Lexus LX: 3rd Generation

This video feature on the Icon modified Lexus LX 570 currently showing at SEMA is a great in-depth look at the matte-black, TRD braked, faux-carbon-fiber-fitted stealth SUV:

Very interesting way of applying the carbon fiber pattern to the OEM interior wood, but it does diminish the appeal. I have a feeling this is a vehicle that doesn't photograph well, but I bet it's a great looker in person.

[Via: Jalopnik]

The fact that I'm only now getting around to posting about the details of ICON's custom Lexus LX 570 is probably the biggest indication to just how overwhelming yesterday was in terms of Lexus news!

Regardless, here's the official image of the SEMA-bound LX, plus the full breakdown of the modifications:

ICON specializes in 4x4s that are typically off-road oriented. But they envisioned something different for the plush yet rugged LX 570. Their approach here is to give the LX a clean and stealthy appearance through clever use of colors and trim, then top with performance improvements to further enhance the appeal of Lexus’ premier luxury utility vehicle.

Click here for the full modification list.

Exterior

• Matte two-tone gray paint
• Black chrome trim and emblems
• Side trim removed, roof rack deleted

Interior

• All wood panels replaced with carbon fiber surface effect coatings
• Window tint

Engine

• Custom intake system

Exhaust

• Stainless steel exhaust system

Brakes

• Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico 285/35R-24

Wheels

• Custom finish 24” MOZ Calgary wheels

Tires

• Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico 285/35R-24

When Lexus announced their SEMA lineup, I was especially interested in what ICON's modified LX 570 would look like, especially given that it was described as the "anti-bling" version, subdued and super functional.

Well, the cat's out of the bag, I stumbled onto Icon's project page at CarDomain and all the secrets were revealed. Here's the almost-final show truck:

They're quite hidden in the photos, but this LX is rolling with one-off TRD brakes! Very cool.

Here's a list of some of the other modifications:

• Matte two tone gray exterior
• Black chrome trim and emblems
• Side trim removed, roof rack deleted
• Custom Grille
• All interior wood removed and replaced with carbon fiber

There's also mention on their page about a custom TRD F-Sport style intake, stainless steel exhaust and a custom TRD based supercharger, but this has yet to be verified.

Be sure to check out ICON's CarDomain page for more details and plenty of photos.

The Lexus LX 570 is up for the Motor Trend SUV of the year:

Since last year's contest, a lot has changed with regard to the SUV market. Most manufacturers are going for the smaller, more fuel-efficient, and in some cases car based vehicles, the 2009 Lexus LX 570 is none of those, and it's damn proud of it.

This Lexus is an amazing luxury/utility vehicle, capable of a dash to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the quarter mile disappears in under 15 seconds at over 90 mph, and all this by a behemoth that weighs over 6000 pounds. Oh, did we mention the Lexus can also off-road with the best of them?

The LX is up against some stiff competition, though I certainly wouldn't count the freakish BMW X6 among the contenders. Honestly, no matter how great the LX may be and how well it stacks up, the cost and fuel milage will sink its chances of coming first. (Really, if I had to guess, my money would be on the Infiniti FX35.)

The winner will be announced at midnight tomorrow. Update: The Subaru Forester took the prize.

Car And Driver has posted a short and sweet review of the Lexus LX 570 which might very well sum up both the good and the bad:

Never has it been more politically incorrect to sing the praises of a passenger vehicle that weighs 6180 pounds, attains observed fuel economy of 14 mpg, and costs $75,465. Poor Toyota. A perfect trifecta of bad timing.

Which is a little embarrassing for us because every C/D editor who drove the new LX570 came back to the office, looked sheepishly at his shoes, then said in a small voice, “Holy crap, I love that thing.”

Drive solo in this behemoth and enviro-conscious citizens give you the stink eye, as if you’ve fired up an unfiltered Camel in the produce section of Whole Foods. Which is a shame because the LX570 may well be the most desirable SUV on the planet.

There's no doubt that with the current oil crisis plus the economic climate, the LX dips alarmingly into the obscene. The fact that it's so brilliantly executed certainly confuses the issue, but in all honesty, the LX as it exists now won't be able to last. (Personally, I'm going to enjoy it for as long as I can.)

There's a new set of Lexus LX 570 print ads making the rounds, and I can't stress how impressed I am by them (click on the images below for a larger version):

These ads highlight the LX's 360° camera view, an elaborate system that even allows looking around corners. (I really like the abstract look of the interior shot, but the last advert was my eventual choice for a desktop wallpaper.)

[Via: Ads of the World]