Lexus Owners Club

May 1987 is a landmark in Lexus history, the date when the design of what was to become the brand’s first production model was given the green light The sign-off on the styling of the “F1” came even before the name “Lexus” had been agreed. But two years later the design study was ready for its public debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit as the all-new, production-ready LS 400, the first car to carry the now famous “L” badge. Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but the new LS couldn’t afford to deter customers if its lines were too radical, or too ordinary. This meant the design team kept largely to the familiar, square-ish lines of the established luxury market models of the day. At the same time, they broke new ground in producing precise, sleek and aerodynamically efficient styling – aerodynamics being a key contributor to the car’s unprecedented fuel efficiency and performance targets. Dozens of wind tunnel tests were conducted, with the cars fitted with interior microphones to detect any intrusive wind noise. The commitment to excellence also saw 14 full scale models built in a 16-month period, compared to around just six for most new cars. “Simple, clean, smart” were the watchwords for the styling, giving the LS the reassuring mass of a European car, combined seamlessly with the sleekness of a Japanese model. Equal attention was paid to the interior, with rigorous attention to craftsmanship detail in areas such as the fine leather upholstery and quality of the wood trims (24 different varieties were assessed). As well as the traditional luxury qualities customers would expect, Lexus also embraced technical innovation. For example, in creating the instrument panel, designer Michikazu Masu went against the modern trend for digital displays and instead came up with a new take on analogue dials, making each needle an individual fluorescent tube – miniature “light sabres” that illuminated before the rest of the instrumentation. The LS 400 was conceived as a global model from the outset, which required an in-depth understanding of what the concept of “luxury” meant to international customers. What did they look for in a premium car and how did it reflect their lifestyles? Lexus’s research revealed that the top priority for American customers – essential to market success – was a prestigious image; performance was considered only the fourth most important quality. This made design a top consideration and it has remained a critical element in the development of every new Lexus since. Today, Lexus has matured into an international brand that is respected as a pioneer of design innovation and creativity. Each of its vehicles has a powerful, individual identity, that combines elegance with power and contemporary design cues – not least the interpretation of the signature Lexus spindle grille. Going beyond the application of its own, distinctive L-finesse design principles, it actively supports the talents of young and emerging designers working in many different fields through initiatives such as the annual Lexus Design Award and the commissioning of original art installations at Milan Design Week. It has also looked beyond the automotive world to apply its design thinking to new projects including the high-tech Lexus hoverboard and the new LY 650 luxury sport yacht.

In May 2004, the British public had its first chance to take an up-close look at the new Lexus RX 400h, the world’s first luxury hybrid vehicle 16 years since Lexus RX unveiled in UK as the first hybrid luxury SUV Ground-breaking Lexus model set the tone for the brand’s UK growth, now with record UK sales and 99.7% powered by hybrid 475,000 RX hybrids sold worldwide since The new SUV’s debut at the British International Motor Show signalled the start of a technology revolution in which Lexus has consistently led the world’s premium market: today, hybrids account for 99.7 per cent of all its UK new car sales. The technically advanced RX 400h broke cover at a time when the global auto industry was beginning to focus more sharply on the need to improve environmental performance and do more to conserve natural resources. Lexus seized the initiative to become a leader in alternative powertrains and the RX 400h, which went on public sale in the UK from June 2005, became the first in a fast-growing series of self-charging hybrid electric models. It was an appropriate pathfinder role for the RX, which had already effectively created the luxury SUV market on its launch in 1999. Not only has Lexus’s hybrid range steadily increased, the performance of its technology has been constantly improved. Today, Lexus Hybrid Drive is in its fourth generation, achieving higher fuel and emissions and enabling much greater distances to be covered in all-electric EV mode, with zero fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions. At the same time, overall power, responsiveness and driving quality have also been taken to a higher level. Introducing his new model in 2004, Chief Engineer Osamu Sadakata highlighted how Toyota Motor Corporation was committed to becoming a leader in environmental performance, improving the performance of its conventional engines, exploring the use of alternative fuels and popularising “clean energy vehicles.” For Lexus, the aspirations of premium sector customers also had to be satisfied, which made hybrid the perfect solution with its seamless, refined and relaxing performance. “I think the use of hybrid technology will grow and spread through the market,” said