Lexus

4x4, Events, News, SUV

Lexus teams up with Jude Law

News Editor ·

Lexus confirmed a creative collaboration with Hollywood actor Jude Law to launch The Life RX.

The advertising campaign aim to ‘amplify the qualities’ of the new Lexus RX SUV. Jude Law will work closely with Lexus ‘to enable consumers to immerse themselves and be immersed in The Life RX through interactive videography and theatre’. He will also star in a television commercial filmed on the French Riviera and in the hills of Italy’s Fiuggi region.

The ad, which airs from today throughout Europe, depicts a hotel valet who is given the keys to Jude Law’s sharply styled RX and takes the car on an extraordinary and fast-paced journey. Filmed from a first-person perspective, it aims to catapult the audience into an exciting and luxurious new world. When the wayward valet returns, Law emerges to retrieve the keys and get into his Lexus. He immediately senses something is not quite right and, with a knowing look, drives off into the distance, leaving the valet behind with the memory of having experienced The Life RX for just a short while.

Jude Law said: “I love driving and the escapism that comes with it. The concept of The Life RX is such an interesting one, as it’s true that the right car can give you the keys to an extraordinary experience. The team at Lexus envisioned bringing something to life that was immersive and included everyone on the journey, and this was something I was keen to explore.”

Alain Uyttenhoven, Head of Lexus Europe, said: “We are extremely excited to be partnering with Jude Law, a fantastic actor and a true gentleman, for The Life RX campaign. The Life RX mirrors the fact that the RX brings a different, rewarding product experience based on a bold design, innovative technologies and, above all, a premium, luxury feel. At Lexus, providing an unparalleled progressive luxury experience is at the heart of our brand and we wanted to bring this message to life with an innovative launch campaign and television ad.”

Prices for the Lexus RX start at £39,995 OTR.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car, Saloon, Sports Car, News

Lexus LF-FC concept revealed in Tokyo

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Lexus has pulled the covers off a new flagship LF-FC concept.

Unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, the LF-FC presents a new styling theme that 'embodies Lexus's L-finesse design philosophy' says the Japanese automaker and provides a glimpse into Lexus's design and technology direction for a future flagship saloon.

The front end features an evolution of Lexus's signature grille, with a new mesh design along with L-shaped daytime running lights which 'emerge seamlessly' from the front wings with a floating effect, that is mirrored in the tail-lights. Featuring a flowing roofline in the style of a four-door coupe, the concept runs on 21-inch alloy wheels with carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) rims adding an 'extra dash of flair'.

A high-output fuel cell power system is at the heart of the LF-FC, which drivers the rear wheels and also sends power to two in-wheel motors at the front for all-wheel drive. This drive system allows precise torque distribution control, giving the vehicle 'exceptional handling and stability'. The location of the fuel cell stack at the rear and the power control unit at the front and the arrangement of the hydrogen fuel tanks in a T-formation result in 'optimum' front-rear weight distribution for a sporty saloon.

On the inside, a spacious interior wraps its occupants in what Lexus calls a comfortable yet futuristic environment. Viewed at eye-level, the front seats appear to be 'floating' says Lexus. The rear seats offering a reclining feature and plenty of head and knee room. High-quality aniline leather on the seats, doors and dashboard enhances the level of luxury in the interior.

The LF-FC features an advanced human/machine interface that can be operated using simple hand gestures, with no need to touch a panel or switch. A small holographic image on the centre console indicates where the system can interpret hand gestures to control the audio system and ventilation. The concept uses automated driving technologies, with an elevated level of traffic environment recognition, prediction and judgement functions to provide a safe and efficient driving experience.

The Tokyo Motor Show runs until 8 November.

Saloon, News

Lexus builds life-size Origami Car

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Lexus has unveiled a replica IS saloon car, made from 1,700 fully recyclable laser-cut cardboard sheets.

Crafted from precision-cut cardboard, the Lexus Origami Car features a fully fitted interior, functioning doors and headlights, rolling wheels and, thanks to an electric motor mounted on its steel and aluminium frame, it can even be driven.

The skilled men and women - known as takumi - who work on the Lexus production lines hone their dexterity skills by learning how to fold paper into an origami model cat, using only their non-dominant hand. The Origami Car takes the spirit of this talent to a far higher level, while also embracing Lexus's new 'Creating Amazing' global brand campaign.

In terms of size and complexity, the project was undertaken by LaserCut Works and Scales and Models, London-based specialist companies with extensive experience in the design and creation of prototypes, architectural models and bespoke commissions.

