Lexus LX 570 Scores First Off-Road Win

LEXUS MAY SPECIALISE in luxury, but when you include SUVs in your line-up, it's important to ensure buyers understand the car's capabilities - even if that pricey white pearl paint job never sees a single branch scrape across it.

The LandCruiser-based Lexus 570 recently made its off-road racing debut, scoring first place at the 41st annual Tecate SCORE Baja 500 in Ensenada, Mexico.

Taking the Stock Full Class win just days after the modified SUV's race preparation was completed, driver Joe Bacal and navigator Paul Williamsen covered over 800km of mountain driving.

Completing the race in 16 hours, rookie driver Bacal and first-time navigator Williamsen drove the entire way without leaving the vehicle, allowing themselves only brief stops for fuel and food along the way.

Of the 267 entries, 195 completed the race.

Next for the Team JTGrey Lexus LX 570 is the Reno 1000 mile race in the American Best of the Desert series, which runs from August 19 to August 23.