In Car Advanced Technology Features - Safety and
Entertainment
SEE ALSO: Lexus Buyers Guide
Auto Central June 23, 2015; Over the years, Lexus engineers have
arguably led the luxury-automotive industry in the arena of technical
wonders.
Here’s a quick cheat-sheet for the most advanced Lexus
features to grace various models at the moment—a list that is by no
means complete:
CRAWL Control: In the LX and GX, CRAWL Control[1]
automates the driving on uneven terrain by taking over the challenge of
braking and throttling in those environments—it can then hold an
optimal slow and steady pace.
Advanced Pre-Collision System
(PCS): Just a few capabilities in the Lexus Advanced Pre-Collision
System {2} pedestrian detection and the ability for the Lexus LS to
automatically brake to a stop (from speeds up to 23 mph) before a
collision.
Lexus Enform Remote: Once downloaded on a phone or tablet,
the Lexus Enform Remote[3] mobile app allows drivers to remotely start the
engine, check the fuel level, and help find the vehicle in a parking lot.
(Lexus Enform Remote is available on the 2015 IS, GS, LS, RC, RC F, and
Navigation-equipped ES and NX.)
Wide-view Front and Side Monitor
System {4]: This optional LX system uses a wide-angle front-mounted
camera to help you see around blind corners, such as when exiting a parking
garage.
Lane Keep Assist[5]: This system
actually detects a road’s visible lane markings and warns you when
you’re drifting—it’ll even take corrective measures to
help steer the vehicle back to the intended lane.
Blind Spot Monitor[6]: This Lexus safety system alerts you to vehicles
approaching or positioned in adjacent lanes, and its complementary Rear
Cross-Traffic Alert system notifies you of approaching vehicles when
you’re backing out of parking spots.
Blu-ray entertainment: Those with home Blu-ray disc systems
already know why they’re better than DVD-based systems—images
are sharper thanks to blue lasers reading the disc (instead of red lasers
found in conventional DVD players). Lexus basically turned the LS into a
home theater by adding Blu-ray/DVD capability to the Lexus LS Rear Seat
Entertainment System[7].
Regenerative Braking: In each Lexus hybrid model, the
ingenious regenerative braking system captures energy normally lost during
braking to automatically recharge the electric battery.
Voice recognition: Lexus engineers have fine-tuned in-vehicle
voice recognition to allow you to place Bluetooth-enabled phone calls;
operate climate, audio, and navigation functions; and pair with a
compatible smartphone to read text messages and send preset responses.
Plus: the voice-activated Navigation System [8] can recognize over 100
voice commands.
Remote Touchpad: Like a mobile tablet or smartphone adapted for
the driving environment, the Lexus Remote Touchpad allows you to navigate a
menu of multimedia, climate control, and other features via pinch, swipe,
and flick gestures.
Torque Vectoring Differential: By
distributing power differently between the inside and outside rear wheels
in the RC F and GS F, this system rotates these performance models in the
direction of a turn in different ways—a Slalom mode for quick turns,
a Track mode for holding fast corners, and a Normal mode for everyday
driving.
Legal Disclaimer Footnotes:
[1] CRAWL Control is designed for driving on
difficult terrain at low speeds. It assists the driver by controlling
acceleration and braking, allowing the driver to focus on steering. The LX
570 is designed to meet off-road driving requirements, but off-roading is
inherently dangerous. Always wear seatbelts.[2]
Advanced Pre-Collision System is designed to help reduce the crash speed
and damage in certain frontal collisions only. Driver Attention Monitor is
designed to alert the driver if a potential hazard is detected ahead and
the driver’s face appears to be turned away. They are not
collision-avoidance systems and are not substitutes for safe and attentive
driving. System effectiveness depends on many factors. See owner’s
manual for details.[3] Use only if aware of
circumstances surrounding the vehicle, and it is legal & safe to do so
(e.g., car uncovered in open area, no people or pets in or nearby). If
vehicle has not been driven for over a week, services will not be available
until next time vehicle is started. Functionality depends on many factors,
such as vehicle and smartphone connectivity. See usage precautions, service
limitations & owner’s manual. Data charges may apply. Registration,
app download are required. Must have active Safety Connect subscription.
Annual fee required after 1-year trial.[4] The
Wide-view Front and Side Monitor does not provide a comprehensive view of
the front and side areas of the vehicle. You should also look around
outside your vehicle and use your mirrors to confirm clearance. Cold
weather will limit effectiveness and view may become cloudy.[5] Lane Keep Assist is designed to read lane markers
under certain conditions. It provides a visual and audible alert and slight
steering force when lane departure is detected. It is not a
collision-avoidance system or a substitute for safe and attentive driving.
Effectiveness depends on many factors. See your owner’s manual for
more information.[6] Do not rely exclusively on
the Blind Spot Monitor. Always look over your shoulder and use your turn
signal. There are limitations to the function, detection, range and clarity
of the monitor. For a complete list of limitations and directions regarding
use of the monitor, see your owner’s manual.[7] A single-disc DVD player is standard. A separate DVD
player or game system utilizing the center console’s video/audio
inputs is required in order to use the split-screen function of the
dual-screen system.8] Be sure to obey traffic
regulations and maintain awareness of road and traffic conditions at all
times. Availability & accuracy of the information provided by the
Navigation System is dependent upon many factors. Use common sense when
relying on information provided. Services and programming subject to
change. Services not available in every city or roadway. Updates may be
available at an additional cost from your dealer. See Navigation System
Owner’s Manual for details.[9] Be sure
to obey traffic regulations and maintain awareness of road and traffic
conditions.Vehicle(s) shown may feature
optional equipment.