Lexus Owners Club

Lexus designers enjoy the freedom of developing new colours for their cars, working from scratch in a process that can take up to two years to complete. An occasion such as the launch of the 2021 LC Coupe is the ideal opportunity to showcase a new colour, in this case Blazing Carnelian Blazing Carnelian has been created as an emotional colour that evokes the agile driving performance of the latest edition of the flagship coupe. With its high colour saturation and brilliance, it is unlike anything seen before on a Lexus. Its visual quality is achieved thanks to the application of multiple layers, each of which contributes to the ultimate effect, including two different high saturation base coats and an additional mica base. Its impact is heightened by being offered in combination with an equally striking colour-way for the interior. Manhattan Orange is a rich new tone for the LC’s cabin, inspired by the famous Manhattan Henge – a brilliant natural light effect that occurs twice a year when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the New York district’s famous grid pattern of streets. Used for the headlining, door panels and seat upholstery accents, it creates an exclusive and avant garde feeling. It joins a Lexus palette of 30 different shades featured across its model ranges. The collection already includes the striking Naples Yellow, produced for the LC 500h, and advanced metallic finishes, such as Sonic Silver and Sonic Titanium. Paint craftsmanship There are no shortcuts to creating a new Lexus colour: a designer will make their choice only after assessing hundreds of different samples. “When developing a new colour, I see so many shades of paint that sometimes I can’t see straight at the end of the day,” said Megumi Suzuki, one of Lexus’s most experienced colour designers, who brings an essential grasp of chromogenics and a keen eye to her job. “Every time I meet someone, or walk into a shop, or go into someone’s house, I check out the colours and materials. There are many people like me in our division,” she said. There is still much to do once a colour has been chosen. Suzuki enlists the help of a small army of experts at different stages in the development process: lab technicians who mix the paint; clay sculptors; engineers; and the assembly line paint shop crew who give each LC a flawless, uniform finish. Kansai Paint, one of Lexus’s paint suppliers, produces a new batch every few weeks and the designers scrutinise the samples, bending the test panels to mimic the contours of a car’s bodywork. All are examined in different lighting environments, indoors and out, at different times of day and months of the year. Final colour selection is no easy task, either. A colour that is dazzling on a summer morning can appear sickly in the shade or under showroom lights. Designers also have to deal with the vagaries of their own colour preferences. “The odd thing about colour is that your perception of it can change depending on the season, how you feel that day, and the trends you’re seeing,” said Suzuki. To view the full image gallery, click here

The powerful sound produced by the engine and exhaust is a key part of the driving experience in the new Lexus LC Convertible. Great aural quality was an important goal for the car’s development team, and one that required precise engineering techniques to achieve The ultra-exclusive LFA supercar marks the origin of Lexus’s focus on the importance of the engine sound and the specialists who worked on its V10 power unit identified the separate qualities that come together to create the ideal sound “atmosphere”. Where the LC Convertible is concerned, the power of the V8 engine’s note had to be balanced by a level of cabin quietness that overturns preconceptions about driving in a convertible – an equation Lexus calls a “harmony of opposites.” To achieve the right effect, the sound of the engine changes in line with the rise and fall in rpm, becoming more powerful and urgent in tune with the driver’s use of the accelerator and the sequence of shifts through the rapid-action 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. The exhaust note, too, heightens the sensation. By contrast, in gentle cruising, the sound is subdued, so conversation is easy when the roof is down. Creating the ideal engine note A continuous, pulsating sound is characteristic of a large-capacity, naturally aspirated V8 engine like the five-litre unit which powers the LC 500 Convertible. Lexus has used acoustic technologies to combine this with spectral harmony (perfect sound intervals that are pleasing to the ear), stereophonic sound, to create a depth of sound, and formants – acoustic qualities that stir the senses and generate a feel-good factor. Active Noise Control is used to “clean” the sound frequencies experienced in the car. This emits anti-pulse sounds through the audio speakers which counteract any unwelcome low frequency booming sound from the engine and drivetrain. In the LC Coupe, noise inside the cabin is monitored by a microphone in the roof, but for the Convertible, it had to be relocated inside the driver’s headrest. Being closer to the driver’s ear means it can pick up a wider range of frequencies, but a complex algorithm had to be calculated to make sure it works accurately in any seat position. Cabin quietness Even though the LC Convertible has a soft top, Lexus wanted to secure the same kind of cabin quietness as in the LC Coupe when the roof is raised. Acoustic simulations were created to find out where dominant noises were entering the space, so that the amount and location of soundproofing and sound-absorbing material could be calculated. The storage area behind the rear seats for the folding roof presented a particular challenge as it was a route for tyre and exhaust noise to enter the cabin. There was not enough room for soundproofing material to be added, so the team looked instead at adapting the trim material itself. By allowing air to pass through the structure and using sound-absorbing material on the reverse, the entire surface of the storage space soaks up noise. As the area is visible and part of the car’s interior, it also had to look good. Lexus assessed many different materials before choosing one usually used for lining the wings around the wheels. This meets safety standards and, being applied with extra density, has just the right appearance.