Sadakata. “Currently the issue is all about how to use petrol as efficiently as possible, allied to the greater horsepower you can achieve. This is what is behind the fun-to-drive aspect of the RX 400h.” The arrival of hybrid power in the luxury car market may have been the headline, but even then, Sadakata was looking further ahead and making clear that hybrid was just the starting point. “There is another technology – the fuel cell. It’s not that we’re dividing these two technological fields, it’s merely that fuel cell technology is so complex that we see hybrid drive systems as the essential first step to its successful development,” he said. “In the end, it doesn’t matter if the power source is petrol, diesel or even hydrogen, the hybrid system serves as the most efficient way of using energy.” In fact, it was only nine years before Lexus’s sister brand Toyota delivered Mirai, the first hydrogen fuel cell saloon to reach the marketplace. One year later, Lexus presented its first fuel cell vehicle concept, the LF-FC flagship saloon, at the Geneva International Motor Show. Sixteen years on from the RX 400h’s debut, the RX remains one of Lexus’s top-selling models, in a market where SUVs are dominant, and has inspired the development of the Lexus mid-size NX and compact UX SUVs. Since launch, almost 475,000 hybrid RX models have been sold worldwide. Today’s RX range is a perfect expression of Lexus’s luxury craftsmanship and intelligent application of new technologies for higher levels of safety, comfort and on-board connectivity. Full details of the current model can be found here. This year the UX will follow the RX 400h as an innovator, becoming Lexus’s first battery electric vehicle. The new UX 300e will be launched in the UK early in 2021 (preliminary details are available here)

To help keep kids and adults entertained during the lockdown, Lexus UK has released templates to create paper models of the LF-30 Electrified concept that was revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2019 and the Lexus UX 250h compact SUV, too The LF-30 concept represents the Lexus vision for a future generation of electrified vehicles. The concept features state-of-the-art technologies including augmented reality, in-wheel electric motors, and autonomous driving. How to build your paper model You’ll need access to a colour printer, some paper glue or double-sided tape, and a pair of scissors. This activity is recommended for older children; it should take about an hour to carefully put your model together. You can download additional instructions here. First, download and print the high-resolution PDF of your chosen Lexus paper model using these links: Lexus LF-30 Electrified concept Lexus UX 250h You could print the pdf document on A3 paper, rather than A4, to make the building a little less fiddly, with a larger model at the end. Using scissors, carefully cut out the template, being especially careful not to cut off the grey tabs (these are white on the UX version). Fold and glue all of these tabs so they adhere to the underside of the adjacent panel – doing so will pull the car into the three-dimensional shape that should resemble your chosen Lexus. Using a ruler when folding will help ensure a perfectly straight folded edge. Lexus UK invites people to share images of their paper models on its social media channels: Twitter: @LexusUK Facebook: @LexusUK Instagram: @LexusUK

The people that work at Lexus factories are craftsmen and women that take pride in the standard of their work and at the top of the tree are artisans known as ‘takumi’ who pursue perfection, whether it be paintwork or welding, vehicle dynamics or interior crafting, to maintain the high standards Lexus demands of its vehicles Becoming a takumi is no easy task, candidates must have at least a quarter of a century of experience and are assessed in a number of ways, including in the art of origami (Japanese paper folding), having to create an origami cat using their non-dominant hand in under 90 seconds. With many of us spending more time inside than ever before, origami is a great way to keep our minds sharp and our hands busy, so Lexus UK has launched a competition for people to take the takumi challenge to create an origami cat, submitting an image of this to Lexus on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter by using #LexusOrigami and tagging @LexusUK by the closing date of 9:00 on 8 May. The prize for the creator of the best origami cat is exclusive use of a Lexus LC 500h for one week, to be taken post lockdown. The competition is open to anyone who has held a valid UK driving licence for at least two years. The winner has the option to nominate a driver on their behalf. Full terms and conditions can be found here: https://blog.lexus.co.uk/origami-cat-competition/ When creating the origami cat, Lexus recommends patience and that it is worth bearing in mind that when Lexus asked origami expert Mark Bolitho to take the test, he created his cat outside of the 90 second time limit: Mark Bolitho takes the Lexus origami cat challenge How to Create an Origami cat: Get a square piece of paper. Fold it in half diagonally, then in half again, so it’s creased in a cross through the middle. Open it up so that you have it folded once, making a triangle. Fold the ears up on each side. Next, fold the middle point down to make the head flat on the top, then turn the paper around to face the other way. Fold the bottom point – the chin – upwards to just over halfway up the face. Lastly, fold the end of that point down again to form the nose.

