Mingling with the Classics: Lexus Introduces Refreshed 2016 LX 570

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By USDR

The Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance, which anchors Monterey Car Week, hosts some of the world’s most beautiful classic automobiles and is also the ideal venue to introduce a flagship premier luxury sport-utility, the 2016 Lexus LX 570. With a powerful V8, sophisticated 4WD chassis and seating for eight, the Lexus LX 570 remains one of the few luxury utility vehicles that combine sumptuous luxury with true off-road capability.

Lexus left barely any surface of the LX 570 untouched in a sweeping upgrade for 2016, with only door panels carried over from 2015. The restyled front end wears an even bolder rendition of the Lexus signature spindle grille, framed by elegant satin chrome trim and complemented by distinctive new standard LED headlights, turn signals and fog lights. The LX 570 design makeover gives it new 20-inch split 10-spoke wheels, and new available 21-inch 10-spoke wheels. The taillights and rear bumper also get a new look.

The upgrades for 2016 go beyond skin-deep. An eight-speed automatic transmission replaces the former six-speed for enhanced performance and efficiency. New Drive Mode Select, as used in other Lexus vehicles, allows the LX 570 driver to tailor powertrain and suspension responses by using a dial on the console. The system also controls responses of the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), which continually adjusts shock absorber damping rates while driving, helping to ensure optimal comfort even as the road surface changes.

Modes include ECO, which adjusts powertrain responses and air conditioning to prioritize fuel-efficient driving; COMFORT mode optimizes AVS damping to help deliver the smoothest ride possible; SPORT S mode dials up powertrain response and dials down power steering assist to yield a sportier driving feel, and, to that, SPORT S+ mode adds firmer damping control from AVS to prioritize handling agility.

The formidable 5.7-liter V8 engine produces 383 horsepower and delivers 90-percent of its 403 lb.-ft. peak torque at just 3,600 rpm. Coupled with a 7,000-pound towing capacity, that output makes the Lexus LX 570 an outstanding vehicle for trailering a classic automobile bought at a Pebble Beach auction.

A new standard feature for 2016, the panoramic view camera is an invaluable aid when hitching and maneuvering a trailer, viewing the surround terrain when off-roading, and helping view the area around the vehicle (sides, front and rear) when maneuvering tight spaces. The new, larger 12.3-inch navigation screen can show several view combinations (panoramic/driver’s side, panoramic/passenger’s side, panoramic/rear, panoramic/front, side/side, rear, front/side/side, underfloor/side/side, rear/side/side) to help aid the driver.

The LX also adds standard several safety features, new multimedia with Remote Touch Interface and substantial dual screens for the available Rear Seat Entertainment System to help captivate passengers.

New Standard Lexus Safety System +

With room for eight comes safety for eight. Ten standard airbags are among the comprehensive occupant protection measures in the LX 570, and a wide array of driver-assist technologies help the driver to avoid hazards. New and standard for 2016, Lexus Safety System + combines Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Intelligent High Beam (IHB) and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control works at a range of speeds. It tracks the speed of the vehicle traveling ahead and can adjust the speed setting accordingly to help maintain a preset distance. It’s sophisticated enough to smoothly adjust acceleration and deceleration when a vehicle enters or exits the lane or highway ahead.

Using a combination of millimeter-wave radar and a front-facing camera, PCS can detect vehicles, and, in some circumstances, pedestrians. PCS can warn the driver of a possible collision and can initiate automatic braking with Brake Assist if necessary.

LDA uses a camera to monitor visible lane markings, and if it senses the vehicle is drifting from the lane, it will convey audio-visual alerts and vibrate the steering wheel to get the driver’s attention. IHB adjusts high- and low-beam illumination automatically when it detects oncoming traffic or the taillights of the vehicle traveling in front.

