Lexus Concept adopts LS+ Artificial Intelligence from 2020

Lexus, the independent luxury brand in the Toyota stable, used the world premiere of the LS+ Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show in Japan to announce a range of automated driving technologies, including server-connected Artificial Intelligence, which it said will be ready by 2020.

Lexus’ enticing concept for its flagship LS sedan features automated driving technologies that enable it to drive by itself on specific car-only highways such as the stretches between on and off ramps.

As a vision for the near future, the LS+ Concept fully automates nearly all driving operations including merging into highway traffic, lane keeping, speed adjustment, lane changes, overtaking and maintaining vehicle-to-vehicle distance.

A high level of automated driving is made possible through Artificial Intelligence that learns from big data, including information on roads and surrounding areas. The LS+ Concept can communicate with a data centre to update software, allowing new functions to be added.

At the launch Lexus said these technologies improve highway safety, reduce driver fatigue and lower the amount of traffic congestion through appropriate recognition, judgement and execution by on-board systems in response to traffic conditions.

According to Lexus, their stated goal is to eliminate traffic casualties so that all people can enjoy safe and smooth mobility and the fun of driving. This points to the future image of the LS flagship sedan and indicates the direction of the next-generation Lexus based on the L-finesse design philosophy.

Marginally longer, wider and lower than the upcoming LS 500 production car, the LS+ Concept features a boldly evolved spindle grille with a large shutter that contributes to both improved cooling and enhanced aerodynamic performance.

The concept sedan is bolstered through advances such as partly laser-lit headlamps and rear combination lamps. All-round vision is enhanced by electronic side mirrors.

In the LS sedan, Lexus has been actively introducing automated driving technologies based on its Integrated Safety Management Concept, integrating a vehicle’s individual safety technologies and systems to provide a more advanced level of support to drivers in all driving situations.