The Design Challenge - The design mission for the team creating the Lexus LC Convertible was simple: create the world’s most beautiful open-top car. The statement was straightforward, but the task was a considerable challenge, as Lexus was determined that the new model should preserve the essential styling motifs of the LC coupe, the winner of multiple international awards for its striking and advanced design Creating the Coupe Roof Line The line of the roof was to be key to the designers achieving their goal, as Chief Designer Tadao Mori explained: “Although there are many convertible models out there, few of them are stylish and elegant both when the roof is open and closed. Particularly when the roof is raised, ridge lines in the uneven surface tend to give an unrefined impression. That’s why, for the LC Convertible’s design, we put maximum effort into realising the same beautiful roof line as the coupe.” To produce the desired silhouette, the point where the soft top meets the car’s rear quarters has been moved as far towards the rear of the car as possible to create a fastback look when the roof is raised. Particular attention has been paid to the tensioning of the soft top to ensure a smooth surface, and the frame and other elements are perfectly concealed, so the roof has a clean and elegant tapered form. When viewed from the rear, the line of the soft top emphasises the compact proportions of the cabin, contrasting with the wide-flaring under-body and projecting a dynamic look. The Perfect Tonneau Cover The designers were able to take advantage of the LC’s platform specifications and the soft top’s folding mechanism to set the tonneau cover as low as possible. They also avoided the familiar flat, platform look seen on many other convertibles by adding fairing-shaped accents that echo the curves of the rear headrests. Sleek and Dynamic Silhouette It is another common feature of convertibles that the design can seem stretched out from the tonneau cover to the boot lid, particularly when the roof is down. This has been avoided on the LC by profiling the rear end so that it rises in a duck tail, producing a distinctive silhouette that is sleek and dynamic. The beltline also kicks up behind the doors to give the look of the body wrapping around the cabin, creating an overall tight and clean profile. Engineering Ingenuity One of the principal challenges was to minimise bulkiness in the bodywork in the shoulder area immediately behind the rear seats. The design team was able to accommodate the folding roof in an extremely compact space by creating an extra fold in the soft top so that it can be stowed in the space between the left and right-hand rear suspension towers. This has also allowed for a sharp and fine character line to be created, running from the front to the rear of the car. To produce this line and achieve a high-quality finish, Lexus has adopted an incremental forming process, in addition to the conventional press used to mould the aluminium tonneau cover. Perfect Continuity Between Exterior and Interior In a convertible the cabin is more open to view and more closely connected to the car’s exterior design. Lexus has sought to bring a perfect sense of continuity to the exterior and interior of the LC Convertible by using innovative colour co-ordination, enhancing the model’s special character and brave design. Three soft top colours are available: Sand, Black and Marine, the latter two suitable for use with any of the bodywork paint options. With these choices and further options for interior colours, owners have the freedom to specify a car that captures their personal style. Special Edition Colour Scheme The LC Convertible will be launched with a Special Edition model with a colour scheme that matches Structural Blue bodywork with a white and blue interior and Marine soft top – a combination inspired by the colours found at a luxury marina. White is used extensively in the cabin, including Lexus’ first all-white steering wheel and the carpeting. This contrasts with the door trim which is finished in a blue synthetic leather. Rather than a printed pattern, this material has a grain that gives a three-dimensional effect with texture and shading. Co-ordinating A-pillars Co-ordinating the interior A-pillar trim with the colour of the roof lining is a rare quality design feature but one that Lexus applies throughout the LC range. The effect is all the more stylish in the LC Convertible, as the pillars are in clear view whenever the roof is lowered. The colour co-ordination catches the eye and accentuates the luxurious quality of the interior Upholstery Detailing Special attention has also been paid to the detailing on the seat upholstery, with a unique quilting pattern applied to the shoulder section of the front seats, adding both elegance and tactile quality. Perforations with three different hole diameters are organised in graduated pattern in which they appear to progressively fade away. Link to full gallery here.

