Lexus flagship SUV arrives in the UAE

Joining the many representatives of the UAE's media who attended were Simon Frith (the Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Motors), Tony Barlow (Senior General Manager of Sales & Marketing), and Mr. Sadayoshi Koyari, the Chief Engineer from the Lexus Development Centre in Japan, who led the team responsible for the development of the new LX570.

Simon Frith commented, "The Lexus brand has seen remarkable success and growth in the last few years. In 2006, our Lexus sales increased by 30% over 2005 helped by the launch of the new ES350 and the introduction of the IS300."

"In 2007, our Lexus sales have increased by a massive 68%, a year which saw the launch of the LS 460 sedan, voted 'World Car of the Year'. The launch of the new LX570, the Lexus flagship SUV, marks another important milestone in the continued growth of the Lexus brand in the UAE, and will set new benchmark standards in luxury, advanced technology and driving pleasure in its class."

Tony Barlow remarked that, "The total SUV and the luxury SUV segments of the market have grown strongly in the last few years, reflecting the strength of the UAE economy, and the increasing affluence of its Nationals and expatriate residents. Within the GCC market, the UAE is the largest market for large luxury SUVs. With continued market growth, strong demand from affluent customers, an outstanding new model, and strong loyalty to the Lexus brand, we are forecasting to increase our LX 570 sales by four times compared with 2007, and to increase our total Lexus sales by around 40%."

The key concept underlying the development of the LX570 was that it must be the definitive 'Flagship Lexus SUV', and the epitome of the brand philosophy of 'The Pursuit of Perfection'. It had to be an SUV that would be superior to the competition on all key performance criteria, not just to the competitors' current vehicles, but also to their future vehicles. The original Lexus LX set the trend for full-size luxury SUVs, and this latest incarnation aimed to move the game to a new level and set new benchmark standards. The design team's goal was to exceed the expectations of large luxury SUV customers, in the vehicle's styling, performance, interior comfort, quality and safety, all of which are key customer needs.

The design of the LX 570 adopts many of the characteristics of the Lexus L-finesse design concept, representing simplicity and purity, intriguing elegance, and welcoming hospitality. The dynamic and commanding exterior design conveys the muscular strength and sense of security expected in large 4x4 SUVs.

The overall wheelbase of the new LX570 remains unchanged from its predecessor, helping to maintain its impressive handling and maneuverability. However the interior and exterior length have been increased by 80 mm and the width by 20mm, to create a more spacious and comfortable space for up to 8 passengers and their luggage.

The interior of the LX570 is luxurious, modern and exceptionally quiet. Only the highest quality materials have been used, to create a welcoming, first-class environment. It features an array of luxury amenities, including the world's most advanced air-conditioning system, with independent temperature controls for four zones and 28 air outlets, to ensure class-leading comfort for driver and passengers in the hottest of climates.

It also features a power-sliding second row seat, a powered third row seat, a premium Mark Levinson audio system with 19 speakers, a rear seat entertainment system, Active Cruise Control, a navigation system and much more. Also, the LX 570 is the first Lexus to offer a new wide-view front and side monitor system, designed to provide a 360 degree aid to safe parking and reversing.

While the driver and passengers are cocooned in the first-class cabin environment, one of the most noticeable features is the remarkable quietness of the engine. The LX 570 has a powerful and responsive 5.7 litre, V8, VVTi engine, which effortlessly delivers 383 HP at 5600 rpms, and delivers 90% of peak torque at just 2200 rpms. It is coupled with a new 6-speed, sequential-shift automatic transmission which is designed to handle high torque, whilst delivering Lexus smoothness and quietness in operation.

Significant improvements to the suspension and full-time four-wheel-drive systems give the LX570 new levels of driving comfort and pleasure, both on and off-road. The vehicle features Four-Wheel Active Height Control (AHC) and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). The intelligence built into the new suspension senses any chassis roll and helps reduce it by more than 30%, for improved handling and confidence. The system also controls the ride-height of the vehicle, lowering the chassis for easy passenger entry and exit, and returning automatically to its normal height when the vehicle accelerates.

For improved aerodynamics and stability, the new AHC system lowers the vehicle by 20mm in the front and 15mm in the rear at highway speeds. It also raises the vehicle by approx.75mm to provide additional ground clearance during off-road driving.

In addition to Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control, the LX570 also features a Crawl Control system, a world-first. On challenging loose or rocky surfaces requiring sensitive brake and accelerator control, this innovative system manages both pedals, maintaining a constant low crawl speed, allowing the driver to concentrate confidently on the terrain ahead. The system minimizes wheel-lock and spin, enhancing vehicle stability and the capability to free the vehicle from difficult spots, such as being stuck in deep sand. The LX 570 also has a multi-terrain ABS system, another world-first which reduces braking distances by up to 32% on sand and loose gravel.

The newly-developed Torsen Limited Slip Differential is a first in this segment, optimizing the front and rear torque distribution and providing improved traction, stability and driving pleasure. Downhill Assist Control enables steady and careful descent of steep inclines by automatically applying brake pressure, whilst Hill-start Assist Control helps smooth hill-starts by automatically applying brake pressure to hold the vehicle stationary whenever roll-back is detected.

The new LX570 continues the Lexus promise of providing an exceptionally safe driving environment for all occupants. Its high-strength body is designed to provide outstanding impact absorption performance, and is as strong as it is stylish. Its best-in-class collision protection comprises 10 airbags and Active Front Headrests, which are a first in this segment. It also has a Pre-Collision System with the advanced capability to recognize, judge and help the driver avoid accidents. The system warns the driver of a possible collision and then activates the pre-crash brake-assist, in addition to automatically retracting the front seatbelts.

Tony Barlow commented,

"Our market research shows that the LX customers top motoring needs are attractive exterior and interior styling, safety, luxury, good driving performance, and having the benefits of the very latest technologies. The new LX 570 will exceed customers' expectations in all these areas."

"With this exceptional new LX570, the strength of the Lexus brand, and the superior sales and after-sales facilities and service that we provide throughout the Emirates, I am confident that we are going to continue to earn the continued loyalty of our large body of existing LX customers. But, we will also attract many owners of competitive brand SUVs, which will enable us to increase our LX570 sales four-fold over last year."

"Even before its official launch, the customer demand for the LX 570 is so strong that we have an order bank equivalent to around 6 months worth of sales. One of my biggest challenges will be to work with Lexus in Japan to secure additional production allocations to meet this phenomenal customer demand in the UAE."