Lexus will ring in 2004 with an array
of benefits for journalists and consumers at the North American International
Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit this January - all designed to inform, refresh
and entertain.
Luxuries That Energize
When it comes time to relax and reenergize, journalists can pull up a comfortable
chair at the Lexus Luxury Lounge. Refreshments, soothing neck and shoulder massages
from professional massage therapists, a shoe shine valet, and incredible audio
sounds courtesy of Mark Levinson sound systems, will all be available at the
Lexus display area. The Lexus Luxury Lounge will be open to journalists Sunday,
January 4, from 10:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Monday, January 5, from 8:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m.; and Tuesday, January 6, from 8:30 p.m. to 12:00 noon.
Inspiring Technology
The all-new Lexus exhibit at NAIAS enables visitors to experience key Lexus
technology firsthand. The engaging display incorporates interactive simulations
of some of Lexus' many safety innovations.
"It's one thing to talk about advanced safety technology. It's quite another
to actually experience it," said Lexus Vice President of Marketing Mike
Wells. "That's why enthusiasts go to auto shows: to move beyond what they've
seen and read in print and on websites and become fully engaged in the latest
innovations. Our new exhibit feeds that need."
For example, the Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) display simulates the
operation of these headlights. The left beam can rotate from 0 to 15 degrees
in a left turn while the right beam remains in the center position. The right
beam can rotate form 0 to 5 degrees in a right turn while the left beam remains
in a center position. As a result, the driver can see deeper into the curve,
as simulated by the auto show display.
AFS also incorporates a self-leveling feature that levels the lights depending
on road conditions. And an AFS on/off switch allows the driver to disengage
the system at any time. It's currently available on the Lexus RX 330 luxury
utility vehicle and LS 430 premium luxury sedan.
The heart of the Intuitive Parking Assist simulation is an actual car bumper
fitted with ultrasonic sensors. As you approach the bumper, a pictograph appears
on a plasma screen, rendering your location relative to the bumper - just as
it would in miniature within the vehicle's instrument panel. The actual system
also sounds a tone that emits from the front speakers if the obstacle is in
front of the vehicle or from the rear speakers if the obstacle is behind.
The third technology display demonstrates how the Rear Backup Camera employs
the real-time video camera fitted in optionally equipped versions of the LS
430 and all three of Lexus' sport utility vehicles: RX 330, GX 470 and LX 470.
The rear back-up camera is mounted near the top of the license plate surround
and automatically projects an image of what the camera lens can detect behind
the vehicle onto the navigation screen when the vehicle is in the reverse gear.
Maximum Benefit
The annual NAIAS Black-tie Charity Invitational on Friday, January 9, is a major
event that brings in millions of dollars for Detroit area children. The Lexus
booth at this year's affair will once again offer delicious food and drinks
stirred by the blues styling of local musical group, the Detroit Cobras. The
show will be webcast live for all to see on www.lexus.com from 7:30 p.m. EST,
and simulcast on WCSX-FM 94.7 throughout southeastern Michigan starting at 7:30
p.m. EST.
In fact, all of the Lexus activities at the show will be webcast live. The
Lexus NAIAS webcast will be available 24/7 during the show starting on Sunday,
January 4, at 10:30 a.m. EST and continuing to the end of the show on Monday
January 19.
