If you survived the financial crisis and have money in the bank for a new car this year, how about the new Lexus LX570 that has just been announced in South Africa. Coming with exceptional off-road credentials, yet keeping its luxurious SUV appearance, the new Lexus LX570 benefits its occupants with every conceivable feature and typical Lexus refinement.

From what we’re hearing the LX570 hides a 5,7-litre V8 engine under the hood that sports a whopping 270 kW at 5,600 rpm and a peak torque of 530Nm at 3,600 rpm. This monsterish powerplant is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system. Convinced? In South Africa, the new Lexus LX570 will cost a steep R1,085,000.

Check out the press release and more pictures, after the break.

Lexus LX570: The Ultimate Luxury In Four-Wheel Drive

Lexus welcomes its most capable off-road vehicle to South Africa, the Lexus LX570. With exceptional off-road credentials, the urban prowess only a Lexus could offer, ample power and presence, the LX570 will provide the status and image of the ultimate luxury SUV.

Engineers set out to build the most capable off-road vehicle ever produced without sacrificing the level of luxury expected of a Lexus. The LX570 offers the very best of off-road capability, yet benefits its occupants with every conceivable feature and typical Lexus refinement. It’s everything you’d expect of a Lexus and so much more thanks to its versatility of performance.

“We’re having a busy time of bringing a multitude of new Lexus products to South Africa, appealing to a constantly broadening variety of segments and customers,” says Kevin Flynn, General Manager of Lexus SA. “The latest LX570 brings yet a further dimension to the Lexus line-up in the wake of the recent introduction of our performance sedan, the IS-F. Not only is the LX570 a formidable off-road vehicle but in true Lexus style it offers luxurious accommodations of a first class standard.”

A full array of standard luxury amenities are on offer including: four-zone independent climate control, Lexus HDD Navigation System, Mark Levinson Sound System with 19 speakers and six disk DVD changer and rear seat entertainment, Smart Access keyless entry system with push-button start and more.

The LX570 luxury SUV adopts characteristics of the brand’s L-finesse design theme. The wide grille, with its “arrowhead” corner treatment, character lines integrated into the bumper, and large projector headlights convey a distinctly purposeful look. Pronounced wheel arches add an element of ruggedness to the elegant profile. Standard running boards fit closely to the body for an integrated appearance.

Inside, the LX570 is just as inviting with ample space for up to eight passengers and their cargo. The first-in-class standard power-sliding second-row seat slides forward and back for passenger comfort and cargo storage versatility. The second-row seatbacks provide a convenient 40/20/40 split and have been specially engineered to make tumbling it forward easy for anyone. A power retractable third-row seat is standard. The split rear tailgate features an electrically operated door on which the window and tailgate sections can be opened and closed using the key card or switch on the instrument panel.

The LX570’s 5,7-litre V8 delivers the punch and towing power demanded in this segment. The powerplant produces 270kW at 5,600 rpm and peak torque of 530Nm at 3,600 rpm. The V8 is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission designed to handle high torque while performing with Lexus quietness and smoothness. A sequential shift mode allows the driver to select gears manually. Even at very low speeds, such as trail driving, the transmission operates smoothly and imperceptibly.

The LX570’s transfer case provides full-time four-wheel drive that is equally adept at handling the rigours of slippery, muddy conditions. A 2.618:1 low-range ratio is available for challenging driving surfaces. The system uses a TORSEN® limited-slip locking centre differential to distribute power 40:60 front-to-rear, 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 “TRAC off” switch.
The Crawl Control feature provides improved throttle modulation when manoeuvring over rough, uneven or difficult surfaces. Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) helps provide additional control for off-road driving by helping to keep the vehicle from rolling back while starting on a steep incline or slippery surface.

The LX570’s highly capable chassis is equipped with an advanced electro-hydraulic suspension system with four-wheel Active Height Control (AHC) and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). The high-mount, independent double-wishbone front suspension allows for nine inches of total front wheel travel for outstanding articulation over rough roads and obstacles. The four-link trailing-arm rear suspension retains the solid-axle configuration for strength and durability.

