Lexus began sales in Japan today of its all-new 'LS' flagship
passenger sedan through Lexus dealers nationwide(1).
http://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_Lexus101917LS500h.jpg
LS 500h "version L" (with options)
The all-new LS carries forward the LS' enduring DNA for smooth and
powerful performance and exceptional quietness and comfort passed
down through successive generations since the debut of the first
model, which set a new standard for luxury vehicles with its debut
in 1989. In addition to styling that achieves a daring coupe
silhouette while preserving ample interior space, the new,
fifth-generation LS offers an emotional driving experience and is
equipped with numerous cutting-edge technologies, achieving
monumental advances in innovation as the symbol of the Lexus
brand.
The all-new LS is priced from 9,800,000 yen to 16,800,000 yen
(including consumption tax)(2).
Main features of the all-new LS
A daring coupe silhouette with a designed-to-be-driven aura
achieved by use of the GA-L platform
- Application of the GA-L (Lexus Global Architecture--Luxury)
platform has resulted in low, poised-to-pounce styling, while
large-diameter tires create a commanding presence. To produce a
daring coupe silhouette that sets the new LS apart from hitherto
four-door sedans, Lexus employed a six-light cabin design(3)
coupled with a body form in which the fenders dynamically project
from a sharp outline that flows from front to rear. Additionally,
flush-surface windows, which reduce the unevenness between the
side-window glass and the door frames, create a smoother and more
beautiful body line.
- The front displays a highly spatial form resulting from a low
hood height and accentuated fenders and employs an elaborate yet
powerful Spindle Grille and cross-cutting front bumper for a
stunning stance that expresses the dignity of a flagship model.
- The rear features a continuous form that envelops from the sides
and expresses unconstraint, while a low center of gravity and a
sense of width are highlighted by an overall spindle theme centered
on the rear combination lamps.
- Body colors number 13, including "Manganese Luster", which
creates the impression of machined metal, and "Sonic Agate", which
achieves shadows that have both vividness and depth.
- The "F SPORT" version dons in its grille mesh and side grilles
the new "F" mesh pattern, which, as the evolutionary form of the
inherited Lexus vertical-pattern mesh, is being introduced
throughout the Lexus brand. It also features a grille frame plated
in black chrome and 20-inch aluminum wheels painted in "Dark
Premium Metallic" for sporty and aggressive styling.
Interior that fuses a driving-focused cockpit and a relaxing space
suitable for a flagship sedan
Interior styling
- Up front, delicately refined air vents that seemingly flow all
the way from the gauge display shroud on the driver's side to the
full width of the passenger side create, along with other elements,
the air of a broad expanse, while the styling of the lower half of
the front cabin space is underlined by substantial door armrests
that are visually integrated with the front seats. This contrasting
yet complimentary styling of the upper and lower domains of the
cabin provides a sense of both vastness and comfortable security.
And, keeping the driver at the center of the design, an operational
layout was conceived that minimizes changes in driver posture and
line of sight, allowing the driver to focus on driving.
- In the rear, aimed at achieving a continuous spatial realm that
envelops its occupants, the door trim and outside edges of the
seatbacks connect in a seamless fashion, while a sense of openness
provided by leg space that is among the best in class and soft
console armrests that are just as prominent as the ones in front
create a relaxing atmosphere.
Fusion of Takumi craftsmanship and advanced technologies
- The techniques of skilled Japanese Takumi craftsmanship have been
applied to the decorative finishes of the door trim. This can be
seen in the use of Art Wood(4), which presents artistic touches to
natural wood, Hand Pleats(5), characterized by L-shaped folds done
by hand, and tempered glass that has been finished in the fashion
of Kiriko (Cut Glass)(5). The result is a unique interior based on
Japanese aesthetics that represents the fusion of traditional
techniques and the latest production technologies.
- Delicate touches throughout, such as in the meticulous
craftsmanship applied to the leather-wrapped steering wheel and
shift knob, result in an elegant finish that has a sense of depth,
and a spacious and elegant atmosphere is created by ambient
illumination--soft indirect lighting inspired by Japanese paper
lanterns.
