First look: LX570 reveals new Cruiser secrets

SUBTRACT the jewellery and you’re looking at Toyota’s crucial new LandCruiser.

Yes, the next-generation version of the world’s most successful full-size off-roader has emerged ahead of its official local (and global) launch in November in Australia, one of the globe’s largest markets for the iconic hard-core SUV, in the shape of the new LX570.

The first glimpse of the redesigned 200-Series, as the replacement for the current 100-Series will be known, was provided late last week, when Toyota’s luxury division gave the redesigned Lexus LX its global debut at the New York motor show.

Despite officially appearing ahead of the all-new vehicle upon which it’s based, the new luxury SUV flagship from Lexus won’t go on sale Down Under until early 2008 – at least three months after the new 200.

According to Lexus, the third-generation LX will bring more technology, more power, more safety, more luxury, more space and more on and off-road capability than the LX470 it replaces.

As the name suggests, the 2008 LX570 will be powered by a new 5.7-litre V8 that's also expected to eventually become available in the new LandCruiser – alongside a warmed-up version of Toyota’s first ever turbo-diesel V8, which went on sale in the facelifted 70-Series workhorse range this month.

The Cruiser ute’s new 4.5-litre common-rail direct-injection intercooled turbo-diesel V8 delivers 151kW and 430Nm of torque in the 70-Series (23.7 and 13.1 per cent more power and torque respectively than the 4.2-litre straight six diesel it replaced), but it’s believed a twin-turbo version will produce up to 200kW and 650Nm for the 200-Series.

However, to keep the top-shelf Lexus SUV exclusive, at least initially, the new Cruiser wagon is expected to continue with an upgraded version of the current model’s 4.7-litre V8.

In the LX570, however, the new petrol V8 offers a beefy 284kW and more than 540Nm of torque.

As previously reported, and now confirmed by Lexus, the next-generation LX (and therefore the 200-Series) will come with a sophisticated new six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission that is "designed and built for large tasks".

Lexus says the new LX will have a vastly improved towing capacity, of around 3900kg, while an all-new chassis and suspension systems will be fully electronically controlled.

As previously reported, Toyota will debut a new adjustable damping system on both the LX and 200, developed by West Australian company Kinetic.

While the 200-Series is set to get unique suspension components, the all-independent LX570 is claimed to raise the bar both on-road and off via a new four-wheel electro-hydraulic suspension system that's mated to a full-time four-wheel drive sysetm and comprises both Active Height Control (AHC) and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS).

Lexus says the system employs a valve at each corner, linked by a master valve, to react to road surfaces and to the actions of the opposing (20-inch) wheels. The result is claimed to be a 30 per cent reduction in detected bodyroll and the ability to quickly raise and lower the vehicle by around 50mm during entry/exit.

AHC also lowers the LX by around 25mm at the front and 12mm at the rear at highway speeds, as well as automatically raising it by around 75mm when low-range is selected (via new push-button controls, rather than the traditional second gear lever). The new 570 will also feature a new Crawl Control feature for increased throttle control on rough surfaces, plus a multi-terrain ABS system.

Standard safety equipment will include 10 airbags (including twin front kneebags, second-row side bags and third-row side curtains), stability/traction control, active front head restraints, second-row seatbelt pretensioners and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

In the US, the LX570 also comes with four-zone climate-control, nine-speaker sound system, parking sensors, puddle lights, a powered tailgate, a power-sliding second-row seat with a 40/20/40 split, a powered third-row seat, powered front seat cushion extenders, Bluetooth-compatible satellite-navigation, a keylesss start system, active headlights with washers, leather trim and woodgrain highlights.

Lexus Intuitive Park Assist includes a blind corner monitor that operates via cameras in the grille and under the passenger side mirror, while a segment-first pre-collision system comprises adaptive cruise control and the Lexus Link telematics system.

Other new options will include a 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system that comprises an in-built iPod-style hard-drive capable of storing up to 2000 songs, a rear entertainment system with nine-inch screen, semi-aniline leather interior trim, a cool box in the front centre console, illuminated scuff plates, a unique wheel finish, a Smart Card key and Bubinga wood trim.

No weight or fuel consumption figures have been issued, however, it’s likely that kerb weight will increase from the current model’s already bulky 2525kg, thanks to the range of new technologies that lurk within the familiarly boxy but rounder-nosed LX/200 bodyshell.

Setting the LX apart from its next-gen LandCruiser donor truck are chrome-plated door-handles, bodyside mouldings and grille, plus large projector headlights and snug-fitting running boards.

Inside and out, the latest LX is claimed to have grown in every direction.

This time, up to eight occupants, seated in the familiar three rows of seats, have at least an extra 100mm of cabin length and almost 25mm more cabin width – despite riding on the same wheelbase. The new LX is also about 50mm higher than before.