May 1987 is a landmark in Lexus history, the date when the design of what was to become the brand’s first production model was given the green light The sign-off on the styling of the “F1” came even before the name “Lexus” had been agreed. But two years later the design study was ready for its public debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit as the all-new, production-ready LS 400, the first car to carry the now famous “L” badge. Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but the new LS couldn’t afford to deter customers if its lines were too radical, or too ordinary. This meant the design team kept largely to the familiar, square-ish lines of the established luxury market models of the day. At the same time, they broke new ground in producing precise, sleek and aerodynamically efficient styling – aerodynamics being a key contributor to the car’s unprecedented fuel efficiency and performance targets. Dozens of wind tunnel tests were conducted, with the cars fitted with interior microphones to detect any intrusive wind noise. The commitment to excellence also saw 14 full scale models built in a 16-month period, compared to around just six for most new cars. “Simple, clean, smart” were the watchwords for the styling, giving the LS the reassuring mass of a European car, combined seamlessly with the sleekness of a Japanese model. Equal attention was paid to the interior, with rigorous attention to craftsmanship detail in areas such as the fine leather upholstery and quality of the wood trims (24 different varieties were assessed). As well as the traditional luxury qualities customers would expect, Lexus also embraced technical innovation. For example, in creating the instrument panel, designer Michikazu Masu went against the modern trend for digital displays and instead came up with a new take on analogue dials, making each needle an individual fluorescent tube – miniature “light sabres” that illuminated before the rest of the instrumentation. The LS 400 was conceived as a global model from the outset, which required an in-depth understanding of what the concept of “luxury” meant to international customers. What did they look for in a premium car and how did it reflect their lifestyles? Lexus’s research revealed that the top priority for American customers – essential to market success – was a prestigious image; performance was considered only the fourth most important quality. This made design a top consideration and it has remained a critical element in the development of every new Lexus since. Today, Lexus has matured into an international brand that is respected as a pioneer of design innovation and creativity. Each of its vehicles has a powerful, individual identity, that combines elegance with power and contemporary design cues – not least the interpretation of the signature Lexus spindle grille. Going beyond the application of its own, distinctive L-finesse design principles, it actively supports the talents of young and emerging designers working in many different fields through initiatives such as the annual Lexus Design Award and the commissioning of original art installations at Milan Design Week. It has also looked beyond the automotive world to apply its design thinking to new projects including the high-tech Lexus hoverboard and the new LY 650 luxury sport yacht.

In May 2004, the British public had its first chance to take an up-close look at the new Lexus RX 400h, the world’s first luxury hybrid vehicle 16 years since Lexus RX unveiled in UK as the first hybrid luxury SUV Ground-breaking Lexus model set the tone for the brand’s UK growth, now with record UK sales and 99.7% powered by hybrid 475,000 RX hybrids sold worldwide since The new SUV’s debut at the British International Motor Show signalled the start of a technology revolution in which Lexus has consistently led the world’s premium market: today, hybrids account for 99.7 per cent of all its UK new car sales. The technically advanced RX 400h broke cover at a time when the global auto industry was beginning to focus more sharply on the need to improve environmental performance and do more to conserve natural resources. Lexus seized the initiative to become a leader in alternative powertrains and the RX 400h, which went on public sale in the UK from June 2005, became the first in a fast-growing series of self-charging hybrid electric models. It was an appropriate pathfinder role for the RX, which had already effectively created the luxury SUV market on its launch in 1999. Not only has Lexus’s hybrid range steadily increased, the performance of its technology has been constantly improved. Today, Lexus Hybrid Drive is in its fourth generation, achieving higher fuel and emissions and enabling much greater distances to be covered in all-electric EV mode, with zero fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions. At the same time, overall power, responsiveness and driving quality have also been taken to a higher level. Introducing his new model in 2004, Chief Engineer Osamu Sadakata highlighted how Toyota Motor Corporation was committed to becoming a leader in environmental performance, improving the performance of its conventional engines, exploring the use of alternative fuels and popularising “clean energy vehicles.” For Lexus, the aspirations of premium sector customers also had to be satisfied, which made hybrid the perfect solution with its seamless, refined and relaxing performance. “I think the use of hybrid technology will grow and spread through the market,” said Sadakata. “Currently