Newly developed 3.5-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine and other new
technologies for emotional yet elegant driving
Along with the new LS inheriting the LS's DNA for quietness and
comfort, an emotional driving experience was pursued through
efforts to improve steering responsiveness and steering stability,
to achieve a comfortable driving operation rhythm and to produce a
comfortable acceleration sound. Specifically, in addition to using
the GA-L platform, which forms the foundation of Lexus'
front-engine, rear-wheel-drive lineup, a newly developed 3.5-liter,
twin-turbo V6 engine and 3.5-liter V6 Multi-stage Hybrid System,
both with high-level output and environmental performance, were
selected as powertrains suitable for a flagship sedan.
3.5-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine
- Lexus' first 3.5-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine is exceptionally
quiet yet provides exhilarating acceleration based on its linear
torque characteristics. Rapid combustion has been achieved by such
measures as optimizing the bore-and-stroke ratio, improving air
intake and strengthening airflow within the engine's combustion
chambers. And world-class thermal efficiency, made possible by
combining the engine with high-efficiency twin turbochargers,
results in world-class thermal efficiency for high output and
excellent fuel efficiency.
- The Direct Shift-10AT automatic transmission provides world-class
rhythmical gear changes due to its gear-changing speed and
performance that responds directly to accelerator pedal operation,
made possible by actively selecting the optimal gear by reading
driver intention based on driver operation.
3.5-liter V6 Multi-stage Hybrid System
- The Multi-stage Hybrid System is a breakthrough technology that
combines stepped gears and the Lexus hybrid system newly developed
for the LC 500h luxury coupe. It provides strong driving force from
low speeds for powerful performance by controlling the output of
both the high-revolution 3.5-liter V6 engine and the electric drive
motor. Additionally, by selecting an operating point for high
system efficiency from the low-speed range to the high-speed range
and, thus, expanding the range of EV driving, the system achieves
both an emotional driving experience and highly fuel-efficient and
pleasant cruising.
- Adjustments in engine revolutions faithfully in line with the
intentions of the driver and highly responsive motor assist are
made possible by 10-gear-change control regardless of the driving
situation, creating a direct acceleration sensation perfectly
linked to pedal operation. The result is a new hybrid system in
which engine revolutions match the feeling of acceleration for
stress-free and smooth driving performance.
GA-L platform
- With the GA-L platform as the foundation, efforts were made to
achieve the ideal inertia factor. While aluminum was extensively
used, heavy components such as the engine were positioned near the
center of the vehicle body and weight was distributed throughout
the front and rear, with the overall aim of achieving lightness and
the ideal height of the center of gravity for a sedan. Furthermore,
superb steering response and maneuvering stability were achieved by
placing emphasis on high rigidity, such as by increasing the
torsional rigidity of the vehicle body.
- The characteristics of the bushings used in the high-mount,
multilink suspension (front) and multilink suspension (rear)
developed for the GA-L platform have been improved and a newly
developed air suspension has been used for superb maneuvering
stability and high-quality riding comfort.
- The quietness for which the LS is known has been further advanced
by the use of, among others, a hood silencer featuring a new type
of urethane material and a three-layer dashboard silencer, the
optimal placement of sound-absorption and sound-proofing materials,
and the use of flush-surface windows, which reduce the unevenness
between the side-window glass and the door frames.
"F SPORT"
- To achieve driving performance that only the "F SPORT" can offer,
Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management integrates control of
Variable Gear Ratio Steering(6), Electric Power Steering and
Dynamic Rear Steering(6). In addition to use of the Lexus Dynamic
Handling system(6), coordinated control of active stabilizers(7)
allows enhanced integrated control of both vehicle roll and upward
and downward movement. This results in a level vehicle posture and
a high-quality riding comfort and provides superb steering response
and peace of mind regardless of the driving situation.
- Exclusive 20-inch ventilated disc brakes and 20-inch wheels with
run-flat tires (with different sizes for the front and the rear(8)
provide superb maneuvering stability.
