With positive response to the concept model of a convertible version of the Lexus LC 500 shown at the North American International Auto Show in January this year, Lexus decided to go ahead and make a production version. 10 months later, the new LC 500 Convertible has its global debut at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show. Sales will commence in selected markets from mid-2020.
Unveiled in stunning Morphic Blue – to be produced as a 300-unit limited-edition from launch – the LC 500 convertible artfully harnesses the coupe’s sleek contours and sleek proportions while further leveraging the LC design. Incidentally, this is only the third production convertible in the 30-year history of the brand.
The compact roof design allows the bootlid of the convertible to be lifted and widened to further emphasise the low and broad stance, while retaining the coupe’s flowing roofline and strong aerodynamic performance.
High-quality fabric roof design
Excellent packaging ensures the LC 500 convertible body is just 10 mm longer (4.76 metres) and 5 mm taller than the coupe, with a retained 4-seat capacity and near-identical luggage space. Carefully selected roof fabric ensures optimal tension and no wrinkling, without the supporting frame visible through the fabric.
The roof design is enhanced by Lexus’ signature attention to detail, confirming excellent thermal properties, superb refinement and effortless retraction in just 15 seconds while travelling at up to 50 km/h. The automatic folding mechanism stores the roof under an integrated tonneau cover when lowered, melding elegantly with the LC’s beltline that kicks up at the end of the doors to provide a tight and clean wrap-around appearance.
The beautifully crafted and indulgently specified interior is enhanced by exclusive door handles and ‘L’ embossed headrests with neck heaters inside the LC 500 convertible – supporting the leading comfort and luxury that is the Lexus DNA.
Focus on aerodynamics and quietness
A focus on aerodynamics around the beltline and rear mold design creates a space to feel the excitement of open-air driving without hindering conversation in the car. In combination with a transparent polycarbonate wind deflector, wind flow inside the car is suppressed and impressive quietness achieved, it is claimed. Likewise, the audio system can adapt its performance to deliver the best sound quality depending on whether the roof is open or closed.
In colder climates, the Lexus Climate Concierge will maintain a comfortable environment within the seating area, taking into consideration whether the top is up or down. The appropriate adjustments will be made to the air conditioning, seat heaters, neck heaters and even steering wheel heater.
Active Noise Control (ANC), combined with sound insulation and absorption techniques, supresses unwanted noises and unpleasant frequencies while emphasising the soundtrack of the 477 ps/540 Nm Lexus 5-litre V8 petrol engine (with a DirectShift-10 automatic transmission). A sound generator transmits sensual engine intake sound through the dash panel, while an exhaust valve further enhances the sound of the high output.
With the fabric roof and open top, additional safety provisions must be incorporated to protect the occupants in the event of a roll-over. Besides the strong structure around the windscreen and taller side airbags, there are also struts which will extend if the car turns upside down.
Rigidity level equal to coupe
A newly designed body structure also achieves a rigidity level equal to the coupe. For maximum strength and reduced weight, the front bow structure of the roof frame is produced in magnesium alloy. A strategically placed and shaped rear suspension tower brace is composed of lightweight die-cast aluminium to minimise added weight, and a Performance Damper is adopted for high-quality ride comfort.
Exploiting the advantages of the GA-L front-and-rear multi-link rear-wheel drive platform, the LC 500 convertible features new Active Cornering Assist and active roll-bar technologies to further enhance the driving experience. A 52:48 weight distribution also shifts slightly rearward compared with the coupe.
Since Lexus was created in 1989 as Toyota’s luxury brand, it has usually been used as a technological showcase, introducing new technologies that in later years trickle down to Toyota models (Optitron meters are on example). It has enjoyed autonomy to choose its direction and product portfolio, coming out with successes like the RX which was a game-changer when it appeared in 1997. And while the Toyota brand steadily gravitated towards electrification, Lexus stuck with big internal combustion engines that still had demand from its upper strata customers.
This is not to say Lexus has not been supporting hybrids; since the launch of the RX 400h in 2005, the brand has been among the pioneers in electrification technologies, examples being the two-stage reduction gear and the multi-stage hybrid system.
Like most global brands that want to continue their business into the next decade, Lexus now has to prepare for electrification on a bigger scale, as the ‘big picture’ for the Toyota Group dictates. At the same time, its upcoming generation of electrified vehicles must offer the brand experiences that have been part of the reason for its continuing success.
LF-30 – Lexus Electrified Vision in 3-dimensional form
The Lexus LF-30 Electrified concept unveiled at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show targets a fundamental leap in vehicle performance, handling, control and driver enjoyment – even as mobility within our society continues to change with autonomous driving and vehicle electrification.
