Upcoming Lexus LS to feature artificial intelligence

The Lexus LS made its debut in 1989 and has since occupied the flagship sedan position for the brand. Incorporating high levels of comfort and technology, the LS is a strong contender within its segment with high levels of luxury vehicle refinement featuring on subsequent models.

The current and sixth-generation continue to employ technological and refinement equipment which falls in line with the brand’s Lexus Driving Signature initiative while the next model will see even more improvement.  The new LS is set to feature Lexus Teammate which takes form as a variety of advanced driving assistance technologies. Lexus has continued to build on existing technologies in the current model but also incorporates Artificial Intelligence (AI)  technologies which will utilize deep learning in order to predict and respond to various driving situations.

The Lexus Teammate driving assist which incorporates AI technology aims to improve on the overall high-quality driving experience expected of a brand flagship such as the LS. The affected area includes the newly developed Adaptive Variable Suspension for greater comfort, increased battery-assisted acceleration in the LS 500h and improved initial torque on LS petrol variants. Furthermore, the technology will provide for improved shift timing and a wider acceleration range for each gear for less-frequent downshifts coupled to Active Noise Control and Engine Sound Enhancement tuning for improved quietness.

Drivers will also benefit from improved lane-keeping and vehicle-to-vehicle distance capabilities from the adaptive cruise control. The Lexus Teammate system also improves changing lanes and overtaking during commutes on national routes and dual carriage routes.

The exterior will be available in the Gin-ei Luster colour which is a completely new paint technology placing emphasis on highlights and shadows on the vehicle body. The interior also sees the addition of touchscreen technology for improved operability and higher levels of finish by utilizing metal leaf decoration and Nishijin brocade in traditional Japanese craft.

“In pursuing high-quality driving performance, which is the starting point of the LS, Lexus thoroughly addressed every detail of the components and control systems related to driving performance, including quietness and ride comfort, ranging, for example, from the internal structure of the tyres to the feel experienced when sitting in the seats and the acceleration response in daily driving,” Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Toyota South Africa Motors Marketing and Lexus Sales.

Lexus plans to extend on the engine line-up featured in the current LS 500 and F-Sport derivatives which encompass a 3.5-litre petrol V6 motor producing 310 kW and 600 N.m of torque. The new Lexus Teammate system will be available on LS models in Japan initially with a variety of specifications adopted for international markets at a later stage. The new LS will make its first appearance in Japan later this year and South Africa can expect the model to arrive early in 2021 with pricing revealed closer to the time.