the issue is all about how to use petrol as efficiently as possible, allied to the greater horsepower you can achieve. This is what is behind the fun-to-drive aspect of the RX 400h.” The arrival of hybrid power in the luxury car market may have been the headline, but even then, Sadakata was looking further ahead and making clear that hybrid was just the starting point. “There is another technology – the fuel cell. It’s not that we’re dividing these two technological fields, it’s merely that fuel cell technology is so complex that we see hybrid drive systems as the essential first step to its successful development,” he said. “In the end, it doesn’t matter if the power source is petrol, diesel or even hydrogen, the hybrid system serves as the most efficient way of using energy.” In fact, it was only nine years before Lexus’s sister brand Toyota delivered Mirai, the first hydrogen fuel cell saloon to reach the marketplace. One year later, Lexus presented its first fuel cell vehicle concept, the LF-FC flagship saloon, at the Geneva International Motor Show. Sixteen years on from the RX 400h’s debut, the RX remains one of Lexus’s top-selling models, in a market where SUVs are dominant, and has inspired the development of the Lexus mid-size NX and compact UX SUVs. Since launch, almost 475,000 hybrid RX models have been sold worldwide. Today’s RX range is a perfect expression of Lexus’s luxury craftsmanship and intelligent application of new technologies for higher levels of safety, comfort and on-board connectivity. Full details of the current model can be found here. This year the UX will follow the RX 400h as an innovator, becoming Lexus’s first battery electric vehicle. The new UX 300e will be launched in the UK early in 2021 (preliminary details are available here)

To help keep kids and adults entertained during the lockdown, Lexus UK has released templates to create paper models of the LF-30 Electrified concept that was revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2019 and the Lexus UX 250h compact SUV, too The LF-30 concept represents the Lexus vision for a future generation of electrified vehicles. The concept features state-of-the-art technologies including augmented reality, in-wheel electric motors, and autonomous driving. How to build your paper model You’ll need access to a colour printer, some paper glue or double-sided tape, and a pair of scissors. This activity is recommended for older children; it should take about an hour to carefully put your model together. You can download additional instructions here. First, download and print the high-resolution PDF of your chosen Lexus paper model using these links: Lexus LF-30 Electrified concept Lexus UX 250h You could print the pdf document on A3 paper, rather than A4, to make the building a little less fiddly, with a larger model at the end. Using scissors, carefully cut out the template, being especially careful not to cut off the grey tabs (these are white on the UX version). Fold and glue all of these tabs so they adhere to the underside of the adjacent panel – doing so will pull the car into the three-dimensional shape that should resemble your chosen Lexus. Using a ruler when folding will help ensure a perfectly straight folded edge. Lexus UK invites people to share images of their paper models on its social media channels: Twitter: @LexusUK Facebook: @LexusUK Instagram: @LexusUK

The people that work at Lexus factories are craftsmen and women that take pride in the standard of their work and at the top of the tree are artisans known as ‘takumi’ who pursue perfection, whether it be paintwork or welding, vehicle dynamics or interior crafting, to maintain the high standards Lexus demands of its vehicles Becoming a takumi is no easy task, candidates must have at least a quarter of a century of experience and are assessed in a number of ways, including in the art of origami (Japanese paper folding), having to create an origami cat using their non-dominant hand in under 90 seconds. With many of us spending more time inside than ever before, origami is a great way to keep our minds sharp and our hands busy, so Lexus UK has launched a competition for people to take the takumi challenge to create an origami cat, submitting an image of this to Lexus on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter by using #LexusOrigami and tagging @LexusUK by the closing date of 9:00 on 8 May. The prize for the creator of the best origami cat is exclusive use of a Lexus LC 500h for one week, to be taken post lockdown. The competition is open to anyone who has held a valid UK driving licence for at least two years. The winner has the option to nominate a driver on their behalf. Full terms and conditions can be found here: https://blog.lexus.co.uk/origami-cat-competition/ When creating the origami cat, Lexus recommends patience and that it is worth bearing in mind that when Lexus asked origami expert Mark Bolitho to take the test, he created his cat outside of the 90 second time limit: Mark Bolitho takes the Lexus origami cat challenge How to Create an Origami cat: Get a square piece of paper. Fold it in half diagonally, then in half again, so it’s creased in a cross through the middle. Open it up so that you have it folded once, making a triangle. Fold the ears up on each side. Next, fold the middle point down to make the head flat on the top, then turn the paper around to face the other way. Fold the bottom point – the chin – upwards to just over halfway up the face. Lastly, fold the end of that point down again to form the nose.

