2005 NAIAS: Lexus to Showcase Technology and Offer Amenities

TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 28, 2004 -- 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.