While automakers pursue electrification as the next phase in mobility, there are concerns that the shift away from pure combustion engines will also take away driving enjoyment. For Lexus, there is nothing to fear from an electrified future.
Lexus is taking the electrified route as an opportunity to reinforce driving enjoyment in its vehicles
The Japanese luxury automaker cites its engineers on what it takes to make a Lexus special and fun to drive: a vehicle that responds to the driver’s intentions, at the very least. For them, instantaneous feedback through the steering wheel and pedals, combined with exceptional power delivery, is what makes a vehicle worth the time spent in the driver’s seat.
These form the core of what the company calls the Lexus Driving Signature. Lexus says the goal is to amplify confidence, comfort, and overall love of driving through the faithful execution of driver intentions.
Every vehicle must meet the standards set by the chiefs at both Lexus and Toyota
For each Lexus model, the Chief Engineer is responsible for realizing this objective. The position will serve to guide the development teams towards the standards set forth by both Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda and Lexus International President & Chief Branding Officer Koji Sato.
The facility where Lexus vehicles will be put through their paces is equally important, and this is where the Shimoyama Technical Center Test Track comes in. It simulates the toughest and most challenging roads in the world, with severe vertical changes demanding only the best when it comes to suspension damping, stability, and handling.
Toyota's Shimoyama Test Track simulates some of the world's most challenging roads
But performance is just half of the equation. In order for drivers to be confident in making the most out of a Lexus, there has to be a guarantee of protection at every turn. Lexus has that covered with the inclusion of Lexus Safety Sense (LSS), a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies.
These include features such as a Pre-Collision System, Adaptive High Beam System, Lane Tracing Assist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, on top of the already formidable safety features included in every new Lexus.
The RX 450e is the first dedicated electric vehicle from Lexus
Moreover, the automaker has revealed its core Lexus Electrified technology to follow through on the vision demonstrated by the LF-30 concept car. High-torque electric motors on each wheel allow for switching between front-, rear-, and all-wheel-drivetrains. Lexus already has a foot in the door with the launch of the RX 450e electric crossover as its first dedicated electric model.
Lexus believes that the evolution of driving enjoyment will not be lost in an electrified future, as it continues to refine its products and technologies that bring out the best driver in everyone who takes the wheel.
See how automakers are adapting to the future of mobility at Philkotse.com.