Lexus innovations that have changed the automotive world
When Lexus premiered in the automotive landscape in 1990, the then-unknown Japanese car marker slammed a sledgehammer against established German marques. For the first time, buyers were given something they never had before: A car that would combine refined levels of luxury and brisk performance with unsurpassed reliability and customer-oriented service.
A quarter of century has passed since Lexus rolled out its first model, the LS400. In honour of 25 years Lexus has dedicated themselves to the pursuit of perfection, here we celebrate 25 innovative technologies that were world-first features.
A quarter of century has passed since Lexus rolled out its first model, the LS400. In honour of 25 years Lexus has dedicated themselves to the pursuit of perfection, here we celebrate 25 innovative technologies that were world-first features.
1. Full hybrid V8 powertrain
The Lexus LS 600h was the world’s first full hybrid V8 at launch in 2007.
2. Climate Concierge system
The Climate Concierge system fitted to the current-generation LS 600h is a world-first climate control technology. It uses infra-red sensors to monitor the facial temperature of everyone on board and adjusts the temperature of each zone accordingly.
3. Satellite navigation system as standard
The European-specification LS 400 of 1998 was the first car in the world to have satellite navigation fitted as standard.
4. Torque-Vectoring Differential
The Lexus RC F is the first front engine/rear-wheel drive sports car to feature a Torque-Vectoring Differential. It uses a series of multi-plate clutches to distribute torque between the rear wheels.
5. Clari-Fi™ premium sound system
The Lexus NX 300h Premier marries a Mark Levinson Premium sound system with Clari-Fi™ – a technology that analyses and improves the audio quality of all types of compressed, digital music sources.
6. Rear-wheel drive luxury hybrid vehicle
Lexus engineered the world’s first mass-produced rear-wheel drive luxury hybrid vehicle, the GS 450h in 2007.
7. Eight-speed automatic transmission
The 2006 Lexus LS 460 debuted the world’s first eight-speed automatic transmission.
8. Dedicated hybrid powertrain manufacturing plant
The Lexus Kokura plant in Japan is the world’s first and only dedicated hybrid manufacturing facility. The assembly line has a positive air pressure system to prevent airborne particles from contaminating any of the hybrid powertrain components.
9. Twin-chamber front passenger airbag
In 2005, the second-generation Lexus IS became the first car in the world to be fitted with a twin-chamber front passenger airbag, designed to deliver greater protection to the neck and shoulders in an impact.
10. Switchable air suspension
Switchable air suspension debuted on the 2000 model year Lexus LS 430. The system maintains vehicle ride height at a specified level regardless of the number of passengers or load level. It can be raised by 20mm for uneven roads and is automatically lowered at high speeds to improve aerodynamics.
