Application of state-of-the-art safety technologies, including the latest Lexus Safety System+
Lexus is developing safety technologies under the banner of eliminating traffic casualties, which is the ultimate wish of a society of mobility. Lexus prioritizes the development of the most-advanced safety technologies and the quick delivery of such to drivers―it does this by introducing cutting-edge technologies into its flagship vehicle models first. By developing technologies for widespread application by using know-how cultivated through introducing cutting-edge technologies into its flagships, Lexus plans to broadly introduce advanced technologies into all of its vehicle models. An example is the IS’s Lexus Safety System+, which has further evolved through the introduction of advanced safety technologies thus far cultivated through use in other Lexus vehicle models. Lexus, by contributing to a reduction in the risk of accidents and to a reduction in driver stress, aims to enable enjoyable driving that is safer and securer.
Further evolution of the Lexus Safety System+ preventive safety package
While retaining the configuration of a single-lens camera and millimeter-wave radar used in the conventional Lexus Safety System+, Lexus has added functions such as Emergency Steering Assist and has improved the system’s lane recognition performance. These advances are part of Lexus’s continuing efforts to prevent traffic accidents and fatalities, to reduce driver burden, and to develop driver-assist systems that provide a more-natural and safer driving experience.
Main safety technologies
- The performance of the single-lens camera and millimeter-wave radar has been improved to expand the response range of the Pre-Collision System, which is designed to detect daytime bicyclists and pedestrians in low-light conditions and, at intersections, to detect oncoming vehicles before right turns*6 and pedestrians crossing the street from the direction toward which the vehicle was traveling before it started to make a right or left turn. Also featured are functions such as Emergency Steering Assist, which assists steering within the vehicle’s lane as cued by the driver, and Low Speed Acceleration Control*7, which supports the prevention of collisions caused by pedal misapplication at times of reduced speed.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) combine to make it easier for the driver to keep in the current lane on a motor-vehicle-only roadway, etc. If the system detects a potential lane departure, LTA alerts the driver with a visual warning and either an audible alert or steering wheel vibration. In the new IS, lane recognition performance, which makes assist possible, has been improved. When LTA is activated, AI technologies are applied to camera-actuated, white-line recognition for advanced deceleration of the vehicle in line with the size of the curve. Keeping lateral g-forces constant while driving through curves contributes to stable and comfortable driving and makes driving assist more continuous even in curves with a smaller radius and in tunnels.
- Automatic High Beam detects preceding or oncoming vehicles and automatically switches between high beam and low beam headlights.
- Road Sign Assist acquires road sign information using a camera and navigation maps and displays it on the multi-information display. This reduces possible driver failure in recognizing signs and supports safe driving.
- If non-operation by the driver continues during use of Lane Tracing Assist, Driver Emergency Stop Assist*8 (coordinated with Lane Tracing Assist) supports the driver through audio and visual alerts and gentle deceleration. It then activates the vehicle’s hazard lamps and horn to alert those outside the vehicle to help prevent or reduce damage to the vehicle or to others, while slowing and eventually stopping the vehicle within its lane. After stopping the vehicle, it unlocks the doors and activates an automatic HELPNET*8 connection for a rescue request, contributing to early driver rescue.
Various other forms of advanced safety equipment are featured on the new IS and are being actively introduced by Lexus. These include parking support brakes, which contribute to mitigation of damage in collisions due to pedal misapplication in places such as parking lots or in minor collisions with vehicles approaching from the rear, and the Panoramic View Monitor, which supports periphery safety checks.
The new IS will be available for sale in global markets including the North America, Japan, the Middle East, and specific countries in South America, Oceania, and Asia.