The Lexus LF-30 Electrified concept has made its debut at the Tokyo motor show ahead of the scheduled unveiling of the marque’s first fully electric production vehicle next month.
Named in celebration of the brand’s 30th anniversary, the LF-30 Electrified concept features a bonnet-less shape, signature Lexus ‘spindle’ form, window glass seeming to stretch from front to rear, muscular fenders and wing-shaped headlights.
Cleverly, the opacity of the side windows can be adjusted as desired. Lexus has featured a ‘voltaic sky’ hue for the exterior with hints of blue-green.
Inside, the cockpit has been based on the new Tazuna concept, which is Japanese for ‘reins’. A variety of features flood the cabin, including gesture control and augmented reality, with controls in easy reach.
Those in the rear pews are treated to seats with artificial muscle technology which can support various modes including reclining, relaxation and alert functions.
Occupants also benefit from the Mark Levinson audio system with headrest speakers which enable a noise-cancelling feature that contributes to enhanced quietness.
Another highlight is the glass roof above the rear seats which operates via voice control as well as a gesture-controlled ‘SkyGate’ display window which uses augmented reality.
Driving the LF-30 is a collection of in-wheel electric motors at each corner. Combined they provide 400kW of power and 700Nm of torque. Lexus claims the 0-100km/h sprint takes 3.8 seconds.
The battery has been positioned low to aid the dynamics. It can also be charged wirelessly with the AI-based energy management system working to enable optimal distribution of the electric power. A 500km cruising distance is quoted with a 110kW/h battery capacity.
The LF-30 also features the Lexus advanced posture control technology which regulates the electric motors to adjust the vehicle posture. It allows completely independent control of the front and rear wheels to deliver front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive, depending on the driving situation.
Lexus claims the technology “enables integrated control of the powertrain, steering, suspension and brakes to provide the ideal vehicle posture in each situation”.
Another feature of the concept is the steer-by-wire system which eliminates a mechanical connection to allow more flexible turning control depending on driving conditions.
The onboard AI is also able to distinguish between occupants based on their voice and uses personalised information stored on the driver's control key to adjust 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.
A ‘Lexus Airporter’ drone-technology support vehicle is also carried in the LF-30 which, via autonomous control, can undertake various tasks independently such as transporting baggage from a household doorstep to the vehicle's luggage area.
There is also a self-parking system and a front-door pick-up where the LF-30 electrified autonomously moves from driveway to doorstep.
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