Ruben Marcos, Scales and Models Company founder and director explained: "This was a very demanding job, with five people involved in the digital design, modelling, laser cutting and assembly. Just like Lexus, we were committed to producing the best possible quality."

The creative process presented the team with a series of tough challenges: "The seats took a few attempts to get just right and the wheels required a lot of refining. Once we could see the physical pieces taking shape, we could identify where we needed to make improvements - as with anything, there were some elements of trial and error, but as we had all the resources we needed in-house, this made the changes easier to produce."

Lexus provided the team with a digital 3D model of the IS, which was then divided into a series of principal parts, such as the main body, dashboard, seats and wheels. These were then digitally rendered in 10mm "slices" to provide the two-dimensional profiles needed for the laser cutting of each of the 1,700 sheets of 10mm-thick of cardboard - supplied by packaging experts DS Smith. Each layer was given its own reference number to help ensure it was assembled in the right sequence and the entire assembly was done by hand. A water-based/wood glue was used, which had to be left to set for 10 minutes after each application. Lexus says accuracy was vital, as changes couldn't be made once the glue had dried. In all, the Origami Car took three months to build.

"In effect we created our own vehicle production line," said Ruben. "There was a lot of repetition in the process and we had to work with military precision, just like the teams that make the real Lexus cars."

This unique vehicle will be revealed to the public at the Grand Designs Live Show at the NEC in Birmingham, from 8 October.

Hybrid, Sports Car, Coupe, News

Order books open for all-new Lexus RC coupe

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Order books have opened for the new Lexus RC coupe.

Described as a 'full-blooded coupe', the two-door RC is available in the UK with two powertrains - the RC 300h full hybrid with 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, and the RC 200t, the latest model to adopt Lexus's 241bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

The entry level 'Luxury' grade is exclusive to the full hybrid RC 300h. Although it marks the entry point to the coupe range, it delivers a 'wealth of features' with key specifications including 18-inch alloys, cruise control, LED headlamps and daytime running lights, parking sensors, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a six-speaker audio system with CD player, seven-inch multimedia screen with Remote Touch controller, power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, split-folding rear seat and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

The safety and driver assistance features include Lexus's Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, eight airbags, pop-up hood and Hill Assist Control with Brake Hold. The RC further benefits from Lexus's Drive Mode Select, which adjusts performance to suit conditions or driver preference, with Eco, Normal and Sport modes. Prices start at £34,995.

Moving up the range, the 'F Sport' models receive added visual enhancements with a 'stronger iteration of the Lexus spindle grille', plus multi-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels, deep front and rear bumpers and LED headlights in a signature 'triple L' arrangement (with Automatic High Beam function). In the cabin there are F Sport front seats that are power-adjustable with heating/ventilation, driver's side memory setting and automatic 'easy access' function. Other F Sport elements include aluminium scuff plates and sports pedals and LFA-style meters that automatically change appearance according to the drive mode selected.

The F Sport models also feature Adaptive Variable Suspension and, on the 200t F Sport, a limited-slip differential. The Drive Mode Select system adds a fourth, Sport+ mode which introduces additional chassis control for an even sportier drive. Other key equipment features include rain-sensing windscreen wipers, rear-view camera and Lane Keep Assist. Prices start at £36,495 for the RC 200t F Sport.

At the top of the RC range, the 'Premier' grade models go even further, adding to the standard features of Luxury with the addition of 19-inch alloys, Lexus Premium Navigation, 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround audio system, the triple-L LED headlights with Automatic High Beam function, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with driver's side memory setting, power steering wheel adjustment, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert , Lane Keep Assist and a rear-view camera. Prices start at £39,495 for the RC 200t Premier.

In addition, the RC F, introduced in late 2014, remains available as a high performance iteration of the coupe, powered by Lexus's 471bhp 5.0-litre V8 engine.

The new Lexus RC is available to order now, with first customer deliveries in January 2016.

News

Lexus reveals fully functioning hoverboard

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Lexus has revealed a fully functioning hoverboard.

The hoverboard doesn't need electricity to work, it uses a permanent magnet and liquid nitrogen cooling, down to -197 degrees keeping the superconductor cold. Essential to the hoverboard working is a metal track, hidden under the specially constructed "Hoverpark" skate park. The Hoverpark was constructed in Barcelona, using around 200 metres of magnetic track set beneath the surface of an area similar to a conventional skate park. This gives the opportunity to demonstrate tricks that no skateboarder could ever perform, including travelling across water.

The Lexus Hoverboard features two cryostats, reservoirs which contain superconducting material, kept at the aforementioned -197 degrees through immersion in liquid nitrogen, creating cool-looking steam. The board is placed above a track fitted with permanent magnets to achieve magnetic levitation.

