Lexus Rolls Out Brawny 2008 LX 570

NEW YORK — Lexus took the wraps off its 2008 LX 570 on Wednesday, showing off a refreshed full-size SUV with 5.7-liter V8 and a six-speed automatic transmission, both of which were developed for parent company Toyota's Tundra pickup. The LX 570 arrives in showrooms in early 2008.

Lexus did not announce pricing for the LX 570, but since the outgoing LX 470 starts at $68,110, including a $715 destination charge, it is expected that the new model will start above $70,000.

The outgoing LX 470 was equipped with a 4.7-liter V8 that delivered 268 horsepower and 328 pound-feet of torque. The LX 570's V8 churns out 381 horses and 401 lb-ft of torque. Towing capacity on the LX 470 is 6,500 pounds; towing capacity on the LX 570 is 8,500 pounds.

Lexus carefully revamped its eight-passenger luxury SUV, adding a new suspension, 10 standard airbags and such high-tech features as a new blind-corner monitor feature designed to aid the driver in tight spots such as parking garages. A new Crawl Control feature for increased throttle control when maneuvering over rough surfaces, increased wheel travel and multiterrain antilock brakes are designed to improve the SUV's off-road abilities.

The overall wheelbase of the new LX 570 is the same as its predecessor, but exterior length has increased by 4 inches. Exterior design cues riff off the Lexus L-finesse design theme, "making it more refined and dynamic than its predecessor," said the company.

Options include heated rear seats, a 19-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, a hard disc capable of storing up to 2,000 songs, a rear-seat entertainment system with a 9-inch screen, and Lexus Intuitive Park Assist.