MotorTrend Interview with Brian Bolain

[Will1991]

Lexus does want's to change, here goes some words:

"We need some way to signify that change is coming to Lexus, and this may seem like a dumb way, but it catches your eye," said Bolain.

We've seen the Lexus badge delete across other concepts before, including the LF-30 and LF-Z Electrified, but the NX is the first production vehicle to carry the lettering.

This one we already knew.

Lexus and Toyota have invested millions of dollars to make a new, updated in-house infotainment system that's easy to use. The touchscreen-based system uses Google Maps for navigation and can connect to Apple Music and Amazon Music, while also being compatible with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. For many years Lexus adopted a frustrating joystick to control the infotainment screen, but that's finally going away. And soon.
Bolain said Lexus isn't waiting for a midcycle update, but will instead try to get it in the vehicles as fast as possible. "There's a very quick window, something like 30 months or so, but we're not waiting for major changes. We're doing it fast," he said.

Will we get the new infotainment on current gen ES/UX/LS/LC?

Usually we must wait until a facelift, but replacing the old system it's a welcome move, specially on the smaller screens!

It also signals good things to come in the next 30 months!

Bolain also added that we're going to see specific Lexus models around the world. Part of Koji Sato's role as operating officer of Lexus—a job he took in January of this year—is to expand the portfolio of cars specific to some regions.
"One of our real pushes is the need to have more diversity of products and have more respect for the fact that some markets need some things that other markets don't. As we move forward, there will be opportunities for us to satisfy North America, Europe, Asia independently as we spread our wings," Bolain added.

It started with the UX300e, then the LM, IS500.
It’s almost going against what Toyota is doing with more global models. Could this also mean more differentiation between Toyota and Lexus?

Source: https://www.motortrend.com/news/lexus-badge-rear-cars-change-official/

 

[spwolf]

Toyota is not doing anything different, they are talking about things like CT200h replacement, which will not be sold in the USA or China, but will in EU and Japan.

We already saw some of the new multimedia updates in Toyota vehicles, new Yaris Cross for EU got new system (Aussie one has old one). I expect this to be moving quickly as it is a big issue for them right now.

I also hope they add more native support for other music services like Spotify, Deezer and Tidal, so you do not have to use apple/android auto. When you use them, you lose a lot of integration with the vehicles.