It is an essential quality of Lexus that every model in its range is subject to continuous improvement, with engineers constantly exploring ways to hone and enhance every detail. This painstaking approach has delivered the new 2021 model year LC, marking an evolution in the luxury motoring qualities of Lexus’ flagship coupe. The detailed refinements reinforce the connection between driver and machine, enhance ride and handling, offer new styling choices and upgrade the capabilities of the multimedia system. Key changes for 2021 The changes implemented for the 2021 LC 500 further sharpen the coupe’s performance. Significantly, the car’s unsprung weight has been reduced by almost 10 kg, accomplished principally with changes to the suspension, including the use of aluminium lower arms, lighter, hollow anti-roll bars with a revised diameter and a new high-strength material for the coil springs. Where specified, the 21-inch forged alloy wheels also have a lighter construction. Once the weight-savings had been made, the focus was on updating the suspension for a smoother, softer stroke to give the driver a stronger feel of the road. The electronic front shock absorber controls were adjusted to give a longer stroke, and bound stopper rigidity was optimised to help create a smoother suspension stroke overall. Rear anti-roll bar rigidity was increased to improve front turn-in performance and provide more linear steering input, again helping make the driver feel more connected to the road. For better vehicle control in mid to high-speed ranges, the LC’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) has gained a new Active Cornering Assist (ACA) function. This helps control cornering by providing braking to the inner wheels in line with lateral vehicle acceleration experienced when higher G-forces are generated in spirited driving. An additional, practical new safety feature is automatic selection of “Park” in the transmission, if the driver gets out of the car leaving the shift in any position other than “P”. Responsiveness has been improved with adjustments to the software across a number of vehicle systems, including the Variable Gear Ratio Steering, Dynamic Rear Steering and Electric Power Steering. And in typical Lexus attention to detail, even the surface of the brake pedal has been revised to give a better feel. In the UK, pricing is to be announced at the beginning of May, ahead of first cars being delivered to customers from July 2020 (local conditions permitting). Transmission and hybrid system updates Lexus has made changes to the logic patterns in the LC 500’s 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission with the aim of improving day-to-day driving in what its engineers refer to as the “active zone” – commonly where drivers are using the 50 to 70 per cent throttle range. The direct-shift transmission allows engine revs to increase in the range to heighten the feeling of acceleration before shifting into the next gear. The downshifting mode in the LC 500h’s Multi Stage Hybrid System has also been updated. It will now downshift to second rather than third for smoother operation and more robust acceleration out of sharp bends. No-compromise design The LC coupe is the most passionate expression of Lexus design, captured strongly in the mesh spindle grille that extends across the front of the car. A large glass panel and blacked-out rear pillars create the effect of a floating roof, while chrome mouldings echo the curving lines of the traditional Japanese katana sword. The range includes the option of a CFRP composite roof for an even more powerful look. The rear light clusters are one of the most distinctive design elements, their night-time illumination signature inspired by the afterburners of a jet. At the front, the ultra-compact triple-LED units are not only striking in appearance, they are half the size of conventional headlights. Distinctive craftsmanship The LC strikes an impressive balance between function and comfort, sporting intent and luxury. In the cabin the low-set instrument panel and the narrow front pillars give the driver a commanding view of the road ahead. The door panels’ flowing lines generate a sense of design continuity, extending exterior styling that flows from the bonnet through the windscreen. Exterior colour choices include Blazing Carnelian, new for the 2021 model year, and Terrane Khaki, which was previously reserved for the LC Limited Edition. Other shades include F SPORT White, Cadoxtan Slate, Sonic Silver, Sonic Titanium, Velvet Black, Graphite Black, Sonic Red, Naples Yellow and Deep Blue. The seats, exclusive to the LC, feel as good as they look. Their two-part construction provides a seatback that drapes over the shoulders and then wraps around the back, with a structure designed to hold the driver securely when cornering at speed. The driving experience is further enhanced by a steering wheel with a cross-section that varies in shape around its circumference, allowing variations in grip and twisting of the wrist. For the front passenger, the side of the centre console rises to form an integrated grab handle. The quality finish of the upholstery, trim materials and detailing is an expression of Lexus’ world-renowned takumi craftsmanship. It can be seen and felt in the hand-stitching of the leather-wrapped