The New Lexus LS, Equipped with Advanced Driving Support Technology, Makes its World Premiere | Lexus
Lexus LS | The Lexus LS
Lexus Unveils the New LS Globally
On July 7, Lexus globally unveiled the new LS, its flagship sedan, which features improved quietness and ride comfort, and is equipped with the latest advanced driving support technology. Sales in Japan are scheduled for early winter 2020.
Evolving Quietness and Ride Comfort: The Lexus DNA
Regarding the improvements in quietness and ride comfort, Yoshiteru Ito, a Lexus "Takumi" (master craftsman), commented, "In pursuing the refined driving that is the origin of the LS, the entire team persistently searched for areas of improvement. Valuing human sensitivity, we meticulously refined every detail of the parts and controls related to driving performance, including quietness and ride comfort, from the internal structure of the tires to the tactile feel when seated, and the acceleration response in everyday driving. Furthermore, in the new LS, we believe that the fundamental performance of the vehicle has been polished through the pursuit of ideal vehicle behavior during driving support by Lexus Teammate, leading to further evolution of its superior ride quality as a flagship."
Specifically, a newly developed AVS solenoid reduces damping force, while the vertical spring rigidity of the run-flat tires and the rigidity of the stabilizer bar have been optimized. Changes to the damping characteristics of the engine mounts reduce vibrations transmitted to the cabin. Additionally, the stitching position of the seat upholstery has been moved to a deeper location, and new urethane pads using low-rebound material have been adopted to achieve vibration absorption and a soft ride.
Furthermore, in the hybrid LS500h, the battery assist during acceleration has been increased, and the engine's maximum rotational speed has been lowered to improve quietness. For the gasoline LS500, engine torque response has been improved, and the shift schedule has been altered to reduce the frequency of downshifts during acceleration. To enhance quietness, the tuning of the active noise control and engine sound enhancement systems has also been adjusted.
The Latest Advanced Driving Support Technology, "Lexus Teammate," Aligned with Human Senses
Regarding the adoption of the latest advanced driving support technology, "Lexus Teammate," Ken Koiuchi, General Manager of the Advanced Safety Division at Toyota Motor Corporation's Advanced Development Company, stated, "Lexus Teammate was developed based on Toyota's unique concept of automated driving, 'Mobility Teammate Concept,' which aims for a relationship where humans and cars enhance each other and drive together, like companions with a shared understanding, rather than the car taking over driving from humans or simply replacing them. Lexus Teammate features five technological characteristics: Perceptive, Intelligent, Interactive, Reliable, and Upgradable (software updates)."
Advanced Drive provides safe driving support from the highway to the exit by managing surrounding perception, vehicle positioning, lane and position selection, and speed adjustment on automotive-only roads. It achieves a human-centric driving feel, learned from the driving of expert drivers in various scenarios such as curves and overtaking. Advanced Park offers advanced parking support with intuitive switch operations, where the vehicle automatically controls acceleration, braking, and gear changes. Beyond safety, it focuses on a sense of security during parking.
Furthermore, Lexus Teammate utilizes software updates to continuously add functions and improve performance after the vehicle is delivered to the customer, aiming to become a beloved car by meeting evolving customer needs. Through dialogue between the driver and the car, where they confirm and complement each other's status, safe driving and comfortable mobility are achieved. Even with technological advancements, humans remain at the center of driving. This is the core principle of Lexus Teammate," he explained.
Based on the "Mobility Teammate Concept," Advanced Drive employs the latest advanced driving support technology to provide appropriate perception, judgment, and operation support by the in-vehicle system, under driver supervision, according to actual traffic conditions during driving on expressways and other automotive-only roads, enabling lane keeping, inter-vehicle distance maintenance, branching, lane changes, and overtaking.
The fundamental performance has been refined to allow drivers to confidently entrust driving operations to the car, pursuing driving operations that earn driver trust by always prioritizing safety in its judgments. Drivers are freed from accelerator, brake, and steering operations, reducing fatigue during long drives and enabling them to pay closer attention to their surroundings for safer driving.
Additionally, with Advanced Park, the latest advanced parking support technology, under driver supervision, uses a fusion of cameras and ultrasonic sensors to monitor the entire surroundings, providing appropriate perception, judgment, and operation support during parking maneuvers. The vehicle supports all operations—steering, acceleration, braking, and gear changes—while continuously displaying the reversing position and target parking position in a bird's-eye view, ensuring safe, secure, and smooth parking.
Exterior Color "Gin-ei Lustre" and Interior Inspired by Traditional Crafts Adopted
Regarding the exterior and interior, Yoichiro Kitamura, Group Manager of the Color Management Office at Toyota Motor Corporation's Design Division, stated, "In color design, we aimed to redefine the Lexus flagship and enhance the unique value of the LS by pursuing 'Time in Design,' a concept derived from Japan's unique aesthetic sensibilities inherent in our design philosophy."
'Time in Design' is a concept that expresses the unique Japanese aesthetic sensibility of appreciating beauty in each moment amidst the flow of time and changes in the environment. In the new LS, we have adopted interior and exterior coordination inspired by the beautiful natural phenomenon of the 'path of the moon,' embodying this concept.
The 'path of the moon' is a mystical natural phenomenon visible only for a few days before and after a full moon. The moonlight creates a narrow path on the sea surface, and the subtle gradation caused by the shimmering waves captivates observers. By creating a charming color design and coordination that evokes a rich expression with slight changes in light and conveys a sense of presence, we aimed to provide a comfortable and relaxing space and a unique travel experience," he said.
For the exterior, a new silver exterior color, "Gin-ei Lustre," has been developed, characterized by a beautiful highlight shine and deep shadows that convey a sense of depth. Silver is a color that allows texture to be easily perceived, and as a crucial color range for Lexus, which pursues the essence of color design, we have dedicated many years to its development. Gin-ei Lustre, as Lexus's latest silver, applies the "Sonic Method," which condenses the volume of paint containing reflective materials (aluminum flakes), and employs the latest painting technology that densely arranges aluminum vapor deposition. It is a special silver that, with a smooth texture barely perceptible as granular, delicately captures even the slightest ambient light, responding to the flow of time and changes to reveal various expressions.
The interior is coordinated to match the exterior, with a design that evokes various expressions throughout the passage of time. Nishijin & Foil ornamentation is newly offered, and the brilliance of silver thread from Nishijin weaving and platinum foil expresses the "path of the moon" created by the shimmering waves illuminated by moonlight.
The multimedia system newly adopts a touch display and supports SmartDeviceLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. By linking iPhones and Android smartphones to the 12.3-inch wide touch display, operability and voice control are possible, significantly improving convenience.
Koji Sato, President of Lexus International, said, "As a flagship, the LS has always pursued innovation and provided customers with new technologies and value. In the development of the new model announced today, we have further evolved the quietness and ride comfort that have been consistently pursued since the first generation, and by adopting the advanced driving support technology Lexus Teammate, we aimed for an unprecedented safe and secure travel experience."
Drivers will experience reduced fatigue from operations such as acceleration, braking, and steering, allowing them to concentrate more on driving. Furthermore, the driving support, which realizes a ride quality akin to that of an expert driver—something only an automotive company with a deep understanding of the relationship between car and driver can achieve—and the HMI, which allows the car and driver to communicate and always accurately grasp each other's status, provide peace of mind.
Moreover, the fundamental performance of the vehicle has dramatically improved and evolved through the rigorous development process. Lexus will continue to take on challenges with a human-centered approach, delivering experiences that enrich each customer's lifestyle.
Contact Information
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https://lexus.jp/
