MT: Lexus: Hybrids Could Become Preferred Performance Powertrain
07-16-19, 08:33 AM
#1
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
MT: Lexus: Hybrids Could Become Preferred Performance Powertrain
Found some interesting info here.
https://www.motortrend.com/news/lexu...re-technology/
During an event to celebrate its 30th anniversary, Lexus gave us a brief glimpse of the technologies and strategies it has in the pipeline, including its plans for hybrids. Below, we've boiled it down to the must-know tidbits.
For more details on these and other initiatives, we'll have to wait until the Tokyo Motor Show in October, where Lexus will reveal even more.
- A Level II autonomous driving system, called Automated Highway Teammate, is coming in 2020. The system is designed to work "from [highway] entrance to exit" and is likely to include an automated lane-change and/or passing feature. Such a system has already undergone extensive testing on thoroughly mapped Japanese expressways.
- All Lexus models will offer some sort of electrified powertrain, meaning they will have EV, hybrid, plug-in-hybrid, or fuel cell options, with powertrain choices tailored to individual markets.
- Lexus is working on advances in vehicle connectivity—for example, having cars communicate with a centralized data center for real-time traffic information.
- Lexus will continue to develop its hybrid technology, and not just as an eco-solution; it is looking to provide a more dynamic experience through electrification.
- Other technologies Lexus is exploring include in-wheel motors for electrified vehicles, a steer-by-wire system, and the "E-Axle." Though it wouldn't give us details of the latter, it was described to us as an axle optimized to work with electric power, and which will be compatible with both in-wheel and centrally mounted electric motors.
- Lexus will show a new concept car at the 2019 Tokyo auto show, which will show the coming evolution of Lexus interiors. Among the changes we can expect are an increase in contrast and expanded use of premium materials. We interpret this as a move away from the interiors of the RX and NX, and one toward those of the LS and LC.
- Lexus is prepared to implement vehicle-to-vehicle communications (V2V), but is waiting to see how the technology develops with other automakers.
- V-8 engines will survive for now, but may fall victim to future regulation. Though turbochargers are part of Lexus's strategy (witness the twin-turbo V-6 in the flagship LS500), Lexus feels that hybrid drivetrains are a strong candidate to take over the role as their preferred performance powertrain.
For more details on these and other initiatives, we'll have to wait until the Tokyo Motor Show in October, where Lexus will reveal even more.
07-16-19, 09:22 AM
#2
- A Level II autonomous driving system, called Automated Highway Teammate, is coming in 2020. The system is designed to work "from [highway] entrance to exit" and is likely to include an automated lane-change and/or passing feature. Such a system has already undergone extensive testing on thoroughly mapped Japanese expressways.
- Lexus will show a new concept car at the 2019 Tokyo auto show, which will show the coming evolution of Lexus interiors. Among the changes we can expect are an increase in contrast and expanded use of premium materials. We interpret this as a move away from the interiors of the RX and NX, and one toward those of the LS and LC.
- V-8 engines will survive for now, but may fall victim to future regulation. Though turbochargers are part of Lexus's strategy (witness the twin-turbo V-6 in the flagship LS500), Lexus feels that hybrid drivetrains are a strong candidate to take over the role as their preferred performance powertrain.
07-16-19, 12:12 PM
#3
Totally agree, the GS450 should have had close to 400hp when it came out for this generation. If the next GS comes out with an electric performance engine, sign me up, I love a smooth quiet acceleration like a stealth craft, man Lexus has so much opportunity with that, hope they are suprising us all!
07-16-19, 12:12 PM
#4
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
I thought the in-wheel electric motors sounded pretty interesting. I've been hearing more and more of this from them lately.
07-16-19, 12:17 PM
#5
Lexus Fanatic
07-16-19, 12:23 PM
#6
Totally agree, the GS450 should have had close to 400hp when it came out for this generation. If the next GS comes out with an electric performance engine, sign me up, I love a smooth quiet acceleration like a stealth craft, man Lexus has so much opportunity with that, hope they are suprising us all!
07-16-19, 12:49 PM
#7
Lexus Champion
- A Level II autonomous driving system, called Automated Highway Teammate, is coming in 2020. The system is designed to work "from [highway] entrance to exit" and is likely to include an automated lane-change and/or passing feature. Such a system has already undergone extensive testing on thoroughly mapped Japanese expressways.
For SAE Level 2, the driver must continue to supervise and control the vehicle ("hands off"):
You are driving whenever these driver support features are engaged -- even if your feet are off the pedals and you are not steering. You must constantly supervise these support features; you must steer, brake or accelerate as needed to maintain safety.
You are not driving when these automated driving features are engaged -- even if you are seated in "the driver's seat". When the feature requests, you must drive.
- Lexus is prepared to implement vehicle-to-vehicle communications (V2V), but is waiting to see how the technology develops with other automakers.
No communications technology standard has been agreed upon yet by automakers yet. Will it be WiFi, 5G cellular or some other communications standard?
For in-wheel electric motors to be really successful, there will have to be weight reduction, otherwise there is a lot of unsprung weight.
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07-16-19, 01:11 PM
#8
Is SuperCruise a true "eyes off" autonomous driving system? I do not know of any Level 3 system; even Tesla's Autopilot is only a Level 2 system, not a Level 3 system.
For SAE Level 2, the driver must continue to supervise and control the vehicle ("hands off"):
For SAE Level 3, the driver does not have to be in control of the vehicle but must be ready to take over ("eyes off"):
For SAE Level 2, the driver must continue to supervise and control the vehicle ("hands off"):
For SAE Level 3, the driver does not have to be in control of the vehicle but must be ready to take over ("eyes off"):
07-16-19, 01:19 PM
#9
Lexus Champion
Automated Highway Teammate? LOL that's next level bad naming.
07-16-19, 01:52 PM
#11
Super Moderator
The first time I've heard of the term "Lexus performance hybrids" coming, was about fifteen years ago, when people were anticipating the LS and GS hybrids .......
07-16-19, 11:46 PM
#13
Lexus Test Driver
The current IS should have been offered with a hybrid option in the U.S.
I view much of this announcement as Lexus playing catch up or just stating what many other manufacturers have already stated. What I rather hear and see is them change direction with their front-end styling. The reverse angle, gaping mouth grille is harsh and passe.
Also, wouldn't adding start/stop technology be a quick and easy way to improve fuel economy? It seems many/most luxury brands already implement this in a mostly successful way.
I view much of this announcement as Lexus playing catch up or just stating what many other manufacturers have already stated. What I rather hear and see is them change direction with their front-end styling. The reverse angle, gaping mouth grille is harsh and passe.
Also, wouldn't adding start/stop technology be a quick and easy way to improve fuel economy? It seems many/most luxury brands already implement this in a mostly successful way.
07-17-19, 12:42 AM
#14
I'm ok with the lower power, but it needs to come at a lower premium. 10k premium for the GS should have been 450hp to get it up to par with the 550i. but no...lexus always has to be behind on the power. like how everyone 's top end v6 engines from 10 years ago are all now up at least to 350 yet the most lexus can muster is 311hp with slightly better mpg ratings. I am looking forward to the new interiors but am doubtful about the powertrains coming anytime soon
07-17-19, 04:53 PM
#15
Lexus Champion
The already acceptable EPA ratings also means that Lexus does not need to add idle-stop systems to more cars in its lineup. Micro-hybrid (idle-stop) systems may help to save fuel in the real world -- dependent upon your local driving conditions -- but they contribute very little to official EPA ratings, since the EPA test does not include a large number of long stops that would make engine shutdowns truly beneficial.