The LX 570 offers excellent all-around visibility, but drivers can appreciate the extra help from the standard Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). Also with the goal of helping keep the driver’s eyes on the road, the LX 570 puts more information directly in line of sight with the newly available Heads-up Display (HUD). The Heads-up Display shows information such as vehicle speed, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, warnings, information icons, LDA, PCS and Intuitive Park Assist.

Should an emergency arise, Lexus Enform Safety Connect (complimentary one-year trial subscription) – standard on all 2016 Lexus vehicles – provides emergency calling capability to Lexus Enform response centers 24/7/365.

Full Capability, Defined

A robust body-on-frame structure gives the LX 570 the foundation to deliver a silky smooth ride on pavement, or to take a pounding off-road. A Torsen^® limited-slip locking center differential provides full-time four-wheel drive, splitting torque 40:60 under normal driving conditions. The differential responds on the move to changing conditions, automatically adjusting the torque distribution as necessary. Off-road, the driver can lock the center differential for driving over challenging surface conditions.

The four-wheel Active Traction Control system (A-TRAC) helps to control wheel slip, and, using the Multi-Terrain Select system, the driver can match A-TRAC’s performance to the prevailing conditions. Selectable modes include Rock, Rock and Dirt, Mogul, Loose Rock, and Mud and Sand. The transmission’s driver-selectable low range provides low-speed crawling capability for handling steep off-road hills and uneven terrain. Low-range capability gets support from Crawl Control with Turn Assist, Hill-start Assist Control and Variable Gear Ratio Steering.

With LX 570 Luxury, More is More

Lexus went dashboard-to-tailgate inside the LX 570, expanding its already lengthy list of amenities and upgrading multimedia capability. New wood trim selections include Matte Walnut, Linear Dark Mocha, Linear Espresso and Dark Brown Walnut. A new three-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel is another classic touch. The modern meets the timeless in the new analog clock, which sits in a housing is carved from a single ingot of aluminum and features LED indicators. GPS functionality adjusts the time zone.

In changeable weather, much like the Monterey Peninsula, the addition of heated/ventilated middle row seats to the available Luxury Package ensures consistent comfort (front ventilated seats were already part of the package). The center console cool box, formerly part of the Luxury Package, is now a standalone option. Speaking of keeping cool, the new standard Climate Concierge feature automatically monitors the temperature of the four separate climate zones and adjusts not only the fans, but also the temperature of the seats and steering wheel individually.

The 2016 LX 570 aims to please passengers. The available dual screen Rear Seat Entertainment System now uses dual 11.6-inch screens in place of the former 7.0-inch screens. Also new, the second-row provides USB ports and the armrest features controls for the air conditioning and audio.

New details throughout the LX 570 underscore its premier position among luxury utility vehicles. There’s new LED ambient lighting in the cabin and cargo area, and the overhead console lighting now operates via touch sensor.

Formerly optional, Intuitive Park Assist and SmartAccess System with card key are now standard. About the size of a credit card, the SmartAccess card key offers all the functions of the SmartAccess key fob but fits easily into a wallet.

Multimedia and Enform Connectivity

The LX 570 is an ideal vehicle for getting away from it all while still staying informed, entertained and connected. A new 12.3-inch display with Remote Touch Interface (RTI) heads a list of multimedia and connectivity upgrades that keep the LX 570 on the cutting edge of user tech. With the 12.3-inch screen, Navigation gains full-screen map capability. There are menu shortcut buttons on the side of the screen. The screen can be split into three sections to show different functions, such as navigation, audio and climate control information. The new Remote Touch Interface controller makes it even easier to use to operate climate control, audio, phone, navigation and more.

Have an iPhone^®? In the LX 570, Siri^® Eyes Free Mode lets you select songs from iTunes^®, get turn-by-turn navigation through Apple Maps, and much more — all by asking Siri.

Smartphones get smarter in the 2016 LX 570 with expanded Lexus Enform features and services. With new Lexus Enform Service Connect, the LX 570 can convey its maintenance needs. Using the MyLexusandBeyond mobile app (for iOS devices) or the LexusDrivers.com website, the customer can setup push reminders and alerts for maintenance and service issues. If you’ve got a Qi-compatible phone, the 2016 LX 570 can charge is wirelessly with the available charging tray.

