Lexus Showcases Self-Driving LS Concept at Tokyo Motor Show

[spwolf]

It has to be an EV. I don't think TMC is comfortable with others stealing the headlines any more. First Honda, then Audi and Mercedes, and now Porsche. TMC has to demonstrate their commitment to BEVs and that their stand-alone EV department is actually doing something. And their home show can't be more appropriate for such a PR move. Maybe we will have a glimpse of their solid state cell prototype as well: it will be the biggest headline of the year.

I would not mind EV in new GS body

 

[krew]

It has to be an EV. I don't think TMC is comfortable with others stealing the headlines any more. First Honda, then Audi and Mercedes, and now Porsche. TMC has to demonstrate their commitment to BEVs and that their stand-alone EV department is actually doing something. And their home show can't be more appropriate for such a PR move. Maybe we will have a glimpse of their solid state cell prototype as well: it will be the biggest headline of the year.

The only other option would be a fuel cell, and they've already done that with the LF-FC.

Also, if it's an EV, what's the model? Doubt it will be the LS or LC. I think we might get another "design study", perhaps similar to the LF-CC which combined the RC & IS into a single vehicle.

 

[krew]

There's a Car Advice interview with Paul Williamsen, Lexus’s manager of global strategic communications, and I thought this was interesting in regards to the Tokyo show:

Being a car company, and a very successful one at that, Toyota won’t miss out on selling EVs where they’re in demand, and they might even end up wearing Lexus badges, according to Williamsen.

“It’s not that we’re not working on EVs at all, and I think there is a place for them, just in cities, for some small, luxury vehicles for commuting,” he says.

Maybe we see another city car in the style of the LF-SA concept?

 

[spwolf]

There's a Car Advice interview with Paul Williamsen, Lexus’s manager of global strategic communications, and I thought this was interesting in regards to the Tokyo show:



Maybe we see another city car in the style of the LF-SA concept?

I think we will see FCV as we heard already, ready for Olympics... and then we will see Toyota EV, which will obviously be separate model from Prius... that will have Lexus version.

And it wont be small city car, those things dont sell... it has to be either something like Corolla/Camry or Rav4. If they are smart, they will do something between Rav4 and Highlander with some nice range.

 

[mikeavelli]

Internally all I see to get is a lot of excitement. Not a clue what it could be.

 

[Carmaker1]

I am convinced that the LS-FC, is what will debut at Tokyo. The 240B programme ES, will NOT debut at any show this year. Maybe Chicago or NYIAS 2018. L.A. is possibly RX-L. The UX is likely Geneva or Beijing. NYIAS 2019 is likely the LX replacement.

NAIAS 2018 favours an F model possibly.

 

[krew]

I am convinced that the LS-FC, is what will debut at Tokyo. The 240B programme ES, will NOT debut at any show this year. Maybe Chicago or NYIAS 2018. L.A. is possibly RX-L. The UX is likely Geneva or Beijing. NYIAS 2019 is likely the LX replacement.

NAIAS 2018 favours an F model possibly.

LS-FC is a little dull, honestly. And why introduce it as a concept when the LF-FC already exists?

Agree with you on the timing of the other vehicles -- I can see next-gen ES being a dual Beijing/NYC debut, similar to the NX. NAIAS is a mystery, but it will be something big. Always is.

 

[Carmaker1]

LS-FC is a little dull, honestly. And why introduce it as a concept when the LF-FC already exists?

Agree with you on the timing of the other vehicles -- I can see next-gen ES being a dual Beijing/NYC debut, similar to the NX. NAIAS is a mystery, but it will be something big. Always is.

Well, then why did Lexus out of the blue trademark "LS-FC Concept" in the spring and since then has had nothing to show for it, the past 6 months? Until maybe now that is.

Toyota trademarked FT-4X around this time last fall, which debuted in New York roughly 6 months later in April. It sounds like I am being unusually pessimistic, but after the Siracha sauce nonsense last year, I wouldn't put it past them.

For all we know, "FC" could have much different meaning. Maybe that would explain these LS-related rumours. We heard about LC-F, then that went quiet. Now it's LS-F. The next generation IS was rumoured to be previewed soon by one of BMW's two marketing "insiders" very recently, something I barely just remembered. I have to look for his quote ASAP, just to reconfirm what I heard.

I think NAIAS would be the performance models, but shown very early like is the case with F models.

 

[Carmaker1]

In response to Hyundai Motor Group's Genesis G70, he said:

Hmmm. Apparently @ Tokyo next month Lexus will show a concept said to "experience" the next IS.
The segment is becoming crowded

 

[Carmaker1]

This can be believed, on the premise that like the LS and LF-FC, they had to show to the public they were still commited to renewing the model line, but could not give away too much too soon.

My thread on Lexus through 2020, initially came from translating Lexus China internal documentation via dealers. Some of dates might be more belated for that reason. Usually design approval of a replacement parallels a mid-cycle update. The late 2016 IS refresh ties into Toyota's ability to complete evolution of the design into the next generation and maybe develop a concept to preview it over the last few months.

