Lexus will welcome the new year 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, 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 9, from
11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Monday, January 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and
Tuesday, January 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Inspiring Technology
The Lexus exhibit at NAIAS enables visitors to experience key Lexus technology
firsthand. The engaging displays incorporate interactive simulations of some
of Lexus'; many safety innovations.
"Our exhibit encourages visitors to become fully engaged in the latest
innovations by experiencing the best in safety related and advanced technology,"
said Lexus Vice President of Marketing Mark Templin. "To further enhance
the exhibit, a simulation model of the RX 400h hybrid SUV will be on display
to highlight the performance advantages of our hybrid electric-gas powertrain
that emphasizes high mileage and low emissions."
One of the technology displays highlights the Adaptive Front lighting System
(AFS) and simulates the operation of headlights that help the driver to see
further into a turn. 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 Intuitive Parking Assist simulation displays 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 Night View simulation features an option available on the LX 470 which uses
near-infrared technology that illuminates everything in front of the vehicle
out to a distance of nearly 500 feet. Two lamps in the lower grille project
light beams that reflect off objects in the vehicle's path, bouncing back
to a camera mounted inside the top of the windshield. A computer processes the
reflected beams into natural-looking images projected onto a section of the
windshield in the driver's field of vision.
Maximum Benefit
The annual NAIAS Black-tie Charity Invitational on Friday, January 14, 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 feature delicious food
and drinks as well as first-class entertainment. The show will be webcast via
streaming video for all to see on www.lexus.com from 7:00 p.m. EST.
In fact, all of the Lexus activities at the show will also be webcast via streaming
video on www.lexus.com. The Lexus NAIAS webcast will be available 24/7 during
the show starting on Sunday, January 9, at 10:00 a.m. EST and continuing to
the end of the show on Sunday, January 23.
