Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, unveiled the ‘LF-30 Electrified’ electric concept car at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show 2019. It is part of Lexus’s vision for an upcoming generation of electrified vehicles called the ‘Lexus Electrified’.

Lexus Electrified 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. Lexus is developing new advanced posture control and other electrification technologies to further evolve driving pleasure and to fundamentally transform the essence of luxury vehicles of the future. Towards this end, Lexus is drawing on the lessons learned developing the core technologies found in Lexus' popular range of gasoline-electric hybrids, including battery management, power control modules, and electric motors. In particular, the technology of Lexus Electrified enables integrated control of powertrain, steering, suspension, and brakes, realising the ultimate potential of the motor control technology cultivated in hybrid vehicles. Lexus claims that with this technology, it can control the driving force to provide ideal vehicle posture according to each driving situation. Lexus endeavours to continue providing enjoyable and safer driving vehicles.

First BEV in November 2019
Lexus plans to unveil its first BEV in November 2019.  Lexus plans to expand its electrified vehicle lineup with the launch of its first Lexus PHEV and a new dedicated BEV platform early in the coming decade. By 2025, Lexus aims to electrify all its vehicle models and expect the sales of its electrified vehicle models to outpace those of conventional internal combustion engine vehicle models.

Lexus has announced that the LF-30 Electrified employs numerous advanced technologies with a look ahead to the year 2030- such as a new-concept cockpit based on human-centred design philosophy and a steer-by-wire system.

Designed for the future
Speaking of the design, 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 color of the front face of the vehicle and luminescence patterns help identify from the outside whether the vehicle is being operated in its normal mode or in its autonomous driving mode, reflecting Lexus' pursuit of both a high level of styling and functionality. The exterior color 'voltaic sky' employs a leading-edge metal-infused coating to achieve a unique quality tinted by a touch of blue-green.

The cockpit was designed based on the new Lexus concept of ‘Tazuna’. According to Lexus, 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 Electrified employs next-generation interfaces, such as gesture control and enhanced presentation of vehicle information through AR (augmented reality).  The rear seats use artificial muscle technology to mould to their occupant and can support various modes such as reclining, relaxation, and alert functions. Lexus’s ‘Advanced Posture Control technology’, will be seen in its lineup of electrified vehicles.

To further simplify matters for the BEV owner, the LF-30 Electrified supports wireless charging technology and AI-based energy management to enable optimal distribution of electric power to both the vehicle and the home, and charging control coordinated with the user's daily schedule.

Onboard AI distinguishes the voices of vehicle occupants, and uses personalized information stored on the driver's control key to serve as a partner. It facilitates the adjustment of elements of the interior environment, such as air temperature and audio, and the setting of navigation routes and destinations, while also making proposals for activities after arrival. It also understands the driver's preferences and helps them control the suspension and powertrain settings in real-time according to the driving scene.

The LF-30 Electrified 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. Furthermore, a self-parking function and a front-door pickup function in which the LF-30 Electrified autonomously moves from driveway to doorstep

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