With the UK government advice to stay at home and only venture out for specific, essential reasons in light of the Coronavirus, Lexus has produced some tips on how to maintain a car if it is parked for a long period of time with very little use. No difficult car maintenance is necessary however the following tips can help ensure your car remains in tip-top condition during an extended layoff Check the tyre pressure Check the tyres are fully inflated to the recommended level. It can be a good idea to repeat this process when you first drive your car after a long period of inactivity. Storing the car Clean the car thoroughly inside and out and if you are storing it in a garage, make sure it is completely dry before you put it away. If you do plan to store your car in a garage, ensure the chosen storage area offers plenty of ventilation. If the space is secure, you could consider opening one of the car’s windows a small way to ventilate the interior. If you do this, you might have to change your car alarm’s setting to prevent it setting off the intrusion sensor – please consult your car’s manual for more information. Disengage the park brake It can be beneficial to leave the vehicle with the parking brake disengaged to prevent the brakes from binding, but only do this if you are certain the car is on level terrain and isn’t going to move. Ensure the transmission is set to ‘P’ for park and if you have a manual car put it into first gear, and place wedges or chocks, if you have them, under the wheels. Put the car keys away If you aren’t planning to drive your car for a long time, put the smart key in a safe place and don’t carry it around with you in your pocket. This will prevent the car from ‘waking up’ unnecessarily should you happen to walk near it in your garage or driveway. If your vehicle is equipped with smart entry and start but the system isn’t operated for a long time, a battery-saving function will automatically be activated to prevent the 12-volt battery from being discharged. Starting the car regularly PETROL AND DIESEL CARS Toyota and Lexus petrol and diesel cars only have a 12-volt battery, which provides the power to start the engine. Regular start-up of the vehicle on conventional petrol and diesel engines needs approximately 20 minutes of running to put back into the battery what you remove on start up, so to maintain this battery, running the engine for a period of time at least once a week is advised. The length of time needed to charge the battery will vary according to the model. HYBRIDS Toyota and Lexus hybrids generally contain two batteries: a 12-volt battery (which powers systems such as the headlamps and audio) and a high-voltage hybrid system battery (which supplies the power to start the combustion engine and drive the electric motors). The simplest way to maintain charge in both of these is to simply go through the normal start procedure: press the Start button with your foot on the brake until the ‘Ready’ light is illuminated on the dashboard. Earlier hybrid models may have key ignitions to start the car. Lexus recommends the car is put into ‘Ready’ mode for about 60 minutes (no need to keep your foot on the brake) before switching it off again and repeating the process every couple of weeks. Always adhere to the government’s advice regarding social distancing and Coronavirus (Covid-19) and please don’t leave your car unattended when it is switched on. While the car is in ‘Ready’ mode, you may hear and feel the internal combustion engine kick in, which is a normal part of the self-charging process. You might be tempted to switch on the radio to pass the time, or turn on other systems, but these will consume small amounts of electrical power so it’s best to leave them off. Ensure the parking brake is on; there’s no need to go for a drive, although we must stress that this procedure should take place in a well-ventilated area – something to consider if you park your vehicle in a garage. Keeping the battery charged If you have a 12V battery trickle charger, or a solar panel charger, and are confident using them, then these are a good option to keep the battery fully charged while the vehicle is stationary for a period of time. You might want to consider an intelligent trickle charger that will only charge the battery when it needs to, but these are likely to be more expensive.

