TOKYO MOTOR SHOW 2019
LUXURY car maker Lexus has unveiled a new concept car that comes with its own valet.
It’s a car that comes with its own dronelike valet to carry your luggage or bring in the shopping. And it has a glass roof that can project an image of a starfilled sky at night, screen videos or provide navigation assistance.
Luxury car maker Lexus used the 46th Tokyo Motor Show to unveil its vision of future motoring and made quite an impact. The LF30 electric car is only a concept at this stage, but it points to the near future for the company which is planning to expand is offering of alternativelypowered vehicles.
Lexus intends to ‘‘broaden its response to the needs of various regions around the world’’ through the development of electric vehicles using hybrid, plugin hybrid, battery and fuelcell technologies. By 2025, it will have electrified versions available for all models as it aims for sales of electrified models to outpace those of conventional petrol engine cars.
A key driving feature of the LF30 is the four inwheel motors that can provide for rapid acceleration and a top speed of 200kmh. They allow for precise electric motor control providing instantaneous adjustments to how the vehicle performs and handles, something Lexus calls ‘‘posture control’’.
The system is also designed to be adaptive, adjusting to the skills and preferences of an individual driver. The driver’s cockpit features a gesture control screen while the rearseats mould to fit the body shape of the passengers.
The LF30 also uses artificial intelligence to distinguish the voices of its passengers to provide personalised information stored onboard and adjusts elements of the interior environment, such as air temperature, audio settings, favourite navigation routes and can even make proposals for activities after arrival. And once the driving is over, the car deploys the Lexus Airporter drone support vehicle.
The Airporter allows its owners to escape those mundane chores, such as carrying the bags, bringing autonomous motoring to the doorstep.