The new Lexus LX570 is closely based on the Toyota Sequoia also debuting in LA, just as the LX470 is based on the Toyota Land Cruiser.

The LX570 differs from the Sequoia in having an adaptive variable air suspension and generally higher equipment specification; such as climate controlled seats, Bubinga wood trim, two rows of power folding rear seats, and a hard disc Mark Levinson sound system. Most significantly, and unlike the LX470, it also has a different skin to its Toyota sibling, and it is the first production Lexus design to adopt the latest "L-finesse" Lexus theme from the LF-A concept car.

This is most evident at the front where the raised surface at the sides of the hood flow into a grille with a flowing outer edge form and where the surface between the grille and lights is pulled forwards into a form that then fades down into the bumper. Along the side of the car are two side feature creases one above the other, fading in and out as they take over from each other - a very effective device.

Relative to the Toyota, the Lexus has higher quality materials inside and a more conservative design theme, although neither materials nor theme are as premium as they are in Lexus sedans.

Although this is essentially a Toyota in drag, we think the Lexus LX570 is a successful design: less massive, more contemporary and more distinctive than the Toyota.                           

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Toyota Sequoia - Los Angeles 2007

The Up! concept was first shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show two months ago followed by a four-door concept unveiled in Tokyo last month. Now it is debuting in its third form at the LA Auto Show. So why is it a show highlight? Because the car has again evolved for its third show debut with new design features, and because there are a few design features we didn't see the last couple of times around...

The core difference for the LA show car is that the Space Up! is powered by a high temperature fuel-cell - a world first - which Volkswagen say is cheaper and lighter than conventional fuel-cells. The most obvious visual difference is the deeper section roof with its Samba bus-style (the classic '60s and '70s Micro bus variant) roof windows. This large solar module in the roof was designed by Norman Starke of the German consultancy Proof, who explained how the roof-mounted solar panels are laser cut specifically for this design and sit in a gel sandwiched between two sheets of polycarbonate. This enables the solar panel area to follow the 3D form of the roof and not be a flat surface inset into the roof as would normally be the case.

Other neat details we found in this concept include the central ceiling light with elongated toggle switch dropping down like a flower's stamen, wood dust impregnated biopolymer used for the instrument panel and door tops, integrated child seats in the rear, glasses cases set on the floor adjacent to the front seats and flap-covered air vents in the instrument panel. 

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Volkswagen Space Up! concept - Tokyo 2007
Volkswagen Up! concept - Frankfurt 2007