It is an essential quality of Lexus that every model in its range is subject to continuous improvement, with engineers constantly exploring ways to hone and enhance every detail. This painstaking approach has delivered the new 2021 model year LC, marking an evolution in the luxury motoring qualities of Lexus’ flagship coupe. The detailed refinements reinforce the connection between driver and machine, enhance ride and handling, offer new styling choices and upgrade the capabilities of the multimedia system. Key changes for 2021 The changes implemented for the 2021 LC 500 further sharpen the coupe’s performance. Significantly, the car’s unsprung weight has been reduced by almost 10 kg, accomplished principally with changes to the suspension, including the use of aluminium lower arms, lighter, hollow anti-roll bars with a revised diameter and a new high-strength material for the coil springs. Where specified, the 21-inch forged alloy wheels also have a lighter construction. Once the weight-savings had been made, the focus was on updating the suspension for a smoother, softer stroke to give the driver a stronger feel of the road. The electronic front shock absorber controls were adjusted to give a longer stroke, and bound stopper rigidity was optimised to help create a smoother suspension stroke overall. Rear anti-roll bar rigidity was increased to improve front turn-in performance and provide more linear steering input, again helping make the driver feel more connected to the road. For better vehicle control in mid to high-speed ranges, the LC’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) has gained a new Active Cornering Assist (ACA) function. This helps control cornering by providing braking to the inner wheels in line with lateral vehicle acceleration experienced when higher G-forces are generated in spirited driving. An additional, practical new safety feature is automatic selection of “Park” in the transmission, if the driver gets out of the car leaving the shift in any position other than “P”. Responsiveness has been improved with adjustments to the software across a number of vehicle systems, including the Variable Gear Ratio Steering, Dynamic Rear Steering and Electric Power Steering. And in typical Lexus attention to detail, even the surface of the brake pedal has been revised to give a better feel. In the UK, pricing is to be announced at the beginning of May, ahead of first cars being delivered to customers from July 2020 (local conditions permitting). Transmission and hybrid system updates Lexus has made changes to the logic patterns in the LC 500’s 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission with the aim of improving day-to-day driving in what its engineers refer to as the “active zone” – commonly where drivers are using the 50 to 70 per cent throttle range. The direct-shift transmission allows engine revs to increase in the range to heighten the feeling of acceleration before shifting into the next gear. The downshifting mode in the LC 500h’s Multi Stage Hybrid System has also been updated. It will now downshift to second rather than third for smoother operation and more robust acceleration out of sharp bends. No-compromise design The LC coupe is the most passionate expression of Lexus design, captured strongly in the mesh spindle grille that extends across the front of the car. A large glass panel and blacked-out rear pillars create the effect of a floating roof, while chrome mouldings echo the curving lines of the traditional Japanese katana sword. The range includes the option of a CFRP composite roof for an even more powerful look. The rear light clusters are one of the most distinctive design elements, their night-time illumination signature inspired by the afterburners of a jet. At the front, the ultra-compact triple-LED units are not only striking in appearance, they are half the size of conventional headlights. Distinctive craftsmanship The LC strikes an impressive balance between function and comfort, sporting intent and luxury. In the cabin the low-set instrument panel and the narrow front pillars give the driver a commanding view of the road ahead. The door panels’ flowing lines generate a sense of design continuity, extending exterior styling that flows from the bonnet through the windscreen. Exterior colour choices include Blazing Carnelian, new for the 2021 model year, and Terrane Khaki, which was previously reserved for the LC Limited Edition. Other shades include F SPORT White, Cadoxtan Slate, Sonic Silver, Sonic Titanium, Velvet Black, Graphite Black, Sonic Red, Naples Yellow and Deep Blue. The seats, exclusive to the LC, feel as good as they look. Their two-part construction provides a seatback that drapes over the shoulders and then wraps around the back, with a structure designed to hold the driver securely when cornering at speed. The driving experience is further enhanced by a steering wheel with a cross-section that varies in shape around its circumference, allowing variations in grip and twisting of the wrist. For the front passenger, the side of the centre console rises to form an integrated grab handle. The quality finish of the upholstery, trim materials and detailing is an expression of Lexus’ world-renowned takumi craftsmanship. It can be seen and felt in the hand-stitching of the leather-wrapped shift level and draping treatment of the