shift level and draping treatment of the Alcantara door panel trim, among many other details. The interior colour schemes include new Flare Red leather and Manhattan Orange Alcantara options for the 2021 model year, the former replacing the previous Dark Rose. Other leather shades include Black and Ochre. High performance Right from start-up the LC 500’s V8 engine signals its potential with a full-throated engine note generated through the variable Active Exhaust system. The engine has a power output of 464hp/346 kW and can move the car from rest to 62mph in less than 4.7 seconds. The 5.0-litre engine is matched to a 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission, newly updated to provide an even stronger sense of connection between driver and machine. Impressive and efficient hybrid power Fifteen years on from Lexus’ introduction of the world’s first luxury hybrid vehicle, the LC 500h is maintaining that tradition of innovation as the first Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid. As with other Lexus hybrid powertrains, a petrol engine is combined with two electric motor/generators. The Atkinson cycle 3.5-litre V6 engine uses D-4S direct fuel injection to achieve optimum efficiency, and its lightweight valvetrain with Dual VVT-i intelligent variable valve-timing ensures ample torque across all engine speeds. The system retains the planetary-type continuously variable transmission, familiar from Lexus Hybrid Synergy Drive, but adds a four-speed automatic transmission to the system. Working in concert, the two gear sets alter output in four stages to optimise engine performance across the entire speed range. When the driver selects M mode, the gears sets work together to create the effect of 10 gear ratios, generating a highly engaging driving feel and enabling the driver to move through the ratios using paddle shifts. In automatic mode, AI shift control matches gear selection to the driving conditions and the driver’s inputs. The Multi Stage Hybrid System allows for more electric assistance at lower vehicle speeds and enabling the car to be driven at speeds up to more than 80mph with the petrol engine switched off. The combined system output is 354hp/264 kW. With the benefit of the Multi Stage Hybrid System, power from the V6 engine and electric motor can be amplified by the four-speed automatic transmission, giving much greater drive power when accelerating. The LC 500h uses a compact, lightweight lithium-ion battery that is located neatly between the rear seats and the luggage compartment. It has a high power density, with 84 cells producing 310.8 volts. Updated multimedia The LC’s multimedia features are controlled via a 10.3-inch high-resolution screen with a split-screen facility that allows different functions, including audio and climate controls, to be viewed and operated simultaneously. For the 2021 model year, all LC models are equipped as standard with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®, allowing for easy, wireless smartphone integration and access to popular apps for navigation, entertainment and messaging. With Android Auto, the Google Assistant can be used and tailored information can be sourced based on the user’s calendar, previous activity and established preferences. Apple CarPlay allows customers to access the familiar interface from their iPhone® through the vehicle’s multimedia display. An iPhone can be connected to obtain journey directions, make calls, send and receive message via Siri®, and gain access to apps such as Spotify, Audible and Apple podcasts. Advanced safety and driver support All LC 500 and 500h models are equipped with Lexus Safety System+ as standard. This includes Pre-Collision System with pedestrian detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and Automatic High Beam. Further safeguards against common collision risks include a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

To entertain children and adults during lockdown, the team at Lexus has created some colouring templates of the Lexus LC 500 sports coupe Finished designs can be shared with Lexus on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram by including the @LexusUK tag in your post. Lexus LC 500 Super GT You can create your dream racing car livery with the Lexus LC 500 Super GT car colouring template, but remember to stay within the (racing) lines. This illustration also includes racers from, BMW, Audi and Aston Martin because it commemorates the 2019 race when Super GT cars from Japan and cars from the German DTM series competed against each other for the first time. The first of these so-called ‘Dream Races’ was held at Fuji Speedway, with Nick Cassidy taking victory in the Lexus. Lexus LC Road Car If high-octane motorsport isn’t your thing, there’s a template that’s much more relaxing featuring a Lexus LC road car in two idyllic settings. The style of all these Lexus illustrations is inspired by Ukiyoe, which are traditional Japanese woodblock prints from the Edo period (1603 – 1868). About the Lexus LC 500 The Lexus LC 500 is Lexus’s flagship luxury coupe It was the first Lexus to be built on Lexus’s front engine/rear-wheel drive Global Architecture – Luxury (GA-L) platform It is the faithful evolution of the award-winning LF-LC concept car The LC 500 has a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine and 10-speed direct shift automatic transmission. It delivers 457bhp and 530Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from 0 to 62mph in 4.7 seconds. LC 500h is a self-charging hybrid with naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine and first application of new Lexus Multi-Stage Hybrid System. It delivers 354bhp and 348 Nm of torque enabling acceleration from 0 to 62mph in five seconds. Download the templates here Archive 2.zip