Comfort features for distinctive Lexus Omotenashi hospitality
- The seats provide a refresh function(9) in the form of built-in
air bladders that press on the back and thighs, with an available
selection of pressing strength and patterns helping refresh the
mind and body. Additionally, the rear seats come with an exclusive
heater(10) that enables area-specific heating for relaxing comfort.
And aiming at comfort during even long drives, while offering
high-level holding characteristics regardless of the physique of
the driver, a 28-way adjustable front power seat(11), for each the
driver and the passenger, allows minute adjustments for optimal
support.
- In the rear, an ergonomically designed 22-way adjustable rear
power seat(12) with a footrest can be minutely adjusted for a
relaxing position as well as for ease of ingress and egress.
Furthermore, the hitherto control switches have been incorporated
into a touch-sensitive, rear multi-operation panel(13) built into
the rear center armrest that includes audio, air conditioning,
seat, relaxation and lighting controls with easy-to-understand
graphics for a direct operational feel.
- The Lexus Climate Concierge, which conducts integrated control of
heating and cooling by detecting the body temperatures of vehicle
occupants, now features infrared sensors that measure body surface
temperatures in the front seats(13), as opposed to only in the left
and right rear seats as was the case before, to provide the
most-comfortable interior climate conditions for each vehicle
occupant.
- The electronically controlled air suspension, by raising the
vehicle as much as 30 mm during ingress and egress, makes it easier
to get in and out of the vehicle. The front seats feature
easy-access buckles(13) for smooth vehicle entrance and exit by
raising the receiving end of the seatbelt buckle when the door
opens and lowering it once the seatbelt is fastened.
- The Hybrid Navigation System, which features an ultra-wide
12.3-inch display, uses both onboard and data cloud-based resources
for when searching for driving routes. Optimal routes for the
shortest traveling time to designated destinations, based on the
latest traffic information from the associated data center, are
sent to the onboard navigation unit. A hybrid voice-recognition
function automatically assigns recognition of verbal commands to
either the onboard unit or the data cloud depending on the
situation in which they are given for a more-natural operational
experience. And a new-generation touch-sensitive remote control
provides a high level of operability.
- The sound system produces life-like vocals and abundant and
strong bass. An optional newly developed Mark Levinson Reference 3D
Surround Sound System(14) has 23 speakers, including ceiling
speakers, achieving the realistic sensation of being in a concert
hall.
- In addition to a hands-free power trunk lid(11), which allows the
trunk to be opened and closed even when both of the user's hands
are occupied by slipping a foot underneath the rear bumper and
withdrawing it, for added convenience, a shift-lever-operated, rear
seat automatic reclining (rearward visibility) function(13) allows
the driver to keep the eyes on the road while reclining the rear
seats to expand rearward vision when the rear seats are not
occupied.
Lexus Safety System + A active safety package and other advanced
safety technologies
As a flagship pioneering a new age and aiming for the best safety
performance in the world, the new LS unstintingly employs the
latest in active safety technologies. Not only have improvements
been made to the Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert,
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and other features of the Lexus
Safety System+(15) active safety package, which is based on the
Integrated Safety Management Concept(16) and has a proven track
record, grouped together with such are the latest active safety
technologies and Lexus CoDrive, which is an advanced driving assist
technology. Furthermore, a large head-up display (HUD) and a
multi-information display notify the driver of assist status,
making support intuitively easy to understand.
New advanced active safety technologies
- Pre-Collision System (with Pedestrian Alert and Active Steering
Assist)(18)
In addition to the conventional Pre-Collision System, which
supports collision prevention and damage reduction through alerts,
Pre-collision Brake Assist and Pre-collision Braking, the new LS is
equipped with the world's first(19) large, color HUD that specifies
the direction of the presence of pedestrians for more-intuitive
pedestrian alerts, as well as with Active Steering Assist, which
automatically controls steering and braking.