Alcantara door panel trim, among many other details. The interior colour schemes include new Flare Red leather and Manhattan Orange Alcantara options for the 2021 model year, the former replacing the previous Dark Rose. Other leather shades include Black and Ochre. High performance Right from start-up the LC 500’s V8 engine signals its potential with a full-throated engine note generated through the variable Active Exhaust system. The engine has a power output of 464hp/346 kW and can move the car from rest to 62mph in less than 4.7 seconds. The 5.0-litre engine is matched to a 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission, newly updated to provide an even stronger sense of connection between driver and machine. Impressive and efficient hybrid power Fifteen years on from Lexus’ introduction of the world’s first luxury hybrid vehicle, the LC 500h is maintaining that tradition of innovation as the first Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid. As with other Lexus hybrid powertrains, a petrol engine is combined with two electric motor/generators. The Atkinson cycle 3.5-litre V6 engine uses D-4S direct fuel injection to achieve optimum efficiency, and its lightweight valvetrain with Dual VVT-i intelligent variable valve-timing ensures ample torque across all engine speeds. The system retains the planetary-type continuously variable transmission, familiar from Lexus Hybrid Synergy Drive, but adds a four-speed automatic transmission to the system. Working in concert, the two gear sets alter output in four stages to optimise engine performance across the entire speed range. When the driver selects M mode, the gears sets work together to create the effect of 10 gear ratios, generating a highly engaging driving feel and enabling the driver to move through the ratios using paddle shifts. In automatic mode, AI shift control matches gear selection to the driving conditions and the driver’s inputs. The Multi Stage Hybrid System allows for more electric assistance at lower vehicle speeds and enabling the car to be driven at speeds up to more than 80mph with the petrol engine switched off. The combined system output is 354hp/264 kW. With the benefit of the Multi Stage Hybrid System, power from the V6 engine and electric motor can be amplified by the four-speed automatic transmission, giving much greater drive power when accelerating. The LC 500h uses a compact, lightweight lithium-ion battery that is located neatly between the rear seats and the luggage compartment. It has a high power density, with 84 cells producing 310.8 volts. Updated multimedia The LC’s multimedia features are controlled via a 10.3-inch high-resolution screen with a split-screen facility that allows different functions, including audio and climate controls, to be viewed and operated simultaneously. For the 2021 model year, all LC models are equipped as standard with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®, allowing for easy, wireless smartphone integration and access to popular apps for navigation, entertainment and messaging. With Android Auto, the Google Assistant can be used and tailored information can be sourced based on the user’s calendar, previous activity and established preferences. Apple CarPlay allows customers to access the familiar interface from their iPhone® through the vehicle’s multimedia display. An iPhone can be connected to obtain journey directions, make calls, send and receive message via Siri®, and gain access to apps such as Spotify, Audible and Apple podcasts. Advanced safety and driver support All LC 500 and 500h models are equipped with Lexus Safety System+ as standard. This includes Pre-Collision System with pedestrian detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and Automatic High Beam. Further safeguards against common collision risks include a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

To entertain children and adults during lockdown, the team at Lexus has created some colouring templates of the Lexus LC 500 sports coupe Finished designs can be shared with Lexus on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram by including the @LexusUK tag in your post. Lexus LC 500 Super GT You can create your dream racing car livery with the Lexus LC 500 Super GT car colouring template, but remember to stay within the (racing) lines. This illustration also includes racers from, BMW, Audi and Aston Martin because it commemorates the 2019 race when Super GT cars from Japan and cars from the German DTM series competed against each other for the first time. The first of these so-called ‘Dream Races’ was held at Fuji Speedway, with Nick Cassidy taking victory in the Lexus. Lexus LC Road Car If high-octane motorsport isn’t your thing, there’s a template that’s much more relaxing featuring a Lexus LC road car in two idyllic settings. The style of all these Lexus illustrations is inspired by Ukiyoe, which are traditional Japanese woodblock prints from the Edo period (1603 – 1868). About the Lexus LC 500 The Lexus LC 500 is Lexus’s flagship luxury coupe It was the first Lexus to be built on Lexus’s front engine/rear-wheel drive Global Architecture – Luxury (GA-L) platform It is the faithful evolution of the award-winning LF-LC concept car The LC 500 has a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine and 10-speed direct shift automatic transmission. It delivers 457bhp and 530Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from 0 to 62mph in 4.7 seconds. LC 500h is a self-charging hybrid with naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine and first application of new Lexus Multi-Stage Hybrid System. It delivers 354bhp and 348 Nm of torque enabling acceleration from 0 to 62mph in five seconds. Download the templates here Archive 2.zip