The Adaptive Variable Suspension system responds to the different inputs and spring rates, and it adjusts the shock absorber damping force to provide optimal handling and comfort for on-road or trail driving. AVS provides three modes to control the spring rate and shock absorber damping force.

Safety was a prime focus area in the development of the LX570. It therefore comes equipped with 10 standard airbags, including driver- and front-passenger knee airbags, front and second-row seat-mounted side airbags in the outboard seating positions, and side curtain airbags for all three rows. All eight seating positions feature three-point seatbelts. The second-row seatbelts integrate pre-tensioners for the outboard seats and an ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelt for the centre seat.

Safety is further enhanced by features such as Active Front Headrests and the standard dual-swivel Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS).

The multi-terrain ABS system determines road-surface conditions and automatically optimises lock-up control, selecting the suitable ABS profile for on- and off-road driving surfaces. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) ensures balanced braking force between the front and rear wheels, while Brake Assist (BA) provides auxiliary force to assist the driver during emergency braking
“The Lexus LX570 affirms the brand’s status as an authority on dynamic luxury, without sacrificing anything in the way of performance or off-road abilities. It’s everything you could possibly desire from an SUV,” concludes Flynn.

Lexus is going to grab a lot of eyes at this year’s Geneva Motor Show and one of the reasons has to do with the fact that the company is going to unveil the new Lexus CT200h the only, full hybrid vehicle in the premium compact segment.

Check out snippets from the official press release below:

Featuring second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive technology, the CT200h reinforces Lexus’ hybrid leadership in the premium market, joining the RX450h, GS450h and LS600h L to create an unprecedented range of full-hybrid vehicles.

The Lexus LFA will also be on show at Geneva, offering the opportunity to review the critically-acclaimed supercar in Europe before the initial order period closes at the end of the motor show.

Lexus’ press conference will be conducted by Mr. Andy Pfeiffenberger, Vice President Lexus Europe, and is scheduled for 16.45 on 2nd March, on Stand 4211 in Hall 4.

Europeans have fallen head over heels for the two-seater exotic sports coupe, the new Lexus LF-A, as the commuter is in high demand on the old continent. The V10-engine powered beast capable of churning 522 hp and going 0 to 62mph in 3.7 seconds, is a limited edition model with only 500 units being produced and production beginning later this year. With orders being received from over 56 countries, each unit will come with an estimated base price of $350,000 to $375,000; a price that Europeans are seemingly not bothered with. So we wonder, what financial crisis?

The new Lexus IS250C is the second coupe-convertible that the brand has added to their stylish range of luxury vehicles. Shares the headlights, bonnet, door handles, and exterior mirrors with its sedan version, the IS250C has the fastest operating three-piece folding hardtop as well as the greatest amount of luggage space offered by any of its competitors in the market.

Crafted on the L-finesse design characteristics of the IS sedan, the new Lexus IS250C gets the eye with the front overhang which has been enlarged by 15mm to perk up the aerodynamic competence when driving with the top down. Speaking of which, the car ships with a lightweight aluminum hard top which utilizes 13 motors and 33 sensors with the roof converting the IS250C from coupe to convertible in a mere 21 seconds.

Specs wise, under the hood there’s the same 2,5-litre V6 and six-speed automatic transmission that outputs 153kW (205 hp) at 6,400rpm and 252Nm of torque at 4,800rpm.

The IS250C comes with a four year/100,000km full maintenance plan and should retail at R550,200.

Performance Hybrids are the new buzz these days and Lexus has put a step forth with its latest Hybrid from the RX series. The new Lexus RX reflects the constant efforts gone in to achieve perfection and efficiency. This SUV returns with class leading CO2 emissions of a meager 148g/km which is comparable to typical 1600 family sedans.

The Lexus RX Hybrid SUV isn’t just about low emissions but the entire process right from the manufacturing outset is very eco-friendly. The plant (Kokura plant) where this SUV is manufactured is an ideal green facility something which the other manufactures should draw inspiration from. From welding robots to maintaining absolute silence at the facility, this is a plant where perfection is strived through discipline.

