Lexus LS Safety Details Revealed at Japanese Debut
Lexus improves on a concept all in the name of advanced safety systems.
Earlier this year, we learned that the all-new Lexus LS would feature groundbreaking safety technology. Up until now, however, we didn’t know the exact details of what Lexus engineers were cooking up. But at the car’s recent Japanese launch event, Lexus execs detailed exactly how those new safety systems work.
The Lexus LS will utilize two advanced safety systems, dubbed Lexus Safety System + and Lexus Safety System + A. The former debuted on most Lexus models last year and utilizes a Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The improved system in the new LS will also add several new technologies — Active Steering Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA), Lane-Change Assist (LCA), Two-stage Adaptive High-beam System (AHS), and Road Sign Assist (RSA).
PCS in the Lexus LS incorporates Pedestrian Alert, a world-first technology that specifies the direction of the presence of a pedestrian. If the system detects a possible collision with a pedestrian, the direction of the pedestrian is displayed on the car’s HUD. Active Steering Assist is activated if no action is taken. If the system detects a high probability of a collision with a pedestrian or continuous structure (like a guardrail), it applies the brakes or steers to avoid the collision or to mitigate damage.
Lexus CoDrive adds Lane Change Assist to help decrease driver burden by providing steering support. The system supports lane changes by controlling steering, acceleration, and deceleration when the turn signal activates. LCA works in conjunction with the existing Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) system. LTA provides lane-keeping support when adaptive cruise control is in use.
If the system detects non-operation by the driver over a given period of time, Driver Emergency Stop Assist activates. The system first warns the driver through audio and video alerts, then proceeds to decelerate the vehicle. Next, it activates the hazard lights and horn to warn other motorists. Eventually, the car comes to a stop, unlocks the doors, and HELPNET sends an automatic rescue request.
Each headlight in the new LS features 8 top row LED lights and 16 bottom row lights. The Two-stage Adaptive High-beam System controls each row of lights to provide optimal lighting in any situation. And it does so without blinding other drivers on the road.
Front Cross Traffic Alert detects cross-traffic vehicles and alerts the driver when cars are approaching an intersection. If the driver proceeds in spite of this alert, a buzzer sounds and warnings pop up on the multi-information display.
Road Sign Assist enables the LS to read road sign information and display it on the vehicle’s HUD and multi-information display. The system is designed to encourage safe driving by ensuring the driver recognizes these signs.