With domestic hygiene high on the agenda right now, it’s important to remember it’s not just your house that needs scrupulous cleaning, as your car is one of the most tactile items you’ll own, with multiple surfaces that need special attention too Although this article has been published by Toyota GB and features Toyota vehicles, the principles of keeping any car germ free are the similar and can be applied across a wide range of vehicles. During an average trip the driver and passengers are likely to be touching many surfaces that can attract dirt and germs, from opening the door to changing gear, or from adjusting the heating fan to switching the lights on. Ben Murphy, Toyota’s professional car detailer is responsible for keeping Toyota GB’s fleet of press vehicles cleaned and professionally maintained. On average, Ben cleans about 30 cars per week but in busy times this number can rise to 46. As well as ensuring high standards of vehicle hygiene, Ben has to bear in mind that meticulous car reviewers expect every vehicle they assess to look and feel as good as new. In a new short film from Toyota (Toyota tips on keeping the car germ free) Ben demonstrates 40 potential touch points around the car that need specific cleaning attention, using a RAV4 as an example. “I try to be as efficient as possible,” Ben explains. “Our cars return to our press fleet garage from all over the country and I have to think – ‘where have people touched?’. For example, a driver will probably approach the car with the key in their hand and pull on the door handle. Then there’s the steering wheel and horn, the gearstick and surprisingly the rear-view mirror, because most people adjust the rear-view mirror when they get in the car. The interior of the driver’s door is a common touch point, especially on our press fleet cars which are driven by many different people. Think about all the people who get in the car and use the controls to put the window down a bit.” Ben also has to think about other points that might get touched less frequently, such as the dust caps, the bonnet and then things like the head rests. He has a check sheet which he goes through on every vehicle to make sure he hasn’t missed any part of the vehicle before it leaves the press fleet garage. The seatbelt is a key area. Everyone has to wear one when they get into the car, and the number of times you adjust that seatbelt depends on the size of the person in the car, so there could be two to three touch points just on the seatbelt itself. Also, the belt sits across you, so if you were to cough or sneeze there’s a very good chance germs get on the seatbelt or the steering wheel. Keep your car germ free: which products to use Although Ben uses commercial products made specifically to clean cars without damaging leather or interior materials, bleach-free antibacterial wipes are the next best thing. Ben says: “They’re inexpensive and kill 99.9% of germs, so they’re as safe and inexpensive as you can get without going out and buying a really strong cleaner. With a pack of wipes, a pair of gloves and a dry microfibre cloth, you can give most of the touch points a clean. Don’t just give each area a quick wipe; make sure you wipe it at least twice in a forwards and backwards motion so you’ve cleaned it completely.’ Now wash your hands! “Every time I remove my gloves I always give my hands a good wash,” says Ben. “I wear gloves during my working day and advise people to wear gloves if they are in a vehicle such as a rental car or a taxi. You don’t know which areas of the car the previous occupants have touched and germs can stay on a spot for 72 hours. If kids are travel in your car then there’s every chance they’ve been wiping their hands on windows – we’ve all done it as children, drawing faces on the window!” 40 areas of the car to clean Toyota has put together the following list of 40 areas of the car that should be cleaned. For simplicity the seatbelts are counted as one item and if you carry others in your car, you might have to spend a little longer ensuring each of your passengers can enjoy a factory-fresh ride next time they get into your car. 1 Exterior door handles 2 Frame of door and roof 3 Interior door release 4 Window switches 5 Interior door handle 6 Door pocket 7 Seatbelts 8 Seatbelt clips 9 Seat adjust buttons 10 Steering wheel 11 Horn 12 Control stalks 13 Driver air vents 14 Dashboard 15 Power button 16 Gear shift 17 Multimedia screen 18 Central air vents 19 Heating controls 20 Glovebox 21 Log book 22 Central storage compartment 23 Cupholders 24 Rear-view mirror 25 Interior lights 26 Grab handle 27 Key 28 Head rests 29 Seat pockets 30 Rear central tab 31 Fuel cap 32 Wheel valves 33 Boot lid 34 Parcel shelf 35 Boot floor tab 36 Boot close button 37 Bonnet lid 38 Washer cap 39 Dipstick 40 Oil cap Original article source: Toyota Media https://media.toyota.co.uk/2020/03/toyota-tips-on-how-to-keep-your-car-germ-free/ (25/03/20)

