A full-size sport-utility wagon by Lexus features an enormous passenger compartment with seating for seven on three tiers. The cabin, lathered in leather and wood and luxury fittings, amounts to the best with the most. Its four-wheel-drive (4WD) system has a center differential with limited-slip capacity to distribute engine torque to front or rear wheels. Add a locking mechanism to the center differential plus limited-slip rear differential and you get maximum potential for traction. A big V8 delivers five more power points this year to 235 hp and it links to a new five-speed electronic automatic transmission. Current designs reveal new exterior styling with revamped grille and bumper plus new headlamps and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Also new is the controllable variable gear ratio steering (VGRS) system, plus electronic brake force distribution (EBD), a voice command feature applied to the navigation system and options for Lexus Link telecommunications and new Night View vision enhancement system.