Check out the press release after the jump

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Up until now we had no specific new models with a Lexus moniker to go public at the Frankfurt Motor Show, however, just now we caught wind that three updated models which include the Lexus LS600h, GS450h and IS250 F Sport will debut at Frankfurt.

The LS will be introduced with new front and rear bumpers, a revised grille and upgraded rear view mirrors with LED turn signals. Redesigned wheels, modified fog lights, and restyled tail lights will also be spotted in the facelifted model. On the inside, there will be a trim changes, added equipment and some more high-tech options. The LS will be the only model to under a total revamp; the other two will be receiving minor model year updates. The GS will come with a slightly different grille with new exterior colors, and updated audio and navigation systems. The IS will also get similar changes and the only difference will be that of receiving limited-slip differential.

A lot of well intended people these days get their camera phones to spy on new models that are about to hit the market. Same goes for a Middle East tipster who was at the right place at the right time (what a coincidence) and got the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (known as Lexus GX in the US) on film. Apparently the car loses some of its muscle looks thanks to a redesigned front fascia with swoopier headlights, a vertical-bar grille and a raised lower bumper detail. With minimal changes in the back that includes more pronounced taillamps and a unique U-shaped chrome garnish, we’d definitely want to get behind the wheel on the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. How about you? [via]

It was about time. One year after the PERFORMANCEHYBRID has been introduced, the new Lexus RX has been confirmed for release in July. Completely new luxury Sport Utility Vehicles, the most imporant changes are at the :

• RX350 – runs on a 3,5-litre petrol V6 engine that outputs some 273 hp (204kW) and 346Nm of torque; available in SX and XE specification levels
• RX450h – runs on a 3,5-litre petrol V6 engine but also adds two electric motors for a total output of 295 hp (220kW)
• PERFORMANCEHYBRID -  full hybrid technology on V8 engines

The RX400h was very well accepted by customers, accounting for 37% of RX sales despite our production allocation being heavily restricted,” says Kevin Flynn, General Manager of Lexus SA. “We expect the market share of hybrid to increase substantially with the new generation RX as the market continues to adopt the technology and begins to understand the benefits of petrol electric hybrid better.”

Competition for BMW X5 and Mercedes M-Classe, that’s all good news. Right guys?

Lexus LF-A is a much awaited goody on wheels that the auto enthusiasts have been waiting for. And rumors have it that it could make its grand debut at the Tokyo Auto Show slated for this November. Powered by a 600hp Lexus V10 engine and an acceleration that will help you race from 0-100km/h in under 5 seconds, the LF-A should surely steal the show in an event from which top makers like Mercedes-Benz, General Motors, BMW, Nissan, Lamborghini and Volkswagen have pulled out due to the prevalent economic showdown. Luxury redefined? [via WCF]

This year’s Los Anageles Auto Show has some goodies on the table. For example the new 2010 Lexus RX 450h and RX 350 which have been unveiled today. Lexus RX 350 is a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine that sports 275hp, has a sequential 6-speed ‘box in both FWD and AWD (which uses an Active Torque Control AWD system that optimizes torque for all driving conditions). The other one – Lexus RX 450h – is a hybrid (hence the “h”) that features a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine and runs on the Atkinson cycle to generate 295hp. It also uses an exhaust-heat recovery system to reduce the time the engine has to warm-up, and also features an exhaust-gas recirculation setup. You’ll get more details about these two on WCF.

Same location, Paris, but another great company to get us drooling. I’ve just heard that the new Lexus IS 250C has been uncovered and more details have been unmasked for all of us. The lovely IS range just got a new model to join so here are mode details.

Using a 6-speed automatic transmission and powered by a 2.5 liter V6 engine that precious thing outputs nothing less than 208 hp (153 kW). Other than being fast on the streets the new Lexus IS 250c may also be the world’s fastest three-part roof, taking only 20 seconds for the lightweight folding aluminum roof to open.

I’d sure choose one in gray with a black and vanilla interior. How about you?