Lexus is continuing its commitment to making advanced technologies available to its customers for even higher levels of safety and convenience with the introduction of Digital Side-view Monitor for its ES 300h luxury hybrid saloon. The new feature is available to order now in the UK as an option on the ES Takumi model Initially introduced in Japan in 2018 as a world-first for a high-volume production car, the system replaces conventional door mirrors with compact, external, high-resolution cameras linked to in-car monitors. These provide an enhanced view of the area behind and immediately alongside the vehicle in all driving conditions, reducing or eliminating the driver’s blind spots and adapting automatically to give an extended view when the car is turning or reversing. Ergonomic design The ergonomic design of the system allows the driver to check the view around the car with less left-right head movement, in line with Lexus’s aim of reducing the driver’s workload. The two five-inch colour monitors are positioned at the base of the front pillars, closely aligned to the door mirror height, so they fall within the driver’s intuitive line of sight. This means the driver doesn’t have to significantly change their natural mirror-checking action. The cameras are housed in slim, aerodynamic casings that complement the elegant lines of the ES and, being smaller than the door mirrors, reduce wind noise and intrude less in the driver’s forward diagonal view. The units have built-in heaters to avoid freezing or misting, and are located so they are not vulnerable to being obscured by raindrops or snow. If necessary, the driver can activate the demister using a dashboard switch to ensure clear view at any time. The system has a luminescence sensor which automatically reduces glare from the headlights of following vehicles during night-time driving, giving the driver a much clearer rearward view. Automatic extended view When the driver uses the turn indictors or selects reverse gear, the monitors automatically present an extended view of the area alongside and behind the car, eliminating the blind spot and helping safer manoeuvres. An icon in the corner of the screen alerts the driver to the change in aspect. When the turn, lane-change or parking action is completed, the system automatically returns to its standard setting. The driver can also switch to extended view manually, or turn the function off. The system can be adjusted using controls on the driver’s door panel, like those for conventional door mirrors. A menu function gives access to the system’s settings, including brightness and – a feature unique to the Lexus system – automatic retraction of the camera units when the car is parked. The system also incorporates a Blind Spot Monitor. Automatic reference lines The Digital Side-view Monitor system also helps the driver position the car safely when parking or driving, automatically adding reference guidelines to the images. When parking, the lines indicate 20 and 50cm distances from the rear bumper, and 50cm along each side of the car. These are shown on the live image and also in an icon on the display depicting the car’s position viewed from above. When highway driving, the driver is helped to judge safe distances from other traffic with reference lines indicating 5m, 10m and 15m on the road ahead when driving at speeds up to 44mph (70km/h). At higher speeds the distances are 5m, 10m, 15m and 30m. Customers can specify the Digital Side-view Monitor as an option on the ES 300h Takumi model, price £1,600 (including VAT).

We go to Japan with the LS 500h to meet with Lena Okajima, an astronomer and entrepreneur who has a vision to deliver an amazing experience: on-demand ...

Lexus is hosting three European premieres at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show, including soon-to-be-launched new products and a concept study expressing its design and technology vision for a future electrified car The LF-30 Electrified concept is a showcase for the advanced design and technology Lexus envisions for the future electrification of its brand and the unique opportunity that will present to transform the joy of driving. The ‘Lexus Electrified’ strategy aims to provide choice, convenience and excitement to consumers who are ready to move beyond conventional powertrains. The UX 300e is Lexus’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV) and the first model to be produced under the ‘Lexus Electrified’ banner. It features the distinctive design and high functionality of the original UX urban compact SUV, together with refined yet dynamic driving performance and all the Lexus hallmark qualities of comfort, exceptional quality and reliability. The new Lexus LC 500 Convertible joins the LC Coupe as an aspirational halo model for the entire Lexus range. Designed on the theme of ‘Ultimate Beauty’ and with Lexus’s signature attention to detail, it commands the attention, top up or top down, and provides a driving experience that stimulates all the senses. The Lexus booth will be located on stand 4211 in Hall 4 of the Palexpo exhibition centre. The digital Lexus press conference presentation will be available at any time during the show’s press days (3 and 4 March). Media representatives are welcome to call at the Lexus booth at a time that suits them and discover the Lexus brand and product messages on an individual screen.