With Lexus Enform Remote (one-year trial subscription included), the customer can remotely view and control certain aspects of the vehicle using a mobile app for iOS and Android devices. Use it to lock or unlock the LX 570’s doors, remote start or stop the engine or climate control, locate the vehicle in a parking lot, set up guest driver monitor and more.

Standard subscription-free Lexus Enform App Suite has voice-enabled apps. You can search the Internet through Destination Search, make restaurant reservations using OpenTable^®, get movie tickets via MovieTickets.com^™, listen to Internet radio, (including Pandora^®, iHeartRadio and Slacker), search business reviews on Yelp^® and check in on Facebook Places^™.

No matter the music source or genre, it will sound powerful and clean played through the standard nine-speaker Lexus Premium Audio system. Play from CD, iPod^®/USB connectivity, HD Radio^™ with iTunes tagging, and streaming music via Bluetooth. The available 19-speaker, 450-watt Mark Levinson^® Reference Surround Sound audio system turns the LX 570 into a mobile concert hall.

What’s New for 2016

Eight-speed automatic transmission replaces six-speed
Restyled front end with one-piece spindle grille
Drive Mode Select
LED headlights, turn signals and fog lights
Revised taillights and rear bumper
New 20- and 21-inch wheel designs
Standard Lexus Safety System +
Upgraded multimedia with 12.3-inch screen and Remote Touch Interface
Larger 4.2-inch multi-information display
Standard Panoramic View Camera
Available Heads-Up Display
Three-spoke wood-trimmed steering wheel
Luxury Package now includes ventilated/heated rear seats
LED ambient lighting in cabin and cargo area
Touch-sensor overhead lighting
Manual second-row sunshades
Available wireless charging tray for Qi-compatible phones
Larger 11.6-inch screens for available Rear Seat Entertainment System
Tire-specific tire pressure monitoring system
Standard Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Available Lexus Enform Remote
Available Lexus Enform Service Connect

Vehicle Details

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance

5.7-liter V8 produces 383 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 403 lb.-ft. peak torque at 3,600 rpm.
Electronically controlled eight-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift technology.
Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) helps provide additional control for off-road driving by helping to keep the vehicle from rolling back when transitioning from the brake to the gas pedal on a steep incline or slippery surface.

Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes

Body-on-frame construction provides ruggedness and durability in challenging driving conditions, along with impressive ride isolation characteristics and a 7,000-pound maximum towing capability.
Active Height Control (AHC) system lowers the chassis by about two inches for easy entry and exit and returns automatically to its normal height when the vehicle begins to accelerate.
Split five-spoke, 20-inch alloy wheels with Liquid Graphite finish and 285/50R20 tires.
The multi-terrain Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) determines road-surface conditions and automatically optimizes lock-up control, selecting the suitable ABS profile for on- and off-road driving surfaces.
Brake Assist (BA) provides auxiliary force to assist the driver during emergency braking.
Crawl Control feature provides optimum throttle and brake modulation when maneuvering over rough, uneven or difficult terrain.
Turn Assist helps tighten the vehicle’s turning circle by adding more brake force to the inside rear wheel.

Safety/Security Features

10 standard airbags, including driver- and front-passenger knee airbags, front and second-row seat-mounted side airbags in the outboard seating positions, and roll-sensing side curtain airbags that cover all three rows.
Active Front Headrests move upward and forward in the event of certain low speed rear-end collisions when the force of the occupant’s body is applied to the seat back.

