31.03.08 LEXUS LAUNCHES ALL-NEW LX 570

Lexus has launched its most capable off-road vehicle, the all-new LX 570.

Available from 10 April, LX 570 is the third generation of the LX Line and the second model to be offered in Australia.

It features more technological advances, safety inclusions and power than ever before and will be offered in two grades - Prestige and Sports Luxury.

Both grades are equipped with a 5.7-litre V8 engine producing 270kW of power and 530Nm of torque - making it the most powerful Lexus SUV ever.

The engine is mated to a new six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission, designed and built for heavy-duty driving.

Lexus LX 570 also features all-new suspension and full-time four-wheel-drive systems.

A four-wheel hydro-pneumatic suspension package with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and Active Height Control (AHC) ensures that optimum tyre contact with the road surface is maintained, while delivering a substantial reduction in body roll and an increase in ride comfort.

LX 570 will also include a new Crawl Control feature, which helps the driver to concentrate on manoeuvring over rough or difficult surfaces at low speeds without the need for throttle or brake application.

Together, AHC, AVS and Crawl Control work together to ensure that the vehicle negotiates the roughest terrain with ease.

LX 570 will also feature a Multi-terrain ABS braking system designed to help reduce stopping distances on slippery surfaces such as sand or gravel.

For enhanced safety, the new LX 570 will provide 10 airbags as standard, including driver and front-passenger knee airbags, second-row seat-mounted side airbags and full side curtain-shield airbags that extend across all three rows.

Upper-grade LX 570 models will be the first Lexus vehicles to offer a new Wide View Front and Side Monitor system as standard.

The monitor allows the driver to identify - via cameras mounted in the grille and passenger-side mirror - potential objects that may be obscured from view. This provides a clear view of the front and passenger side of the vehicle.

Inside, the LX 570 will come equipped with an array of luxury features, including a four-zone, 28-outlet climate control system, a power-sliding second-row seat and a 19-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system.

All-new LX 570 embodies the Lexus L-finesse design theme and there is no carry-over of panels from superseded LX 470.

Lexus Australia chief executive John Roca said the LX 570 would empower Lexus owners, giving them the ability to take their Lexus just about anywhere.

"LX owners are some of the most loyal Lexus customers," he said. "They have been waiting 10 years for a new vehicle and the LX 570 is sure to impress" The LX 570 combines outstanding off-road capabilities with all the comfort and convenience features for which Lexus is renowned.

"The new LX 570 will effectively take luxury where it has never been before," Mr Roca said.