Lexus Showcases Self-Driving LS Concept at Tokyo Motor Show

Posted by Kevin on October 24th, 2017

Lexus debuted a self-driving LS+ Concept today at the Tokyo Motor Show, let’s go straight to the press release.

Aiming to contribute to achievement of a world free of traffic casualties, Lexus has been actively introducing advanced technologies based on its Integrated Safety Management Concept. And so that all people can enjoy safe and smooth mobility and the fun of driving, Lexus has been developing automated driving technologies. It aims for application in the first half of the 2020s of its “Urban Teammate” technologies for automated driving on regular roads.

Lexus LS Plus Rear

Main features of the LS+ Concept

The LS+ Concept, equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, indicates the future image of the “LS” flagship sedan. With its advanced yet dignified styling and automated driving technologies planned for application in 2020, the LS+ Concept was developed as a model that symbolizes Lexus’ vision.

Lexus LS Concept Rear

Advanced yet dignified styling representing the future image of the “LS” flagship sedan

As a concept vehicle that suggests the future look of the LS, the LS+ Concept produces a dignified expression as a flagship and indicates the direction of next-generation Lexus design based on Lexus’ L-finesse*3 design philosophy.

Lexus LS Spindle

In addition to a boldly evolved Spindle Grille, with a large grille shutter that contributes to both improved cooling and enhanced aerodynamic performance, distinctive Lexus vision is expressed in the LS+ Concept through, among others, partly laser-lit headlamps and rear combination lamps, as well as through electronic side mirrors.

Lexus LS Rear Tail

Latest automated driving technologies

Lexus is pursuing a world in which all people can enjoy safe, smooth and untethered mobility through automated driving technologies. Specifically, it intends to make automated driving from entrance ramp to exit ramp on motor-vehicle-only roadways possible by using its “Highway Teammate” automated driving technologies, which, with an eye toward application in 2020, are featured on the LS+ Concept.

On motor-vehicle-only roadways, through appropriate recognition, judgment and operation by onboard systems in response to actual traffic conditions, these technologies can enable automated merging, lane changes and diverging, as well as keep a vehicle in its lane and maintain vehicle-to-vehicle distance.

Lexus LS Dynamic

The LS+ Concept can communicate with a data center to update its systems’ software, allowing new functions to be added. Meanwhile, AI that learns from big data, including information on roads and surrounding areas, ensures a high level of automated driving.

The car, which can learn and grow along with its users, represents a new age for the image of cars to which people can become emotionally attached.

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Comments
Joaquin Ruhi
Besides likely spelling the end for the rumored reveal of an LS F performance flagship, it also probably ends speculation that RX L would debut at the Tokyo Motor Show.
Joaquin Ruhi
Besides likely spelling the end for the rumored reveal of an LS F performance flagship, it also probably ends speculation that RX L would debut at the Tokyo Motor Show.
krew
Joaquin Ruhi
Besides likely spelling the end for the rumored reveal of an LS F performance flagship, it also probably ends speculation that RX L would debut at the Tokyo Motor Show.
I think the RX L is a better fit for the LA auto show anyway.
krew
Joaquin Ruhi
Besides likely spelling the end for the rumored reveal of an LS F performance flagship, it also probably ends speculation that RX L would debut at the Tokyo Motor Show.
I think the RX L is a better fit for the LA auto show anyway.
D
I'd wager its the fuel cell vehicle, maybe in the form of a range topping LS
D
I'd wager its the fuel cell vehicle, maybe in the form of a range topping LS
M
“Moving society forward” “borderless journey” and “redefining the definition of automobiles” all make it sound like it will be a mobility concept — Lexus’ vision of luxury in a rideshare/autonomous automobile society. I have a feeling it will be a solid state battery EV concept that will be preview a production model released after 2020.
M
“Moving society forward” “borderless journey” and “redefining the definition of automobiles” all make it sound like it will be a mobility concept — Lexus’ vision of luxury in a rideshare/autonomous automobile society. I have a feeling it will be a solid state battery EV concept that will be preview a production model released after 2020.
S
I'm hoping for a GS concept :D
S
I'm hoping for a GS concept :D
bogglo
supra93
I'm hoping for a GS concept :D
+1
bogglo
supra93
I'm hoping for a GS concept :D
+1
krew
mordecai
“Moving society forward” “borderless journey” and “redefining the definition of automobiles” all make it sound like it will be a mobility concept — Lexus’ vision of luxury in a rideshare/autonomous automobile society. I have a feeling it will be a solid state battery EV concept that will be preview a production model released after 2020.
Smart, I like the idea of a Lexus EV. You might be on to something.
krew
mordecai
“Moving society forward” “borderless journey” and “redefining the definition of automobiles” all make it sound like it will be a mobility concept — Lexus’ vision of luxury in a rideshare/autonomous automobile society. I have a feeling it will be a solid state battery EV concept that will be preview a production model released after 2020.
Smart, I like the idea of a Lexus EV. You might be on to something.
OlFius
The successor of the GS, the Grand Tourism !
OlFius
The successor of the GS, the Grand Tourism !
A
It will be a flying car of some sort. Nothing you will be able to buy the next 25 years though.
A
It will be a flying car of some sort. Nothing you will be able to buy the next 25 years though.
S
sounds like it will be something very "concepty", so usless... show us RX-L, LS-F, LC-F, or UX
S
sounds like it will be something very "concepty", so usless... show us RX-L, LS-F, LC-F, or UX
D
  • D
    DDas
  • October 3, 2017
I was thinking if the new GS rumors were true, it could be the GS "4-Door Coupe" concept, but from the quote by Lexus, it may be something completely different.
D
  • D
    DDas
  • October 3, 2017
I was thinking if the new GS rumors were true, it could be the GS "4-Door Coupe" concept, but from the quote by Lexus, it may be something completely different.
PeterF
supra93
I'm hoping for a GS concept :D
I hope too, but I doubt it will be a GS concept
PeterF
supra93
I'm hoping for a GS concept :D
I hope too, but I doubt it will be a GS concept
PeterF
krew
Smart, I like the idea of a Lexus EV. You might be on to something.
mordecai
“Moving society forward” “borderless journey” and “redefining the definition of automobiles” all make it sound like it will be a mobility concept — Lexus’ vision of luxury in a rideshare/autonomous automobile society. I have a feeling it will be a solid state battery EV concept that will be preview a production model released after 2020.
It can't be a LS F or a LC F; these would not be true concepts.