Luxury/Comfort/Convenience

The 14-way power adjustable driver’s seat includes dual-function lumbar and cushion extender, while the 12-way power front passenger’s seat features lumbar adjustment.
Standard cabin amenities include four-zone independent climate control, Navigation, a rear back-up camera, a power-sliding second-row seat and power-retractable third-row seat.
The Easy Access system automatically retracts the steering wheel and moves the driver’s seat rearward when the ignition is switched off; both return to their preset memory positions the next time the driver is seated and starts the ignition.
The 40/20/40 split, power-sliding second-row seat slides forward and aft 3.5 inches for passenger comfort and cargo storage versatility.
The 50/50 split third row seat folds to provide 41 cu. ft. of carrying space. Folding the split middle row increases the space to 83 cu. ft. The clamshell-design tailgate, which features a power upper section, is more versatile than a one-piece hatch.
The split rear tailgate features a power upper door, while the bottom section raises and lowers with minimal effort.

Warranty

48-month/50,000-mile basic limited warranty with roadside assistance for 48 months/unlimited miles.
72 months/70,000 miles powertrain and restraint system coverage.
72 months corrosion perforation protection coverage, regardless of mileage.

Refreshed 2016 GS Sedan

New GS 200t RWD Model With 2.0-Liter Turbo Engine
More Power and Torque for GS 350
Restyled Front End With Standard Bi-LED Headlamps
New Available Lexus Safety System +
Upgraded Multimedia Technology and for GS 350/GS 450h Standard Navigation
New Available Lexus Enform Service Connect
New Interior Colors and Wood Trim Selections

The Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance, the premier concours event in the United States, is an appropriate setting for the 2016 Lexus GS models to be introduced. The GS enters 2016 with a bolder design, a new GS 200t rear-wheel drive model and new luxury finishes that match the refinement of Monterey. The Lexus GS continues to feature impressive agility and sporty handling for turns along California Highway 1, as well as comfortable ride quality for extended highway driving. This is no modest mid-size luxury sedan. The engaging performance and amenities make the GS 200t, the GS 350 or GS 450h an excellent choice for delighting enthusiast drivers as well as luxury connoisseurs.

The Lexus GS epitomizes the intersection of style and refinement with a strong rendition of the Lexus signature spindle grille for 2016, framed by elegant satin chrome trim and flanked by distinctive new standard Bi-LED headlights. The nighttime glow is unmistakably the look of Lexus.

A new front bumper and rocker panel design further sharpen the coupe-inspired profile, with the makeover extending to revised taillights, revised rear trim and new 18- and 19-inch machine-finish wheel designs. Bold design deserves bold color, and so the 2016 GS offers new Matador Red Mica, Nightfall Mica and Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 among other choices. The mica colors use an extraordinarily complex multi-layered, twice-baked process previously used only for concept vehicles or custom cars.

Every year Pebble Beach brings together the best in elegance and technology from decades past. The 2016 Lexus GS presents a modern interpretation—exemplified by new interior trim selections including laser cut wood, Matte Walnut, Linear 3D and for the F SPORT, Naguri aluminum. New interior and leather colors include Chateau and Noble Brown, while the F SPORT adds Rioja Red to available choices. The analog clock located in the center of the dash is housed in a single ingot of aluminum and uses LED indicators. It adds new GPS functionality for adjusting the time zone.

New Power and Efficiency

A new, third model, the rear-wheel drive GS 200t, joins the line with an exceptionally smooth 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine delivers 241 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, giving the GS 200t outstanding all-around performance and efficiency. The GS 200t has a Lexus fuel economy estimate of 33 mpg highway.

In the GS 350, a more muscular 3.5-liter V6 produces 311 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque (vs. 306 hp and 277 lb.-ft. in the 2015 model) and is also paired with the eight-speed automatic. The V6’s combination of direct fuel injection and additional port fuel injectors ensures ample power and crisp responsiveness.

Leading the GS lineup is a car you’d expect from the luxury hybrid leader, the GS 450h – a high-performing hybrid. Its Lexus Hybrid Drive system combines output from an Atkinson cycle 3.5-liter V6 engine and a water-cooled permanent-magnet electric motor for 338 total system horsepower, channeled through a planetary-type continuously variable transmission. Few might expect 5.6-second zero-to-60 mph acceleration performance from a car that also has EPA estimated 29 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined fuel economy ratings.

