Lexus Discusses Upcoming New York International Auto Show Reveals
Shortly after Toyota started the Lexus brand in 1989, Mark Templin started his long career at Toyota. He’s now a managing officer of Toyota Motor Corporation and executive vice president of Lexus International, responsible for leading the luxury brand’s global operations.
We got the chance to ask him a few questions at the preliminary press kickoff for the 2015 New York International Auto Show (April 3 – April 12, 2015 – http://www.autoshowny.com/).
Club Lexus (CL): What should we be looking forward to at the NYIAS from Lexus this year?
Mark Templin (MT): By far, the largest debut you’ll see from us this year is the unveiling of the all-new Lexus RX. This is the fourth generation of the very vehicle that created the luxury utility segment. We believe Lexus will redefine it yet again with the 2016 RX. We’re also announcing some new technology for all Lexus vehicles – current and past – that will enhance the driving involvement of every current Lexus owner.
CL: Can you share more about what we’ll see this year?
MT: Well, Lexus is on a strict media blackout about the RX until our official reveal in a couple of days, but I can share a bit more about the new sound technology option which we are calling ASCend. We initially created a version of this technology for our new RC F performance coupe, but our engineering team recognized a broader application to enhance the Lexus driving experience for all our vehicles.
CL: Really, how so?
MT: Yukihiko Yaguchi [ed. note: chief engineer of Lexus F program] had a big hand in both the RC F and the LFA and a significant part of his goal in creating both those vehicles is the visceral sound. This is experienced both through the Yamaha-tuned LFA, which is an instrument I can listen to all day long, as well as the new V8-powered RC F, which is augmented by active sound control (ASC) sound technology. ASC is a fusion of the actual engine and augmented sound in the driving cabin.
CL: So you’re taking the RC F’s ASC technology and making it available as ASCend?
MT: Yes, but the sound is even further enhanced and it’s portable to make it accessible for a wider array of vehicles. We’ve been able to merge the ASC technology from the RC F with the award-winning sound of the LFA. The basic premise of the ASCend device is that every Lexus vehicle can now have the engaging driving sound that comes with the LFA. You’ll get that screaming V10 note that matches the engine revs of your own Lexus for a unique sport-filled experience on every trip, whether going to the corner store or up Pike’s Peak.
CL: Every Lexus vehicle? So, if I have a 2000 IS300, it’ll work with that?
MT: Absolutely. We’ve got connectivity via a range of options for every vehicle from the 1990 LS400 to the 2016 RX. It’s amazing that every single one of these can now sound like the LFA inside the cabin.
CL: So does a Lexus dealer need to install the device?
MT: ASCend will be available at the parts and accessories counter at every US dealership starting in June, and is easily self-installable by the owner. We’ve got connectivity via a range of options for every vehicle including Bluetooth, direct hardwire, and cassette tape or FM modulation integration packages for our older models. You can direct output through your car stereo or via a speaker sold separately that mounts under the passenger seat. 2006 and up models will also be able to tune the device via the navigation screen.
CL: We’re really looking forward to trying this out!
MT: We’ll have an ASCend unit at the parts counter to test drive before you buy. We’re all very excited by this fun new way to share the very special LFA with all owners.
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