Presenting the vision in 3-dimensional form as the LF-30 concept, the technology of Lexus Electrified enables integrated control of powertrain, steering, suspension, and brakes, realizing the ultimate potential of the motor control technology cultivated in hybrid vehicles. With this technology, it is claimed that it will be possible to control the driving force to provide ideal vehicle posture according to each driving situation, enhancing safety and driving pleasure.
Lexus Advanced Posture Control technology regulates the drive-power output from high-torque electric motors to adjust vehicle posture in tune with human sensibilities. Completely independent control of front and rear drive wheels allows appropriate provision of front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive, depending on the driving situation.
Compact and lightweight drive-power units expand freedom in vehicle packaging and are used to enable the driver to enjoy ideal driving, regardless of the road surface or driving conditions. As a core element of Lexus Electrified, Lexus intends to widely apply this technology throughout its line-up of electrified vehicles.
New design freedom with a BEV
In taking up the challenge of expressing a new design that could only be achieved with a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) powered by in-wheel electric motors, Lexus visually articulated the LF-30’s unique energy flow. The car’s form is meant to visually express the energy created by the wheels set at the corners of the bodywork streaming toward the vehicle cabin and past the driver to directly flow onto the road surface. ‘Voltaic Sky’, the colour of the exterior, employs a leading-edge metal-infused coating to achieve a unique quality tinted by a touch of blue-green.
Taking advantage of a shape that has no defined bonnet – made possible by being a BEV – Lexus’ designers further evolved the signature spindle form to span the entire vehicle architecture. The window glass, which continually stretches from the front to rear, the muscular fenders, and the wing-shaped headlights now form the contours of the Lexus iconic spindle.
The shape of the body is fashioned with an elegantly flowing front which transitions into a linear and sharp rear. In addition to the wing-shaped headlights, the sharpness of the rear lights and side air intakes combine to achieve both excellent aerodynamics and cooling performance, resulting in styling fused with function.
The opacity of the side windows can be freely adjusted, providing occupants with expansive views of the surrounding scenery and a high level of privacy at night and in other situations. The colour of the front face of the car and luminescence patterns help identify from the outside whether it is being operated in its normal mode or in its autonomous driving mode, reflecting the brand’s pursuit of both a high level of styling and functionality.
Tazuna – new Lexus concept
Adhering to Lexus’ fundamental human-centered philosophy, the cockpit was designed based on the new Lexus concept of ‘Tazuna’. Inspired by how a single rein can be used to achieve mutual understanding between horse and rider, the steering controller-mounted switches and head-up display have been coordinated to a high degree, creating a space that enables the driver to focus on driving while controlling various functions, such as the navigation and audio system and driving-mode selection, without having to shift one’s vision or operate manual switches.
As an indication of the future image of a Tazuna cockpit, the LF-30 employs next-generation interfaces, such as gesture control and enhanced presentation of vehicle information through AR (augmented reality). With the layout of the front passenger seat echoing that of a first-class seat on an airliner, the interior is one in which a sense of openness and a sense of envelopment coexist.
The rear seats use artificial muscle technology to mold to their occupant, and can support various modes such as reclining, relaxation, and alert functions. A Mark Levinson audio system creates a next-generation listening environment, in which minute speaker control establishes ideal acoustic spaces for music listening pleasure for the driver and each passenger, and speakers built into the headrests not only provide an optimal audio environment but also have a noise-cancelling feature that contributes to enhanced quietness.
A glass roof above the rear seats features voice control and a gesture-controlled ‘SkyGate’ display window that uses AR to display various types of information, such as a realistic star-filled sky, user-favourite videos, and even navigation.
Sustainable materials
In addition to its unique design, the interior also indicates the direction of next-generation luxury by using sustainable materials to reduce environmental burden. Yakisugi (charred cedar), a traditional Japanese material, is used in the floor and steering controller while recycled metal was processed into fibres for use in creating the pleated door trim. This approach expresses Lexus’ distinctiveness and innovative spirit.
Based on the latest autonomous driving technology concept of ‘Lexus Teammate’, the LF-30 features advanced driving support functions in the form of a Chauffeur mode and a Guardian mode. Occupants can enjoy both comfort and peace of mind during autonomous driving with advanced posture control technology being employed. Furthermore, a self-parking function and a front-door pick-up function in which the LF-30 autonomously moves from driveway to doorstep will provide an especially high level of convenience.
The LF-30 also carries the ‘Lexus Airporter’ drone-technology support vehicle. Using autonomous control, the Lexus Airporter is capable of such tasks as independently transporting baggage from a household doorstep to the vehicle’s luggage area.
Specifications of the LF-30 concept
First production Lexus BEV next month
While we won’t see a model looking like the LF-30 in Lexus showrooms anytime soon, we will see the first BEV with a Lexus badge having its global debut next month. It’s not known if this will be adapted from a current model (like how Volvo has done with its XC-40 Recharge) or something entirely new. But it is confirmed that the first Lexus PHEV with a new dedicated BEV platform will be launched in the early part of the next decade.
