It is our aim at Lexus to develop the safest cars in the world. One result of this objective is a system called VDIM – the most advanced vehicle stability control system on the market today. VDIM is unique in seamlessly integrating all the car's safety systems, such as anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Electronic Power Steering (EPS), to optimise performance, stability and driving smoothness.
The key to the effectiveness of VDIM is that it anticipates and then deals with problems before they can cause concern for the driver or passengers. It does this by acquiring data from a host of sensors throughout the vehicle. Information picked up includes wheel rotation, brake pressure and movement of the vehicle's body. Thus informed VDIM applies the optimum response from the various systems under its control.
In Lexus models with Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), VDIM offers active steering assistance if it detects an imbalance under braking or acceleration. Using VGRS, the system will also apply corrective steering in the event of a skid, minimising the driver input required. This helps to ensure that the vehicle stops in a safe, straight line rather than veering across the road.
PRE-CRASH SAFETY (PCS)
Presented in the GS, the LS and the forthcoming IS range, PCS is the most sophisticated system on the market, using a millimetre-wave radar sensor to detect obstacles in front of the car. Simultaneously, an electronic control unit (ECU) monitors data from numerous on-board sensors to determine, in advance, whether a collision is unavoidable. If the system registers that this is the case, it will pre-emptively activate the Pre-Crash seat-belt pre-tensioners and prepare the emergency Brake Assist system for optimum efficiency.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC)
Complementary to PCS, ACC offers both constant speed control and vehicle-to-vehicle distance control modes. Employing the PCS millimetre-wave radar sensor, the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control system is capable of differentiating between vehicles directly ahead of the Lexus and those in an adjacent lane. It will automatically match the speed of the vehicle in front and, once the road ahead is clear, accelerate back up to the selected cruising speed.