With domestic hygiene high on the agenda right now, it’s important to remember it’s not just your house that needs scrupulous cleaning, as your car is one of the most tactile items you’ll own, with multiple surfaces that need special attention too Although this article has been published by Toyota GB and features Toyota vehicles, the principles of keeping any car germ free are the similar and can be applied across a wide range of vehicles. During an average trip the driver and passengers are likely to be touching many surfaces that can attract dirt and germs, from opening the door to changing gear, or from adjusting the heating fan to switching the lights on. Ben Murphy, Toyota’s professional car detailer is responsible for keeping Toyota GB’s fleet of press vehicles cleaned and professionally maintained. On average, Ben cleans about 30 cars per week but in busy times this number can rise to 46. As well as ensuring high standards of vehicle hygiene, Ben has to bear in mind that meticulous car reviewers expect every vehicle they assess to look and feel as good as new. In a new short film from Toyota (Toyota tips on keeping the car germ free) Ben demonstrates 40 potential touch points around the car that need specific cleaning attention, using a RAV4 as an example. “I try to be as efficient as possible,” Ben explains. “Our cars return to our press fleet garage from all over the country and I have to think – ‘where have people touched?’. For example, a driver will probably approach the car with the key in their hand and pull on the door handle. Then there’s the steering wheel and horn, the gearstick and surprisingly the rear-view mirror, because most people adjust the rear-view mirror when they get in the car. The interior of the driver’s door is a common touch point, especially on our press fleet cars which are driven by many different people. Think about all the people who get in the car and use the controls to put the window down a bit.” Ben also has to think about other points that might get touched less frequently, such as the dust caps, the bonnet and then things like the head rests. He has a check sheet which he goes through on every vehicle to make sure he hasn’t missed any part of the vehicle before it leaves the press fleet garage. The seatbelt is a key area. Everyone has to wear one when they get into the car, and the number of times you adjust that seatbelt depends on the size of the person in the car, so there could be two to three touch points just on the seatbelt itself. Also, the belt sits across you, so if you were to cough or sneeze there’s a very good chance germs get on the seatbelt or the steering wheel. Keep your car germ free: which products to use Although Ben uses commercial products made specifically to clean cars without damaging leather or interior materials, bleach-free antibacterial wipes are the next best thing. Ben says: “They’re inexpensive and kill 99.9% of germs, so they’re as safe and inexpensive as you can get without going out and buying a really strong cleaner. With a pack of wipes, a pair of gloves and a dry microfibre cloth, you can give most of the touch points a clean. Don’t just give each area a quick wipe; make sure you wipe it at least twice in a forwards and backwards motion so you’ve cleaned it completely.’ Now wash your hands! “Every time I remove my gloves I always give my hands a good wash,” says Ben. “I wear gloves during my working day and advise people to wear gloves if they are in a vehicle such as a rental car or a taxi. You don’t know which areas of the car the previous occupants have touched and germs can stay on a spot for 72 hours. If kids are travel in your car then there’s every chance they’ve been wiping their hands on windows – we’ve all done it as children, drawing faces on the window!” 40 areas of the car to clean Toyota has put together the following list of 40 areas of the car that should be cleaned. For simplicity the seatbelts are counted as one item and if you carry others in your car, you might have to spend a little longer ensuring each of your passengers can enjoy a factory-fresh ride next time they get into your car. 1 Exterior door handles 2 Frame of door and roof 3 Interior door release 4 Window switches 5 Interior door handle 6 Door pocket 7 Seatbelts 8 Seatbelt clips 9 Seat adjust buttons 10 Steering wheel 11 Horn 12 Control stalks 13 Driver air vents 14 Dashboard 15 Power button 16 Gear shift 17 Multimedia screen 18 Central air vents 19 Heating controls 20 Glovebox 21 Log book 22 Central storage compartment 23 Cupholders 24 Rear-view mirror 25 Interior lights 26 Grab handle 27 Key 28 Head rests 29 Seat pockets 30 Rear central tab 31 Fuel cap 32 Wheel valves 33 Boot lid 34 Parcel shelf 35 Boot floor tab 36 Boot close button 37 Bonnet lid 38 Washer cap 39 Dipstick 40 Oil cap Original article source: Toyota Media https://media.toyota.co.uk/2020/03/toyota-tips-on-how-to-keep-your-car-germ-free/ (25/03/20)