By 2025, Lexus will have electrified versions of all its models, with the aim for sales of electrified models being higher than those of conventional internal combustion engine models.
Visit www.lexus.com.my to know more about Lexus models you can buy in Malaysia today.
The long awaited 2019 Lexus ES & RX have been officially launched here in Malaysia. After previewing some of their very fine models late last year at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 (KLIMS 2018), the new Lexus models are finally available for purchase. (more…)
Lexus has launched their latest 2020 Lexus LC Limited Edition with a more ‘refined and matured’ look for the performance-oriented coupe. To those who are looking for a new layer of sophistication in their lives should consider this beauty with its new exterior shade and interior colour combination. (more…)
While the country’s top fashion models prepare to strut their stuff under the spotlights during KL Fashion Week (KLFW), Lexus will also be present at the same event with its own models.
As the KLFW’s official car sponsor, Lexus will showcase some of its distinctive models at Pavilion KL, the venue. The models will include the Lexus NX, ES and LC500.
“Lexus has long shared a close identity with international fashion. The luxurious designs, attention to detail, superior craftsmanship and an appreciation for definitude are just some of the core values that both the audience at the KL Fashion Week and Lexus customers can closely identify with,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of Lexus Malaysia.
LC500 will be on display at KLFW venue
Brand aligned with cutting edge design
As a leading luxury brand that is closely aligned with cutting-edge design and superior craftsmanship, Lexus is keenly aware that innovative and captivating designs play a key role in engaging the soul.
As part of the brand’s efforts to further the love of arts and in support of the Malaysian doodle art community, the Lexus NX on display at the Bukit Bintang entrance to Pavilion KL will be part of an installation as it will feature a wrap of the winning Doodict design from over 80 entries of a local doodle art competition.
Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of Lexus Malaysia (left) with Mohd Amin bin Hadarih, winner of the doodle contest, and Andrew Tan, Founder of KL Fashion Week.
Lexus Malaysia has been actively celebrating doodle art as a growing art form and has been collaborating strongly with the Malaysian doodle art community as a means of embracing this diverse pool of creativity and to inspire new talent who will further this creative lifestyle.
Lexus brand story videos
Another insightful collaboration that will feature during this year’s KLFW, which starts on August 21, will be with fashion icon Alia Bastamam. Through a series of videos produced with Lexus, Alia shares her fears, her inspirations and how her story closely relates to the three pillars of the Lexus brand story: Anticipate, Innovate and Captivate.
Lexus LS500 flagship will be providing transport for VIPs during the event which starts on August 21
Keeping KLFW’s guests fashionable, Lexus Malaysia will ensure its VIP guests arrive in style using the fleet of courtesy transportation vehicles that include the Lexus NX F-SPORT and LS500 flagship.
“Whether it is in a car or high fashion, the appeal of great design can never be underestimated. A wonderful piece of art, captivating blend of colours or innovative use of fabrics are all able to bring about an imaginative emotion that is capable of transporting us beyond the ordinary,” added President of Lexus Malaysia, Ravindran K.
Lexus has marked another significant advance in automotive lighting technology with the introduction of a BladeScan-type adaptive headlight system, a world-first. To be offered on coming models starting with the new RX, BladeScan gives both an extended field of forward illumination and more accurate lighting control to support safer driving at night and in poor weather.
The current RX already benefits from automatic or adaptive high-beam LED lighting as part of the Lexus Safety System+ package of active safety features, to maximise headlight illumination without the risk of dazzling other road users.
BladeScan goes further by providing more precise photometric control of the area of illumination in front of the car, with accuracy to within 0.7 degrees compared to around 1.7 degrees for the current technology. This means it can light up areas that would be difficult to see with a conventional high-beam system, such as the road margins, and give earlier illumination of road signs and pedestrians.
Longer range for pedestrian recognition
With BladeScan, pedestrian recognition at night has been improved to 56 metres in front of the RX, compared to 32 metres with the current system. This obviously makes night driving much safer as the driver will also be able to spot pedestrians from a greater distance and drive carefully.
While other manufacturers have increased the number of LEDs in their headlight systems to improve lighting resolution, Lexus’s system uses a more cost-effective array of LEDs. These are contained in a compact module located in the front corner of each headlamp, alongside the familiar triple-eye light arrangement.
Rather than shining light forwards, the LEDs in each BladeScan module cast light diagonally across two blade-shaped mirrors that rotate at high speed. The precise synchronisation of the mirror rotation and the switching on and off of the LEDs creates the shading effect; the light is then reflected into a lens which casts the beam on to the road ahead, without the risk of dazzling oncoming traffic or drivers of vehicles ahead.