More Grip, More Grins

For added grip, the Lexus GS 350 offers an available all-weather drive system that’s more than a foul-weather friend. An electronically controlled center differential provides a normal 30:70 torque split, with the rear-wheel bias favoring handling agility. The system reacts instantaneously to alter the split to as much as 50:50, depending on driving conditions, to help optimize traction.

For added grins when driving, the F SPORT package available for all three GS models combines track-tuned chassis enhancements, including staggered tire sizes (RWD only), with exclusive exterior and interior design features. On the GS 350, F SPORT can be combined with all-weather drive. With rear-wheel drive, the F SPORT package opens the door to higher handling performance with the available Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system with Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS).

New Lexus Safety System +

The 2016 Lexus GS is a rolling testament to the brand’s commitment to cutting-edge safety technology. Its structure and 10 standard airbags form the foundation for occupant protection, while a wide array of driver-assist technologies helps the driver avoid hazards. New and optional for 2016 is Lexus Safety System + which combines Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam (IHB) and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

Using a combination of millimeter-wave radar and a front-facing camera, PCS can help detect vehicles — and in some circumstances, pedestrians. The system can warn the driver of a possible collision and can initiate automatic braking with Brake Assist if necessary.

Using a camera to detect visible lane markings, Lane Departure Alert is designed to convey audio-visual alerts and vibrate the steering wheel if the system determines that the driver unintentionally deviated from the lane. Lane Departure Alert, with Steering Assist enabled, can help the vehicle stay in the center of its lane by smoothly increasing steering torque a small amount to assist in maintaining course.

Intelligent High Beam combines technology, safety and driving courtesy. It automatically adjusts high- and low-beam illumination by sensing not only oncoming traffic, but also the taillights of the vehicle traveling in front.

Modern Multimedia

Lexus gave the GS models new multimedia for 2015, and now for 2016, the available 12.3-inch screen gains full-screen map capability when equipped with navigation. Other multimedia changes include enhanced voice recognition and graphics. The screen can split into two sections to show different functions, such as navigation, audio and climate control information. For GS 350 and GS 450h models, navigation is now standard.

New side “enter” buttons on the Remote Touch Interface controller and shortcut menu on the side of the screen make it even easier to operate climate control, audio, phone, navigation and more.

Apple iPhone^® users have yet another control option — Siri^® Eyes Free Mode. Make calls, select songs from iTunes^®, get turn-by-turn navigation through Apple Maps, and much more, all by asking Siri.

Lexus Enform

Catering to its customers’ active lifestyles, Lexus Enform continues to expand its services and technologies. For 2016, new Lexus Enform Service Connect gives the GS a voice, in a sense, to relay its maintenance needs. Use the MyLexusandBeyond mobile app (for iOS devices) or LexusDrivers.com website to set push-reminders and alerts for maintenance and service issues. For example a required maintenance warning light will alert you and your dealer the specific factory recommended maintenance for a specific maintenance interval.

With Lexus Enform Remote (one-year trial subscription included), the customer can remotely view and control certain aspects of the GS using a mobile app for iOS and Android devices. Functions include remote door lock/unlock; remote start/stop for the engine and climate control; vehicle finder, guest driver monitor and more.

Navigation is accompanied by the Lexus Enform Destination Services and subscription-free Lexus Enform App Suite. Its voice-enabled apps let you search the Internet through Destination Search, make restaurant reservations using OpenTable^®, get movie tickets via MovieTickets.com^™, listen to Internet radio, (including Pandora^®, iHeartRadio and Slacker), search business reviews on Yelp^®and check in on Facebook Places^™.

Lexus Enform Safety Connect is standard on all 2016 Lexus vehicles, with emergency calling capability and access to Lexus Enform response centers 24/7/365.