Along Mordecai's reasoning, The language indicates that it really cannot be a simple F version of what we have or a modified GS, (even a EV GS won't suffice); no it must be true concept car, something unique and really new. The statement makes me think it must be an EV car; and one that combines stunning, with comfort, with speed (EVs can go very fast), even newer saftey-driving technology (ie autodriving capacity as well as YOU drive capacity) and a new battery technology that will at least begin to push the threshold of current battery technology, if not create a new threshold.

If something like this can remain affordable (luxury car affordable) and deliver the above, then perhaps future versions of a GS or SUVs will get some of this tech.

Everyone is racing toward the best EV technology; we are seeing a lot of interesting concepts and cars from the Germans and others; I bet Lexus wants to, and will, tell us that they are seriously in the race and won't accept anything but victory. I bet this is what Lexus hopes is the underlying message that people get from this concept.

If you really want to be a leader in any field that involves technology, engineering, or pure science, then you have to be working on things that are 10 years ahead. There is a tendency in science, for instance, for scientists to get on band wagons in different areas of research/problems, and try a range of variants of current research without a lot of advancement; the true breakthroughs come from people who are thinking way ahead of the current paradigm, like 10 years ahead. I'm sure Lexus is doing that. Maybe they struck some gold. Looking forward to reading about the Toyko Motor Show. I had had the money, I'd attend :) [note: this is all very very speculative; I'm having fun at it as well]
PeterF
krew
Smart, I like the idea of a Lexus EV. You might be on to something.
mordecai
“Moving society forward” “borderless journey” and “redefining the definition of automobiles” all make it sound like it will be a mobility concept — Lexus’ vision of luxury in a rideshare/autonomous automobile society. I have a feeling it will be a solid state battery EV concept that will be preview a production model released after 2020.
It can't be a LS F or a LC F; these would not be true concepts.

Along Mordecai's reasoning, The language indicates that it really cannot be a simple F version of what we have or a modified GS, (even a EV GS won't suffice); no it must be true concept car, something unique and really new. The statement makes me think it must be an EV car; and one that combines stunning, with comfort, with speed (EVs can go very fast), even newer saftey-driving technology (ie autodriving capacity as well as YOU drive capacity) and a new battery technology that will at least begin to push the threshold of current battery technology, if not create a new threshold.

If something like this can remain affordable (luxury car affordable) and deliver the above, then perhaps future versions of a GS or SUVs will get some of this tech.

Everyone is racing toward the best EV technology; we are seeing a lot of interesting concepts and cars from the Germans and others; I bet Lexus wants to, and will, tell us that they are seriously in the race and won't accept anything but victory. I bet this is what Lexus hopes is the underlying message that people get from this concept.

If you really want to be a leader in any field that involves technology, engineering, or pure science, then you have to be working on things that are 10 years ahead. There is a tendency in science, for instance, for scientists to get on band wagons in different areas of research/problems, and try a range of variants of current research without a lot of advancement; the true breakthroughs come from people who are thinking way ahead of the current paradigm, like 10 years ahead. I'm sure Lexus is doing that. Maybe they struck some gold. Looking forward to reading about the Toyko Motor Show. I had had the money, I'd attend :) [note: this is all very very speculative; I'm having fun at it as well]
Joaquin Ruhi
PeterF
It can't be a LS F or a LC F; these would not be true concepts.
Well... Lexus concepts over the years have run the gamut from thinly-disguised upcoming production models to pie-in-the-sky true dream cars with little relation to reality, so anything is possible. And Lexus hasn't, at this point, given the faintest clue as to what to expect. A barely modified "concept" version of an upcoming LS F or LC F (or perhaps an open-top convertible version of the latter) is certainly a possibility that shouldn't be discarded. But so are a zillion others. A closer-to-production UX predictor? A fastback hatchback or sportwagon predictor for 5GS? A longer-than-RX L, GA-L architecture-based 3-row crossover (a spiritual successor to the decade-old LF-X concept, if you will)? Some sort of autonomous lounge/luxury minivan/Lexus FLV/Mercedes R-Class mashup? A concept predictor for a Maybach-ish, above-LS, Toyota Century successor? An evolution of the LF-FC concept as suggested by Demetrius? Or the solid-state battery electric suggested by mordecai? We could go on and on with this...

