A voluntary safety recall has been announced for certain 2003-2007 Lexus LX 470s due to an issue with the steering shaft:

Lexus has determined that the construction of the steering shaft on involved LX 470s is such that the snap ring on the shaft may disengage when the vehicle experiences an unusually severe impact to the front wheels, such as striking a deep pothole. If the snap ring becomes disengaged and the steering wheel is then repeatedly turned to the full locked position, the steering shaft may disengage over time.

Lexus is not aware of any accidents related to this condition.

The remedy for this condition involves replacing the snap ring with a newly designed one and the installation of an additional component to prevent separation of the steering shaft.

Affected owners will be contacted by mail in August to schedule the no-charge recall remedy at their local Lexus dealership — if you have any questions or concerns, it’s best to contact Lexus Customer Satisfaction 1-800-255-3987 or by visiting the Lexus recall page.
 
The full press release after the jump.

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A couple months ago, we saw our first glimpse of a super-modified version of the Lexus LX 570, the ASI Invader, and now we have video of the extreme SUV (Warning: turn down your volume, extreme wind noise):

It still looks absolutely insane, but the black exterior mutes it somewhat as compared to the earlier white.

Outside of the body-part makeover, the ASI Invader boosted the LX 570 with a supercharger that brings total power up to 600hp, giving the SUV a 0-60mph in less than 5 seconds (the stock LX 570 need 7.4 seconds) — here’s a video that shows that engine in action:

Savage!

Time for a blast from the past with this ‘96 Lexus LX 450 commercial:

The commercial’s slogan: “It’s everything a Lexus is, and everything a Lexus isn’t” is similar in message to the way the IS-F was introduced (“F is everything you thought we weren’t”), and for good reason. Both models expanded the Lexus brand in unexpected ways, though admittedly in exact opposite directions.

(Although it was very much a rebadged version of the Toyota Land Cruiser, this SUV is a personal favorite. I can still remember seeing the LX for the first time, right down to the black & grey exterior.)

Japanese tuner ASI has cut loose and created the craziest Lexus LX 570 you’ll ever see:

Dubbed the ASI LX 570 Invader, ASI has tuned the LX to push out 600hp, which equals a 0-60mph in less than 5 seconds (the stock LX 570 need 7.4 seconds).

Of course, there’s more obvious changes — the front end has been totally restyled with a new front grille (INVADER!!) and bumper with massive air intakes. There’s also new side side skirts and glossy black rims, along with a significant height drop.

Some detail shots:

There’s some very obvious Cayenne design in there, only dialed up to the extreme — I’d certainly be interested in learning more about the power boost, though.

[Via: emotorauto (Thanks Roberto!)]

Continuing his success at off-road race events, LX 570 owner Joe Bacal has scored another victory in Mexico this past weekend at the 24th Annual MasterCraft Safety Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250, where he won the Stock Full class. Here’s a description of how the LX 570 performed:

As with all of the races Bacal has run thus far, the San Felipe 250 course was rough and challenging. Deep sand and silt beds can consume otherwise tough off-road racers but it was relatively easy going for Bacal’s Lexus which ran trouble free for the entire event. Bacal and co-driver Bob Ditner even stopped to help a stuck Class 7 racer at about ¾ race distance. “The guy was in sand up to his axles, so Bob and I yanked him out quick with a tow strap. I think he went on to finish second in his class.”

Bacal credits his early 2010 season success with on-going development, careful vehicle preparation and the durability of his Lexus. “The LX is getting faster and easier to drive with every race which gives me confidence to push harder,” noted Bacal. “I’ve also done a lot of prep work recently and it has a similar effect on confidence. The Long Beach Racers deserve credit, too, for their outstanding race support work.”

The full Lexus press release after the jump.

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The 2010 Lexus LX 570 is getting the sports treatment down under, as Lexus Australia is releasing the supersize SUV with a muscular body kit as part of new Sports Luxury package:

There’s something ill-fitting about that front bumper and the way it overlaps, but I do like the reverse trapezoid air intake mirroring the grille. The rear bumper looks quite fussy in the creases, but with only one photo to go on, it’s tough to judge.

Some more photos:

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The LX 570 Sports Luxury will retail for $165,400 AUD and will likely be limited to Australia—you can find out more information on the Lexus Australia website.

[Via: The Motor Report]