Lexus Owners Club

Lexus today hosted the world premiere of its first ocean-going yacht, the LY 650, adding another dimension to its development as global luxury lifestyle brand and demonstrating its commitment to deliver innovative and amazing experiences Presented in Boca Raton, Florida, the LY 650 bears all the hallmark qualities of design, craftsmanship, advanced technology and performance that distinguish Lexus road vehicles, interpreted in the context of an exclusive and highly luxurious vessel. The LY 650 is a 65ft (19.94m) flybridge cruiser – a boat design that locates cabins below the main deck. It has been two-and-a-half years in development and is being built in collaboration with specialist boat builder Marquis Yachts, which manufactures the craft at its workshops in Pulaski, Wisconsin. The leading nautical design house Nuvolari Lenard also worked with Lexus on the design programme. Marquis Yachts has applied elements of the Toyota Production System to its boat-building processes to achieve high quality and efficient productivity, together with skilled craftsmanship that ensures authentic luxury in every detail. The LY 650 cuts a striking, coupe-like figure on the water, with a design that is very faithful to the Lexus Sport Yacht Concept that was unveiled in 2017. Its sporty and elegant lines are influenced by the same L-finesse design principles Lexus applies to its road cars; styling details echo those found on the LS and LC Lexus flagship saloon and coupe. With a high-volume aft section, the LY 650 has one of the widest beams in its class at 5.76m. For its premiere, the yacht was presented in an optional two-tone finish that amplifies its styling, contrasting with bright stainless steel details including a chafing plate on the bow, window frames and air inlets shaped in the famous Lexus “L” motif. Lexus Chief Branding Officer and President of Toyota Motor Corporation Akio Toyoda said: “The LY 650 symbolises the challenge Lexus has taken up in its aspiration to become a true luxury lifestyle brand, venturing beyond the automobile. “A collaborative team between Toyota and Marquis Yachts introduced the Toyota Production System to the boat manufacturing facility to improve productivity and quality. This allowed Lexus’s ‘Crafted’ philosophy of hospitality that anticipates a person’s wishes and meticulous attention to detail be realised in the form of a luxury yacht. I am truly looking forward to seeing the LY 650 display its beauty on oceans around the globe. As a mobility company, we are pursuing new possibilities for movement, even on the sea.” Accommodation In addition to a large and well-appointed upper salon with captain’s chairs and integrated sofas, the LY 650 has three berths, each with more than two metres of headroom and en suite facilities. It can sleep six and accommodate up to 15 people, according to local/maritime regulations. Luxury appointments include optional Mark Levinson Surround Sound audio systems, air conditioning, bespoke furnishings, real wood trim and a fully equipped aft galley. The interior design eschews sharp angles in favour of curved, flowing lines. These combine with a white colour theme to increase the sense of space and openness. Performance The LY 650 is powered by twin Volvo Penta IPSTM engines, available in a choice of three outputs: 1,050, 1,200 or 1,350hp for each unit. This powertrain can propel the 40-tonne yacht at speeds up to 31.4 knots. Computational fluid dynamics were applied to optimise the unique shape of the underwater hull, obtaining stability and manoeuvrability with high power output, yet low fuel consumption. Piloting support systems include joystick control, auto-flap trim tabs to help maintain position and a fixed point position-holding function at sea. Advanced materials Lexus has proven experience of working with advanced composite materials in road-going vehicles, such as the hand-crafted LFA supercar. Likewise, the construction of the LY 650 makes excellent use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) to save weight while gaining impressive strength and rigidity. The yacht rides on a light and highly rigid hull that combines CFRP with glass fibre-reinforced plastic (GFRP), jointly developed with Marquis Yachts. CFRP is used for around 85 per cent of the underwater hull and for parts of the upper hull, including the bridge, helm console and flybridge hard-top. LY-Link LY-Link is an advanced connectivity technology that gives yacht-owners real-time sight of values such as voltage and fuel and water levels. It can also inform users of any abnormalities, as well as maintenance schedules and recommended actions. The app can also be used to control various on-board systems such as lighting, audio and climate control. Public sales The LY 650 will go on public sale in the USA on 30 October, coinciding with its first public appearance at the 2019 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (30 October to 3 November). Sales will be handled by Marquis Yachts and its franchised dealers, with prices in the region of $3.7 million (£3 million), according to customer specification.