The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is not just a competitive event for the owners of vintage exotics. It’s a great place for automakers to unveil its newest models. Lexus chose this year’s event as the stage on which to debut the updated version of its flagship SUV, the 2016 LX 570.
Lexus’ signature spindle grille looks even more dramatic and is flanked by standard LED lighting. Out back, the tail lights are equally striking. The thoroughly restyled body (only the doors are leftovers from 2015) rides atop new two-tone 20-inch (or optional 21-inch) wheels and can be ordered in two new colors: Atomic Silver and Nightfall Mica. The other color choices, Starfire Pearl, Satin Cashmere Metallic, Black Onyx, and Nebula Gray Pearl, were offered last year.
A new 12.3-inch screen connected to a Remote Touch Interface controller sits in the middle of the refreshed interior, which can be outfitted with Black or Parchment leather or new Cabernet semi-aniline leather. The LX’s cabin can also be accented with wood trim options such as Matte Walnut Open Pore, Linear Dark Mocha, Linear Espresso, and Dark Brown Walnut. The steering wheel now has one fewer spoke than it did last year and sits in front of a pair of paddle shifters. Another performance-oriented touch is the optional head-up display. Other tech features include a standard 4.2-inch color Thin Film Transistor multi-information display and an optional wireless charging tray. Drive Mode Select allows drivers to make the LX function in the ECO, COMFORT, SPORT S, or SPORT S+ setting.
Although the LX’s 5.7-liter V8 still develops 383 horsepower and 403 lb-ft of torque, it now comes paired with an eight-speed automatic. That takes each of the LX’s mpg figures, 12 city/17 highway/14 combined, up by one to 13/18/15. Getting to 60 mph now takes 0.2 seconds less than it did last year; the new LX will get to that speed in 7.3 seconds.
No matter what speed it’s going, the standard Lexus Safety System + of Pre-Collision, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Intelligent High Beams, and Lane Departure Alert will keep an eye on how it’s being driven. In addition to those safety nets, Intuitive Park Assist, Panoramic View Monitor, and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert will also be in place to keep occupants from harm.
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
Where do you go for answers when you have a Lexus with a gorgeous leather interior but are not sure about how to maintain that luxurious look? The "Club Lexus" forums, of course.
