LQ Concept Could Preview Tech Headed to Lexus EV

Future Signs

Toyota's new LQ Concept is an interesting machine for a number of reasons. At its core, the LQ is a study in the science of future mobility. But as its name suggests, the LQ could also potentially serve as a testbed and indicator of some of the technology headed to Lexus' brand new LF-30 EV, or perhaps even future hybrid models. 

Photos: Toyota

Interesting Tech

The LQ is Toyota's latest iteration of the Concept-i, a concept vehicle first exhibited at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show. The LQ is equipped with all sorts of interesting tech, including automated driving capabilities and "Yui," a powerful artificial intelligence-powered interactive agent designed to learn from the driver and deliver a personalized mobility experience.

Photos: Toyota 

>>Join the conversation about the LQ Concept right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Ready for Prime Time

Human-machine interaction tech and Level 4 autonomous driving are obviously the big news here, but they're likely years from being ready for prime time. However, the LQ also carries a host of features that could be utilized on near-future production vehicles, including one or more Lexus models.

Photos: Toyota 

>>Join the conversation about the LQ Concept right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Advanced Seating System

That includes the LQ's advanced seating system, which consists of multiple inflatable air bladders embedded into the seat with an in-seat air conditioning system to help keep the driver awake or relaxed depending on the driving situation. When the system senses that a driver is tired, for example, it can inflate its air bladder to support an upright seating position as well as blast the driver with cool air to wake them up.

Photos: Toyota 

>>Join the conversation about the LQ Concept right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Park Yourself

Another feature destined for future production vehicles is the LQ's Automated Valet Parking System. Already in use by Tesla, this technology allows the driver to drop themselves off while the car locates a parking spot afterward. The system uses a host of cameras, sensors, sonar and radar, and 2D road mapping to accomplish this particular task.

Photos: Toyota

>>Join the conversation about the LQ Concept right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Full Communication

The LQ can also communicate information such as road surface conditions to people inside and outside of the vehicle using the Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) installed in its headlights. The system can activate one million tiny embedded mirrors to project complex figures on the road ahead. In addition, the LQ communicates with the vehicle's occupants using illuminated roof and floor panels. 

Photos: Toyota 

>>Join the conversation about the LQ Concept right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Simple But Complex

Inside, the LQ's dashboard and meters are displayed using organic LEDs (OLEDs). The advanced instrument panel design wraps around the driver while ensuring high visibility. The instrument panel itself is both simplistic and complex, with a futuristic, forward-projecting silhouette that puts Yui at the center of the instrument panel, with lines that flow from the inside of the vehicle out across its exterior.

Photos: Toyota 

>>Join the conversation about the LQ Concept right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Smog Killer

One of the most unique features of the LQ is a newly developed catalyst coating that decomposes ozone into oxygen on the radiator fan, allowing ozone near the ground surface to be decomposed as the vehicle moves. Toyota has tested this new coating and found it to be successful at purifying the air, and they expect to utilize it on commercial vehicles in the future.

Photos: Toyota 

>>Join the conversation about the LQ Concept right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Rolling Test Bed

The LQ is certainly a fascinating rolling technology testbed for Toyota. But judging by its name, we can't help but wonder if it's really a Lexus vehicle in disguise. Regardless, the LQ is, at the very least, a pretty clear look at the future of vehicle technology, both near and far.

Photos: Toyota 

>>Join the conversation about the LQ Concept right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

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