The new system is another example of the brand’s reputation for technical innovation. It was the to introduce LED headlights on its LS flagship model in 2007, and the first to produce adaptive high-beam headlights, again initially for the LS, in 2012.
Visit www.lexus.com.my to know more about Lexus models available in Malaysia
Concept vehicles are built by carmakers for various purposes; some are intended to test certain styling ideas while others are a preview of a production model that is just around the corner. Sometimes, especially if targeting owners who are enthusiasts, a concept vehicle may show what more can be done or added to make a model more visually exciting or more capable.
Capable SUV made more capable
With the Lexus GXOR concept, Lexus worked with a company called XOverland to create a one-of-a-kind LX460 SUV that has accessories which enhance its looks and performance off-road. As it is, the LX460 is a very capable SUV since it rides on the same platform as the current Toyota land Cruiser Prado.
The customized vehicle starts off with a matte metallic gray and exclusive GXOR graphics. Incidentally, ‘GXOR’ refers to ‘GX Off Road’, which is the name of a group of owners. Lexus surprised them with this special vehicle during one of their recent events.
Accessories fitted
Some of the accessories installed include Lexus F Sport Wheels fitted with General 275/70×18 X3 tyres, Icon Vehicle Dynamics 2.5 CDC with remote reservoirs and billet control arms featuring Delta Joints, CBI Custom Stealth Winch Bumper, Frame Sliders and skidplates, Warn 9.5XPS Winch, and Maxtrax MKII Recovery Boards. All these items are available in the market for owners to install themselves.
On its part, Lexus will also have its own off-road package although, being a factory offering, it is more focused on comfort and reliability aspects rather than providing more off-road performance.
Visit www.lexus.com.my to know more about the range of SUVs available in Malaysia.
Lexus has confirmed that it will soon offer a convertible version of the LC flagship coupe. The open-top model was shown as a concept car at the North American International Auto Show in January this year to gauge its potential as a production model.
When displaying the concept model, Lexus said the design goal was to express ‘Ultimate Beauty’, and it provoked an enthusiastic response from both industry experts and the public. Like the LC itself, the concept car was honoured on its debut with a prestigious EyesOn Design Award.
In action at Goodwood Festival of Speed
The first public viewing will take place this weekend in England. Visitors to this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed will be able to see a LC convertible prototype in action when it appears on the famous hill course. Nick Cassidy, who competes for Lexus in the GT500 class of the Japan Super GT series, will be behind the wheel.
Though camouflaged, the public will be able to see that the car is long, low and lean. It will share the coupe’s athletic proportions but project its own distinct identity.
In the 30 years since the Lexus ES was launched as one of the first two models of Toyota new premium brand, over 2.3 million units have been sold worldwide. That makes it the brand’s bestselling model and its success has largely been attributed to being a standard-setter in luxury motoring with every higher levels of sophistication as each new generation was introduced.
The seventh generation continues as a benchmark in the executive sedan category, and is said to offer a new level of unparalleled refinement, performance and safety to the executive on the go.
Two variants – from RM299,888
Now available for pre-launch booking in Malaysia, the all-new ES250 will be offered in Luxury and Premium variants, priced from RM299,888 (without insurance). The former, being top of the line, has superior levels of trim and equipment such as a 10-way powered front seat, powered reclining rear seats, 3-zone climate control, heads-up display, a 12.3-inch Electro Multi-vision Display in the centre console and a panoramic view monitor.
Instantly recognisable as a Lexus by the signature spindle grille, the ES250 has a dynamic exterior design that flows distinctively from its chiselled front end to the sleek coupe-like rear. Thanks to its wider and longer chassis, there’s a more spacious cabin with class-leading rear legroom.
2.5 litres with 8-speed transmission
The powertrain consists of a new advanced 2.5-litre engine with an output of 204 ps/247 Nm. Power goes to the front wheels through a Direct-Shift 8-speed automatic transmission with Artificial Intelligence for smoother and more efficient operation.
Safety is heightened with this new generation with the introduction of the Lexus Safety System + (LSS+). This sophisticated electronic driver assistance system incorporates the latest Lexus safety technology aimed at reducing the occurrence and effects of traffic accidents.
Active Safety systems such as Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert, Pre-Collision System and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go Function are standard in both variants. With its 3 Bi-Beam LED headlights, the Luxury version has the added feature of Adaptive High Beam System that channels the appropriate amount of light to darker areas of the road without blinding drivers in oncoming vehicles.
Visit www.lexus.com.myfor more information or to locate a Lexus Centre in Malaysia.
Lexus Malaysia recently announced that the updated 2019 Lexus NX300 is already open for booking and to further highlights its new features, a drive to Port Dickson was organised for the members of media. In short? We love it to bits and if money is not an issue, you should highly consider what this beauty has to offer. (more…)
