Base 4dr All-wheel Drive
2008 Lexus LX 570

Powering the Lexus LX 570 for 2008 is an all-new 5.7L V8--similar to that which powers the Toyota Tundra pickup--making 383 horsepower and 403 lb-ft of torque. An impressive 90 percent of that peak torque is available from 2,200 rpm, which makes the engine especially useful for towing and hauling tasks. The new engine is also surprisingly efficient, thanks to its dual VVT-I variable valve timing system.

Towing and hauling ability is also aided by the new six-speed automatic transmission, which adjusts its shifts for improved smoothness during hauling or low-speed trail driving.

The LX 570 has a rugged body-on-frame construction that has the durability for extensive towing, hauling, or off-roading. The design has also been adapted to provide ride smoothness, suppress road noise, and provide better overall comfort over rough roads. The front suspension can travel nine inches for tough off-road situations, and a variable gear ratio steering system has just 2.4 turns lock to lock for off-road maneuverability yet provides good highway stability.

Several new suspension technologies help allow good on-road handling and off-road prowess--two aspects that are usually mutually exclusive. The Adaptive Variable Suspension system provides three different positions for the suspension and automatically adjusts suspension firmness for best comfort during off-roading or improved handling when on the road. There's also an Active Height Control feature that can lower the body by about two inches for easier entry and exit or raise the vehicle by about three inches for off-roading.

Also useful is a new feature called Crawl Control, which moderates the throttle in challenging off-road situations so as to maintain a steady, slow speed--allowing the driver to focus on steering around the obstacles. Another similarly useful device is Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), which helps keep the vehicle from moving backward when starting on a steep, slippery slope.

Full-time four-wheel drive helps provide the traction needed for either slippery winter roads or challenging off-road terrain. The system uses a Torsen limited-slip center differential to normally send 40 percent of power to the front wheels, but it can direct more to the wheels with better grip as needed.

Electronic stability control is standard and works in conjunction with the four-wheel drive system. The anti-lock braking system is also tuned for both on- and off-road situations and is designed to help reduce stopping distances on sand or gravel. In terms of passive safety, the LX 570 comes with ten standard air bags, including seat-mounted side air bags for the front two rows of seating, side curtain air bags that cover all three rows, and active front headrests that help reduce the chances of whiplash.

Up to eight people can be seated in three rows of seating, which has been redesigned for better versatility. The arrangement now includes a power-sliding second-row seat (the first in its class, according to Lexus) that moves fore and aft more than four inches to favor comfort or cargo space, depending on the needs. The entire second-row seat also tumbles forward, either for cargo or to afford better access to the third …
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