speedo and tacho that show front wheel angles, 4WD, speed and satnav info and the Crawl Control feature now has five preset speeds, up from three. Standard fare also includes adjustable suspension, a chilled centre console, a dual-screen rear seat entertainment system, a reversing camera, keyless entry and ignition, four-zone climate control, daytime running lamps, 10 airbags, a  220-volt 100-watt power outlet in the rear cargo bay, a 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, front and rear clearance sensors and Bluetooth. There's a $16,000 option pack that adds wheel-mounted paddle shifters for the six-speed automatic transmission, as well as the Lexus Pre-Collision safety prep system, active cruise control, rear seat heaters, ventilated front seats and mahogany wood grain-look interior trim, including on the steering wheel.  

It now has the Lexus family "spindle" grille, new on-board technology, 20-inch alloy wheels and minor exterior styling tweaks front and rear. LED daytime running lights make an appearance and compliment a new headlamp design and larger fog lamp surrounds. Both front and rear bumpers are changed, and the rear bumper protector is enhanced by a stainless steel accent. Tail lamps and a more integrated tow hitch cover also received attention as part of the upgrades. The eight-passenger cabin scores an upgrade with an "Easy Access" driver's seat system. The steering wheel and driver's seat automatically retract when the ignition is turned off. Front seats also feature improved ventilation, and a 220-volt power outlet has been added to the cargo area. The instrument panel has been updated and a new colour multi-information display is applied. A metallic finish for the centre instrument cluster and front side air vents, along with a new metallic accent above the glove box  freshen the look of the instrument panel.  The cabin includes a mahogany woodgrain-look trim, while ivory and black leather-accented interior trim are also available. Some new exterior colours are available. The powertrain remains the same  - a 5.7-litre, petrol V8 with 270kW at 5,600rpm and 530Nm at 3,200rpm. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters can be used to control six-speed automatic transmission. The LX 570's transfer case provides full-time four-wheel drive that is equally adept at handling the rigors of slippery winter weather, mud or snow. The system uses a TORSEN limited-slip locking centre differential with front to rear variable torque distribution, directing more power to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur.  Four-wheel Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) employs both brake and throttle intervention to help control wheel spin. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) helps maintain directional control during cornering and can be disengaged via the "VSC off" switch. The updated Crawl Control or off road cruise control feature has been upgraded, increasing the number of preset speeds from three to five steps, for greater off-road control. A new Turn Assist feature tightens the turning circle by adding more brake force to the inside rear wheel. The new Multi-terrain Select function allows drivers to optimise vehicle performance by choosing from five types of terrain  including rock, rock and dirt, mogul, loose rock, and mud and sand  delivering the ideal combination of stability and traction control assistance over different surfaces. The hydro-pneumatic Adaptive Variable Suspension system provides three modes to control the spring rate and shock absorber damping force to provide optimal handling and comfort for on-road or trail driving. The LX 570 is equipped with 10 airbags, including driver and front-passenger knee airbags, front and second-row seat-mounted side airbags in the outboard seating positions, and roll-sensing side curtain airbags that cover all three rows. Exterior visibility is enhanced with a Multi-terrain monitor featuring a greater number of exterior cameras. A full array of standard luxury amenities is fitted including a 19-speaker Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound audio with 450-watts maximum power and 16 channels.

Luxury car maker Lexus has distinguished its big four-wheel drive from the Toyota LandCruiser 200 on which it is based by installing a bigger V8 petrol engine. The new LandCruiser 200 has a 4.7-litre V8 petrol engine capable of 202kW of power and 410Nm of torque or, at a premium price, a 4.5-litre twin-turbo V8 diesel giving 195kW of power and 650Nm of torque. But the coming Lexus LX 570 version will have a 5.7-litre V8 petrol engine of about 270kW of power and around 530Nm of torque. This is 100kW more than the outgoing LX 470 wagon. The big V8 will run to a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift. The new Lexus is for people who want the tops in luxury yet with serious off-road abilities in a big and strong, yet comfortable wagon. And people who can pay for it. The outgoing LX 470 has been listed at $123,000 and we can't see the new one with its extra technology being any less. Although, for the first time, the Lexus LX will be offered in two grades of trim so buyers who don't want all the gadgets don't have to pay. Each version will have 10 airbags and vehicle stability system. The upper-grade model will have a wide-view front-and-side camera monitor to help in parking and easing through off-road obstacles. A crawl control introduced on the latest LandCruiser 200 also will go into the LX. It helps when driving over rough surfaces by allowing the driver to forget about accelerating or braking, while concentrating on steering. The upper model might even have a power-opening and closing tail gate, commanded by the key fob and a cabin switch. It will have adjustable height suspension, giving 225mm ground clearance, 31-degree approach angle and 23-degree departure angle in the top setting. Expect the 5.7-litre engine in a big, heavy car to get through petrol. It has a 93-litre tank.