Lexus is continuing its commitment to making advanced technologies available to its customers for even higher levels of safety and convenience with the introduction of Digital Side-view Monitor for its ES 300h luxury hybrid saloon. The new feature is available to order now in the UK as an option on the ES Takumi model Initially introduced in Japan in 2018 as a world-first for a high-volume production car, the system replaces conventional door mirrors with compact, external, high-resolution cameras linked to in-car monitors. These provide an enhanced view of the area behind and immediately alongside the vehicle in all driving conditions, reducing or eliminating the driver’s blind spots and adapting automatically to give an extended view when the car is turning or reversing. Ergonomic design The ergonomic design of the system allows the driver to check the view around the car with less left-right head movement, in line with Lexus’s aim of reducing the driver’s workload. The two five-inch colour monitors are positioned at the base of the front pillars, closely aligned to the door mirror height, so they fall within the driver’s intuitive line of sight. This means the driver doesn’t have to significantly change their natural mirror-checking action. The cameras are housed in slim, aerodynamic casings that complement the elegant lines of the ES and, being smaller than the door mirrors, reduce wind noise and intrude less in the driver’s forward diagonal view. The units have built-in heaters to avoid freezing or misting, and are located so they are not vulnerable to being obscured by raindrops or snow. If necessary, the driver can activate the demister using a dashboard switch to ensure clear view at any time. The system has a luminescence sensor which automatically reduces glare from the headlights of following vehicles during night-time driving, giving the driver a much clearer rearward view. Automatic extended view When the driver uses the turn indictors or selects reverse gear, the monitors automatically present an extended view of the area alongside and behind the car, eliminating the blind spot and helping safer manoeuvres. An icon in the corner of the screen alerts the driver to the change in aspect. When the turn, lane-change or parking action is completed, the system automatically returns to its standard setting. The driver can also switch to extended view manually, or turn the function off. The system can be adjusted using controls on the driver’s door panel, like those for conventional door mirrors. A menu function gives access to the system’s settings, including brightness and – a feature unique to the Lexus system – automatic retraction of the camera units when the car is parked. The system also incorporates a Blind Spot Monitor. Automatic reference lines The Digital Side-view Monitor system also helps the driver position the car safely when parking or driving, automatically adding reference guidelines to the images. When parking, the lines indicate 20 and 50cm distances from the rear bumper, and 50cm along each side of the car. These are shown on the live image and also in an icon on the display depicting the car’s position viewed from above. When highway driving, the driver is helped to judge safe distances from other traffic with reference lines indicating 5m, 10m and 15m on the road ahead when driving at speeds up to 44mph (70km/h). At higher speeds the distances are 5m, 10m, 15m and 30m. Customers can specify the Digital Side-view Monitor as an option on the ES 300h Takumi model, price £1,600 (including VAT).

Lexus is hosting three European premieres at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show, including soon-to-be-launched new products and a concept study expressing its design and technology vision for a future electrified car The LF-30 Electrified concept is a showcase for the advanced design and technology Lexus envisions for the future electrification of its brand and the unique opportunity that will present to transform the joy of driving. The ‘Lexus Electrified’ strategy aims to provide choice, convenience and excitement to consumers who are ready to move beyond conventional powertrains. The UX 300e is Lexus’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV) and the first model to be produced under the ‘Lexus Electrified’ banner. It features the distinctive design and high functionality of the original UX urban compact SUV, together with refined yet dynamic driving performance and all the Lexus hallmark qualities of comfort, exceptional quality and reliability. The new Lexus LC 500 Convertible joins the LC Coupe as an aspirational halo model for the entire Lexus range. Designed on the theme of ‘Ultimate Beauty’ and with Lexus’s signature attention to detail, it commands the attention, top up or top down, and provides a driving experience that stimulates all the senses. The Lexus booth will be located on stand 4211 in Hall 4 of the Palexpo exhibition centre. The digital Lexus press conference presentation will be available at any time during the show’s press days (3 and 4 March). Media representatives are welcome to call at the Lexus booth at a time that suits them and discover the Lexus brand and product messages on an individual screen.