- Active Steering Assist determines when there is a high
possibility of collision with a pedestrian in the lane of travel or
with a continuous structure, such as a guardrail, and if the system
also determines that it is difficult to avoid a collision with
brake control alone but that it might be avoided with steering
control, the system assists in collision prevention or damage
reduction through automatic steering control in addition to
activating an alert and applying the brakes.
Pre-Collision System
Lexus CoDrive advanced driving assist technology that can lead to
automated driving(18)
Lexus CoDrive adds Lane Change Assist to the basic functions of
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane Tracing Assist to provide
steering support that is in line with the intentions of the driver
and lane-changing support on highways or motor-vehicle-only
roadways. By providing seamless driving support on roads with many
curves or in traffic jams, Lexus CoDrive largely decreases driver
burden. It coordinates with the LS's large HUD and
multi-information display to clearly notify the driver of the state
of support provided.
Lane Tracing Assist(18)
Lane Tracing Assist provides lane-keeping support by way of
steering control when Adaptive Cruise Control is in operation. In
addition to lane line detection by way of a camera, tracing of the
path of the vehicle ahead enables assistance even when lane lines
cannot be recognized, such as in low-speed driving in congestion
when there is little distance to the preceding vehicle. If the
speed of entering a curve is found, based on navigation data, to be
too fast, the driver is alerted by way of the LS' HUD and
multi-information display, and the vehicle is automatically slowed
down.
Lane Change Assist (18)
Lane Change Assist, which uses driver manipulation of the turning
signal as a cue to activate, supports lane changes by monitoring
the surrounding road environment and, at the appropriate timing,
controls steering, as well as acceleration and deceleration.
- Driver Emergency Stop Assist (coordinated with Lane Tracing
Assist)(18)
If non-operation by the driver continues during use of Lane Tracing
Assist on a motor-vehicle-only roadway, Driver Emergency Stop
Assist supports the driver through audio and visual alerts and
gentle deceleration. It then activates the vehicle's hazard lamps
and horn to alert those outside the vehicle to help prevent or
reduce damage to the vehicle or to others, while slowing and
eventually stopping the vehicle within its lane. After stopping, it
unlocks doors and activates an automatic HELPNET connection for a
rescue request, contributing to early driver rescue.
- Two-stage Adaptive High-beam System(18)
With eight LED lights at the top and 16 below (on each side), the
Two-stage Adaptive High-beam System provides optimal lighting by
way of separate on/off control of each row of LEDs, enabling finer
control of light strength and distance compared to the existing
LED-based Adaptive High-beam System. This allows higher frequency
of high-beam driving and the illumination of road signs without
blinding preceding or oncoming vehicles, thus contributing to
improved nighttime visibility. It also provides excellent lateral
visibility by simultaneously turning on the left and right LED
cornering lamps when the vehicle is traveling at low speeds, such
as during departure, thus supporting confirmation of the presence
of pedestrians.
- Front Cross Traffic Alert(18)
To help prevent collisions at intersections, Front Cross Traffic
Alert is meant to detect forward cross-traffic vehicles. It uses
forward direction radar and is the first in the world(19) to alert
drivers of the direction from which a cross-traffic vehicle is
approaching the immediate intersection. Alerts are displayed using
the LS' large HUD. If the vehicle proceeds regardless of the
presence of an approaching vehicle in cross traffic, warnings are
also issued by a buzzer and the LS' multi-information display.
- Road Sign Assist(18)
Road Sign Assist acquires road sign information using a camera and
navigation maps and then displays such using the LS' HUD and
multi-information display, thus reducing driver failure to
recognize signs and encouraging safe driving.
Other active safety technologies
- Parking support brakes (stationary objects, vehicles approaching
in the rear, pedestrians in the rear)(18)
Parking support brakes in the form of low-speed braking support
systems aim to prevent the various types of accidents that can
occur when parking, during which considerations include moving
vehicles and pedestrians, walls and other stationary objects,
perimeter checks and complicated driving operations. The already
commercialized Intelligent Clearance Sonar and Rear Cross Traffic
Auto Brake are meant to help reduce damage from collisions with
walls and other stationary objects, as well as with vehicles
approaching from the rear. Additionally, in the new LS and as a
world's first(19), braking support is provided to help prevent
accidents involving pedestrians behind the vehicle. In this new
feature, a rear camera is used to detect pedestrians, and, in the
case of a possible collision, alerts are issued and the brakes are
controlled to help minimize damage.