Anyway, the rest on both Toyota and Lexus from global suppliers, costly forecasting access info, engineering employees, and some internal documentation, being married together.

A reason why a good amount of them later on had stage of development listed, but in coded language (many acronyms).

We are either going to see an EV concept, LS-FC, or the next IS in concept form.

 

[spwolf]

We are either going to see an EV concept, LS-FC, or the next IS in concept form.

why not GS? IS has just been updated as of July 2017 production.. new car cant be that near.
But GS? ES? ES will certainly be out next year, and GS might not be too far off... concept might have FC/EV powertrain but still herald new GS for instance... especially since Crown is there.

 

[krew]

Well, then why did Lexus out of the blue trademark "LS-FC Concept" in the spring and since then has had nothing to show for it, the past 6 months? Until maybe now that is.

Not faulting your logic, just wondering the greater purpose. Fuel Cell version of an existing car is :relieved::zzz:

We are either going to see an EV concept, LS-FC, or the next IS in concept form.

Next-generation IS is interesting, if a little premature. Have to figure the current model will be on sale for the next two years. Honestly, hoping for an EV.

 

[Carmaker1]

why not GS? IS has just been updated as of July 2017 production.. new car cant be that near.
But GS? ES? ES will certainly be out next year, and GS might not be too far off... concept might have FC/EV powertrain but still herald new GS for instance... especially since Crown is there.

I don't know, as I am only basing this on a quote from a Munich BMW insider in September. I did not expect to be so far along, if that's the case.

By the way, the IS was heavily updated in Q4 2016, a r3design in 3 years is expected. A concept for it, seems earlier than needed,

 

[Carmaker1]

Not faulting your logic, just wondering the greater purpose. Fuel Cell version of an existing car is :relieved::zzz:



Next-generation IS is interesting, if a little premature. Have to figure the current model will be on sale for the next two years. Honestly, hoping for an EV.

Nomenclature for FC could be easily twisted around in a few ways in regards to meaning, but LF-FC translating to LS-FC makes sense. I don't know what is happening really, but based on that Tokyo Supra lie and what not, I won't trust them to debut anything like an F model.

 

[krew]

Well, then why did Lexus out of the blue trademark "LS-FC Concept" in the spring and since then has had nothing to show for it, the past 6 months? Until maybe now that is.

Toyota trademarked FT-4X around this time last fall, which debuted in New York roughly 6 months later in April. It sounds like I am being unusually pessimistic, but after the Siracha sauce nonsense last year, I wouldn't put it past them.

For all we know, "FC" could have much different meaning. Maybe that would explain these LS-related rumours. We heard about LC-F, then that went quiet. Now it's LS-F. The next generation IS was rumoured to be previewed soon by one of BMW's two marketing "insiders" very recently, something I barely just remembered. I have to look for his quote ASAP, just to reconfirm what I heard.

I think NAIAS would be the performance models, but shown very early like is the case with F models.

Nomenclature for FC could be easily twisted around in a few ways in regards to meaning, but LF-FC translating to LS-FC makes sense. I don't know what is happening really, but based on that Tokyo Supra lie and what not, I won't trust them to debut anything like an F model.

First off, we must never talk again about the Sriracha IS.

I don't know how much to read into this, but my own interactions with Lexus executives suggest the Tokyo show will be a subdued affair. A fuel-cell version of the LS would fit into that. I rarely ask about future product, as it's more fun to decipher the tea leaves than to know the exact recipe.

If true, and Lexus does release a LS-FC Concept, it's a missed opportunity to build momentum going into 2018. Another version of the only new car released this year?

 

[supra93]

http://newsroom.toyota.co.jp/en/detail/19317817/

Lexus Premieres 'LS+ Concept' Flagship with Eye toward
Application of Automated Driving Technologies in 2020
10th Anniversary of 'F' Sports Models Commemorated with Limited Editions


Toyota City, Japan (October 25, 2017)―Lexus premiered to the world today its automated-driving-capable "LS+ Concept" concept vehicle at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show 2017*1. It also unveiled at the show limited editions of the "RC F" and "GS F", commemorating the 10th anniversary of Lexus "F" sports models.

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*2. 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.

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.

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. 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.

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.
• 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.

 

[Gecko]

Can't wait until those who hate the Lexus grill get a look at this thing...

What a strange concept. Front and rear end look years in the future while the side profile is the new LS?

 

[Lexus Cohen]

Lexus LS+ concept made its debut, wasn't expecting anything good from Lexus to be honest. I just knew nothing special was coming!

 

[Joaquin Ruhi]

Can't wait until those who hate the Lexus grill get a look at this thing...

What a strange concept. Front and rear end look years in the future while the side profile is the new LS?

Yeah, my initial reaction is somewhere meh and ewwww...

 

[bogglo]

A glimpse at what to expect from the next spindle grill update. I think am noticing a new trend with rear tail light. First Porsche then Audi; is this a sign Lexus might be next? Lord I hope not.

Anyways I am disappointed. I wanted something different for the concept. Same with Toyota too.

Now we wait for LA I guess.