Lexus has been a pioneer in vehicle electrification technology since introducing the RX 400h in 2005, taking an industry lead in creating vehicles that deliver both performance and environmental efficiency. At the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, the company unveiled its global electrification strategy, Lexus Electrified, targeting a fundamental leap in vehicle performance, handling, control and driver enjoyment In particular, Lexus Electrified technology enables integrated control of powertrain, steering, suspension and brakes, realising the full potential of the motor control technology that has been nurtured in Lexus’s HVs (hybrid vehicles). With this technology, driving force can be controlled to provide the ideal vehicle posture in each driving situation. Lexus continues to strive to make vehicles that are safer and enjoyable to drive. As the first production model under the Lexus Electrified banner, the all-electric UX 300e has been developed for excellent on-road performance. Lexus engineers preserved the distinctive design and convenience characteristics of the UX compact SUV, while focusing on the opportunities to build on the performance advantages that are unique to EVs. The UX 300e’s high-output motor provides natural yet brisk acceleration and its high-capacity batteries, located directly beneath the cabin floor, secure a low centre of gravity and allow for an optimal driving range for a compact urban vehicle (249 miles/400km in the correlated NEDC cycle, corresponding to a more than 186-mile/300km target range in the WLTP cycle). Making use of the latest connectivity technology, the UX 300e maximises the advantages of an EV while at the same time delivering driving performance and convenience – true to the Lexus “yet” philosophy. The UX 300e is scheduled to go on sale in selected European markets from the second half of 2020 and in the UK from January 2021. Principal features Lexus has always focused on providing distinctive driving performance and that remains true in its development of its first battery-electric vehicle (BEV). Taking the signature refined driving performance of the UX as their starting point, engineers were able to leverage the qualities of the new electric drivetrain to further enhance the vehicle’s on-road performance. At the same time, the UX 300e has one of the quietest cabins in its class, building on Lexus’s excellent record of sound management. The Drive Mode Select function allows the driver to manage smooth acceleration and deceleration according the driving situation. They can feel the powerful acceleration and instant torque delivery of the EV powertrain as they press the throttle pedal and use the paddle shifts in a manner similar to engine braking, through four levels of deceleration regeneration – all the while experiencing a natural on-road feel. The vehicle’s low centre of gravity supports excellent dynamic performance, thanks to both the motor and battery being located beneath the vehicle body, and optimum front/rear weight distribution. The high performance of the GA-C platform is enhanced with additional bracing and optimisation of shock absorber damping force to the match the dynamic changes that come with electrification. While EVs are naturally quiet, the UX 300e goes further by adding insulation beyond just that for the battery, suppressing external noises such as wind or gravel that would otherwise be noticeable in the absence of an engine and transmission. This focus on sound management creates a comfortable and tranquil cabin environment. Lexus reliability and hybrid heritage In developing the UX 300e, Lexus made use of the knowledge it has gained in developing its industry-leading hybrid systems, applying the same level of quality and ease of operation it has achieved with all its vehicles in the past. The engineering team has delivered outstanding battery reliability and adopted the latest connectivity technology to maximise the car’s everyday usability and smartphone-based functionality. The efficiency of the motor, inverter, gears and high-capacity battery was maximised, again with the benefit of the experience Lexus gained in developing hybrid vehicles. The batteries are equipped with a temperature management system that operates at low and high ambient temperatures. Reliability is further increased through the use of multiple monitoring systems to regulate charging and prevent issues such as overcharging. The UX 300e offers the latest in connected car technology. By linking to a smartphone using the LexusLink app, drivers can check battery charge and driving range. Charging controls are included, such as a timer which indicates when a full charge will be reached, and a charging schedule according to when the vehicle is next expected to be driven or when energy prices are low. The app also allows the owner to remotely control the climate of the car. Motor specifications Location Front Model 4KM Max. output (kW) 150 Max. torque (Nm) 300 Battery specifications Type Lithium-ion Capacity (kWh) 54.3 Driving range (miles/km) Correlated NEDC cycle: 249/400 WLTP cycle: ˃186/300 (target) Standard (AC) charge (KW) Max. 6.6 Quick (DC) charge* (kW) Max. 50 Distinctive design and high functionality Lexus carried over the distinctive styling and high functionality of the UX compact SUV to the new UX 300e, developing new aerodynamic wheel designs and an underbody cover. Locating the shift-by-wire system on the centre console contributes to the simplicity and functionality of the interior. True to Lexus’s prioritisation of new, advanced safety technologies and quickly making them available to customers, the UX 300e is equipped with Lexus Safety System+, helping in the prevention of accidents, injuries and fatalities. At the same time, the development of driver assistance systems helps reduce driver stress and promote a more natural and safe driving experience. UX 300e key technical specifications DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT Overall length (mm) 4,495 Overall width (mm) 1,840 Overall height (mm) 1,545 Wheelbase (mm) 2,640 Loadspace volume (rear seats upright, to luggage cover, l) 367 Loadspace volume (rear seats upright, to roof, l) 486 PERFORMANCE Battery capacity (kWh) 54.3 Cruising range – NEDC correlated (miles/km) 249/400 Cruising range – WLTP (miles/km – target) 186/300 System output (kW) 150 System torque (Nm) 300 0-62mph acceleration (sec) 7.5 Max. speed (mph) 99.5 CHARGING Charging speed – AC (kW) 6.6 Charging speed – DC (kW) 50 Charging time – AC (hours) 7* (200V/30A, estimated value) Charging time – DC (0-80%, minutes) 50* (max. 125A, estimated value) * Dependent on battery temperature, usage history, charging stand (charger) and operating voltage.