- Panoramic View Monitor (with side clearance view and cornering
view functions)(20)
Side clearance view and cornering view functions have been added to
the Panoramic View Monitor, which supports periphery safety checks.
Side clearance view produces an image on the LS' ultra-wide
12.3-inch display of the area in front of the car as if it were
seen from an elevated point at the rear of the car, helping the
driver confirm safety on the sides of the vehicle when passing by
another vehicle on a narrow road or when moving toward the shoulder
of the road to allow passage. When side clearance view is in
operation, cornering view automatically produces an image of the
vehicle as viewed from the rear at an angle in line with driving
operation during cornering. These assist in confirming safety when
making left or right turns on narrow roads and in preventing the
driving up onto curbs when departing the roadway.
- Digital Rear-View Mirror(21)
The Digital Rear-View Mirror, which shows the image captured by a
rear camera on a display in the rear-view mirror, was developed as
a driving support device. Operation of a lever switches the display
between optical mirror mode and digital mirror mode. In addition to
making rear safety checks possible by producing an image without
objects that obstruct the view, such as the heads of rear-seat
passengers, etc., it contributes to helping maintain visibility at
night, as well as when the rear-window sunshade is in use, and to
protecting the privacy of rear-seat passengers.
(1) The LS 500 is scheduled to start sales on December 18.
(2) Manufacturer's suggested retail price, excluding recycling
fees
(3) Styling that features three windows on each side of a vehicle
for a total of six side windows
(4) Art Wood (Organic) is optional on the "EXECUTIVE", "version L",
and "I package" grades; Art Wood (Herringbone) is optional on the
"EXECUTIVE" and "version L" grades.
(5) Optional on "EXECUTIVE" grade
(6) Standard on 2WD versions
(7) Standard on 2WD version of LS 500 "F SPORT"
(8) Front: 245/45 RF20; rear: 275/40 RF20
(9) Standard on "EXECUTIVE" grade (front/rear) and "version L"
grade (front)
(10) Standard on "EXECUTIVE" grade
(11) Standard on "EXECUTIVE", "version L" and "F SPORT" grades
(12) Standard on rear left seat on "EXECUTIVE" grade; 16-way
adjustable power seat without footrest standard for rear right
seat
(13) Standard on "EXECUTIVE" and "version L" grades
(14) Standard on "EXECUTIVE" grade; optional on standard
specifications of "version L", "F SPORT" and "I package" grades
(15) Standard on standard specification vehicles
(16) The concept of integrating a vehicle's individual safety
technologies and systems to provide a more-advanced level of
support to drivers in all driving situations
(17) Standard on "EXECUTIVE", "version L", "F SPORT" and "I
package" grades
(18) Road conditions, operational status and weather can lead to
system non-activation.
(19) As of October 2017 (according to Lexus survey)
(20) Three-dimensional objects such as people and obstacles can
appear differently than their actual state. Vehicle operation
should be done in coordination with direct confirmation of vehicle
peripheral safety and without overreliance on images shown on the
display monitor.
(21) Standard on "EXECUTIVE" and "version L" grades; optional on "F
SPORT" and "I package" grades
About LEXUS
Since its debut in 1989, Lexus has earned a worldwide reputation
for high-quality products and exemplary customer service. Lexus is
the hybrid leader among luxury brands, offering hybrids that
provide the best in innovative technology and premier luxury. The
evolution of Lexus is reflected in the progressive designs of its
new vehicles. The grille, dynamic light treatments, and sculptured
lines create a distinctive look of luxury for Lexus. For more
information, please visit www.lexus-int.com and
www.lexus-int.com/news/.
Source: LEXUS
Contact:
Public Affairs Division
Global Communications Department
Toyota Motor Corporation
Tel: +81-3-3817-9926
Copyright 2017 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
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