First-Ever Self-Driving Lexus Set to Debut This Year
Lexus will offer its first-ever autonomous driving capable vehicle this year, over two years after it previewed the technology with the LS+ Concept.
Driving the Future
It's been over two years since Lexus unveiled the LS+ Concept (pictured), a car that foreshadowed the brand's plans to produce a vehicle with autonomous driving capability. And now, speaking at a press event in Europe, Lexus international president Koji Sato said that the automaker will unveil a vehicle this year that features hands-off driver assistance. Later, Sato provided more details on this exciting new technology in a conversation with Automotive News.
Photos: Lexus
Not Quite
Unsurprisingly, this new model won't be completely self-driving, at least not at first. The car will be "hands-off but not eyes off," Sato told Automotive News. "It will start from Level 2 but it will have over-the-air updates so that for the future we can update the level." He did not reveal, however, if buyers would have to pay extra for this option, as Tesla owners currently do.
Photos: Lexus
Few Details
Sato also didn't say which model would support this feature, nor where in the world it would be available. But we would imagine that Japan would be the perfect place to launch it first, as the country has been working on mapping its highways in preparation for self-driving vehicles for years now.
Photos: Lexus
Results May Vary
The options and autonomous driving level available to buyers will also obviously vary depending on where the buyer resides. "Regulation and also social concerns may effect what level we can produce in the real world," Sato admitted. As of now, Japan is far ahead of Europe and the U.S. in terms of easing regulations for self-driving cars, and many other automakers are fighting to push forward new legislation in these regions.
Photos: Lexus
Highly Capable
This new, unnamed self-driving Lexus model will feature an automated driving system called Highway Teammate. It's been developed by Denso and uses lidar as well as cameras to help guide the vehicle along its route. The technology will also enable the car to change lanes automatically, follow lanes, and pass vehicles while driving on the highway.
Photos: Lexus
Seeking Clarity
While other automakers are developing or have already developed Level 3 technology, Lexus is taking a more cautious approach for a variety of reasons. "Denso's opinion is that Level 3 is a bit of a compromise," Kumabe said. "I think that way of thinking is on the increase." Sato also said that he believes the current system for categorizing autonomous levels is too vague. "Level 2 can almost cross to Level 3, and Level 3 sometimes also can be Level 2," he said.
Photos: Lexus
Looking to the Future
Regardless, Sato made it clear that Lexus intends to install its new self-driving technology across the automaker's entire model range, eventually. "All our vehicles need to offer safe, confident drive," Sato said. "Our aim is to share and roll out this technology to other vehicles."
Photos: Lexus
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