Dr Oliver de Hass, CEO of evico, said: "The magnetic field from the track is effectively 'frozen' into the superconductors in the board, maintaining the distance between the board and track - essentially keeping the board in a hover. The force is strong enough that the rider can stand and even jump on the board."

A short film - Slide - captures the success of the latest project in Lexus's 'Amazing in Motion campaign', together with the new GS F saloon, the forthcoming addition to Lexus's F-designated range of high-performance models.

The task of putting the machine through its paces fell to international pro-skateboard star Ross McGouran, who said: "I've spent 20 years skateboarding, but without friction it feels like I've had to learn a whole new skill, particularly in the stance and balance you need to ride the hoverboard."

Mark Templin, Executive Vice President Lexus International, said: "We set out to push the boundaries of technology, design and innovation to make the impossible possible, collaborating with partners who share our passion for creating enjoyment out of motion.

"As we combined our technology and expertise, we discovered that making a hoverboard isn't an easy process. We've experienced highs and lows and have overcome a few challenges, but through mutual determination we have created a demonstration of our philosophy in design and technology to create Amazing in Motion."

While potentially appearing like a publicity stunt, the Lexus Hoverboard is actually genuine!

Coupe, News

One-off Lexus RC F reacts to heartbeat

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Lexus has created a one-off RC F that directly translates the driver's heart patterns into a visual display across the bodywork.

Driving a great car can stimulate the senses and quicken the heartbeat, and the RC F is Lexus's most powerful production V8 coupe yet. The special model is the result of collaboration between Lexus and the creative agency M&C Saatchi. Different technologies have been integrated into the car to monitor the driver's heartbeat and use the data captured to send an electric charge through the bodywork.

The body panels are finished in an electro-luminescent paint, produced by the US specialist Luminor, which reacts to the charge with an intense glow, pulsing in the same rhythm as the driver's heart rate. 

Sean Hanley, Lexus Australia Chief Executive, said: "This latest concept follows other innovative projects we have developed this year, including smart outdoor advertising billboards that respond to the car you're driving. The heartbeat car also links to another key part of Lexus - high performance vehicles - via our F marque models, and the emotional responses a machine like the RC F can inspire in a person."

Powered by a new 5.0-litre, 32-valve unit developed specifically for the RC F and matched to a specially calibrated eight-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission, the new Lexus delivers over 450bhp and 520Nm.

The UK will receive two versions - the RC F and the RC F Carbon with prices starting at £59,995 OTR.

News

will.i.am and Lexus create Laser and sound spectacular

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Pop-star will.i.am has shot a short film with Lexus that captures a live remix of his track #thatPOWER, using a stunt-driven Lexus NX.

It's part of a collaboration between the Grammy Award-winner and Lexus that encompasses the worlds of music, design and technology. Building on Lexus's Amazing in Motion campaign, will.i.am remixed his 2013 hit #thatPOWER using three NX SUV's, piloted by stunt drivers through hundreds of motion and sound-sensitive lights and lasers. The event was shot in the course of one night last week on a disused airstrip in Spain.

The unique interpretation was created live by the musician and global entrepreneur, using hundreds of motion and sound-sensitive lights and lasers and three Lexus NX crossovers, piloted by a team of top stunt drivers. will.i.am takes on the role of the frontman, 'battling against speed and rhythm' to conduct and navigate the Lexus NX by hitting a sequence of laser targets.

Commenting on the finished video, will.i.am said: "Working with the stunt guys to hit the laser targets in time with the music wasn't easy to get right but the result was awesome. The combination of technology, design and music in this project was out of this world."

The lighting and laser rig was created by Marshmallow Laser Feast (MLF), famous for its work with U2 and Coldplay, and took a team of 65 technicians more than week to install.

Barnaby Steel, MLF's Creative Director, explained how the concept worked: "Together with Lexus, we've created a huge musical game with three stunt drivers as the players and will.i.am as the conductor. Music is brought to life when the cars hit beams of light that are motion sensitive at the correct time and rhythm. It's basically like a giant laser harp with cars instead of fingers. The challenge for will.i.am and the drivers was to navigate the light points on tempo. When they fell off beat and triggered notes off tempo, the system had to restart."

Alain Uyttenhoven, Head of Lexus Europe, said: "We're projecting that the NX will represent one third of all Lexus sales across Europe this year, so it feels right that we've created something as bold as this event with will.i.am - something that truly embodies our brand philosophy of Amazing in Motion."

The NX, introduced last autumn, marks Lexus's entry into the mid-size premium crossover market. The range includes both the full hybrid NX 300h and the NX 200t, powered by Lexus's new 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.