One other point worth mentioning: many pundits believe that a concept predictor for the upcoming Toyota Supra revival will not only debut at the Tokyo show this year but be its likely star. Does Lexus play it low key with its own concept so as not to upstage its mass-market big brother? Or is some Lexus/Toyota internecine rivalry for best concept of the show a good thing?
Joaquin Ruhi
PeterF
It can't be a LS F or a LC F; these would not be true concepts.
Well... Lexus concepts over the years have run the gamut from thinly-disguised upcoming production models to pie-in-the-sky true dream cars with little relation to reality, so anything is possible. And Lexus hasn't, at this point, given the faintest clue as to what to expect. A barely modified "concept" version of an upcoming LS F or LC F (or perhaps an open-top convertible version of the latter) is certainly a possibility that shouldn't be discarded. But so are a zillion others. A closer-to-production UX predictor? A fastback hatchback or sportwagon predictor for 5GS? A longer-than-RX L, GA-L architecture-based 3-row crossover (a spiritual successor to the decade-old LF-X concept, if you will)? Some sort of autonomous lounge/luxury minivan/Lexus FLV/Mercedes R-Class mashup? A concept predictor for a Maybach-ish, above-LS, Toyota Century successor? An evolution of the LF-FC concept as suggested by Demetrius? Or the solid-state battery electric suggested by mordecai? We could go on and on with this...

One other point worth mentioning: many pundits believe that a concept predictor for the upcoming Toyota Supra revival will not only debut at the Tokyo show this year but be its likely star. Does Lexus play it low key with its own concept so as not to upstage its mass-market big brother? Or is some Lexus/Toyota internecine rivalry for best concept of the show a good thing?
Joaquin Ruhi
PeterF
It can't be a LS F or a LC F; these would not be true concepts.
Well... Lexus concepts over the years have run the gamut from thinly-disguised upcoming production models to pie-in-the-sky true dream cars with little relation to reality, so anything is possible. And Lexus hasn't, at this point, given the faintest clue as to what to expect. A barely modified "concept" version of an upcoming LS F or LC F (or perhaps an open-top convertible version of the latter) is certainly a possibility that shouldn't be discarded. But so are a zillion others. A closer-to-production UX predictor? A fastback hatchback or sportwagon predictor for 5GS? A longer-than-RX L, GA-L architecture-based 3-row crossover (a spiritual successor to the decade-old LF-X concept, if you will)? Some sort of autonomous lounge/luxury minivan/Lexus FLV/Mercedes R-Class mashup? A concept predictor for a Maybach-ish, above-LS, Toyota Century successor? An evolution of the LF-FC concept as suggested by Demetrius? Or the solid-state battery electric suggested by mordecai? We could go on and on with this...

One other point worth mentioning: many pundits believe that a concept predictor for the upcoming Toyota Supra revival will not only debut at the Tokyo show this year but be its likely star. Does Lexus play it low key with its own concept so as not to upstage its mass-market big brother? Or is some Lexus/Toyota internecine rivalry for best concept of the show a good thing?
Joaquin Ruhi
PeterF
It can't be a LS F or a LC F; these would not be true concepts.
Well... Lexus concepts over the years have run the gamut from thinly-disguised upcoming production models to pie-in-the-sky true dream cars with little relation to reality, so anything is possible. And Lexus hasn't, at this point, given the faintest clue as to what to expect. A barely modified "concept" version of an upcoming LS F or LC F (or perhaps an open-top convertible version of the latter) is certainly a possibility that shouldn't be discarded. But so are a zillion others. A closer-to-production UX predictor? A fastback hatchback or sportwagon predictor for 5GS? A longer-than-RX L, GA-L architecture-based 3-row crossover (a spiritual successor to the decade-old LF-X concept, if you will)? Some sort of autonomous lounge/luxury minivan/Lexus FLV/Mercedes R-Class mashup? A concept predictor for a Maybach-ish, above-LS, Toyota Century successor? An evolution of the LF-FC concept as suggested by Demetrius? Or the solid-state battery electric suggested by mordecai? We could go on and on with this...

One other point worth mentioning: many pundits believe that a concept predictor for the upcoming Toyota Supra revival will not only debut at the Tokyo show this year but be its likely star. Does Lexus play it low key with its own concept so as not to upstage its mass-market big brother? Or is some Lexus/Toyota internecine rivalry for best concept of the show a good thing?

J