7 Features that Lexus Innovated
Since the introduction of the Lexus luxury line in 1989, the legendary Japanese brand has been one of the most innovative automakers on the market. Here are some technological features that Lexus came up with first.
1. First V8 Hybrid
In a world where hybrid meant weak and fragile, Lexus took a huge leap when they introduced the world's first V8 hybrid in 2007. The 2008 LS 600h was the very first luxury vehicle to offer full hybrid propulsion technology with an eight-cylinder engine. This innovative technology allowed the LS hybrid to provide its drivers with impressive fuel efficiency, luxury car refinement, and superior acceleration and performance.
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2. Climate Concierge system
The Climate Concierge System features four independent climate zones within the cabin of the Lexus, and it provides exceptional comfort for each passenger. This system can be found in the most recent LS 600h, and uses infrared sensors to sense the temperatures of the passengers' faces. This allows the system to separately and automatically adjust the temperatures for each person accordingly.
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3. Torque-Vectoring Differential
In another innovative first, Lexus was the first automaker to use a Torque-Vectoring Differential in a front engine/rear drive sports coupe. This feature can be found in the rear-wheel drive RC F, and uses a series of multi-plate clutches to distribute the torque between the rear wheels. The Torque-Vectoring Differential divides the torque between the wheels, and allows the outside wheel to spin up faster and rotate the car around the corner. Other car makers have been using this technology, but it was always in front-wheel or all-wheel drive applications, never in a pure rear wheel drive sporting machine.
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4. Laser Screw Welding
Lexus was the very first company to use laser technology to weld the body, starting with the LS. This technology utilizes exceptionally accurate laser beams, which create consistently perfect welds around the panel joints. Aside from the clean welding and the consistent quality, this technology increases the body stiffness and makes for better handling and a more solid foundation.
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5. Twin-Chamber Airbag
Safety has always been a huge part of Lexus' success, and in 2005, the Japanese company introduced another first in the industry in the name of passenger safety. The 2005 Lexus IS was the very first car to be equipped with a twin-chamber front passenger airbag. The twin-chamber airbags allows for much more protection, as it protects the neck and the shoulders upon impact.
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6. Switchable Air Suspension
The 2000 Lexus LS 430 featured another brand-new technology, called Switchable Air Suspension. Automatically adjusting air suspension allows the vehicle to remain at the same exact height, regardless of the weight of the passengers riding in it, but that has been around since the 1950s. The innovative part of the system is that it can rise by up to 20mm on rougher road conditions, and it can be automatically lowered on smooth roads to improve aerodynamics, all automatically, or at the driver's command.
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7. Hybrid Manufacturing Plant
It's no secret the Lexus hybrid line has been tremendously successful, which is why Lexus built the very first manufacturing plant that is dedicated strictly to their hybrid models. The Lexus Kokura plant is located in Japan, and it is the world's first hybrid-only facility. From the beginning this plant was made to be cleaning and more efficient than old style factories. The plant's assembly line features a positive air pressure system, which prohibits airborne particles from polluting the hybrid components.
For even more first from your favorite luxury brand, check out this list.
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