The Geneva Motor Show 2006 gives Lexus the opportunity to showcase several world firsts in the area of safety, plus demonstrate the technologically advanced safety aspects of the featured vehicles.
The LS 460 is the first car in the world to feature several preventative safety measures:
PEDESTRIAN PRE-CRASH SAFETY SYSTEM
By using a stereo imaging camera mounted behind the windscreen, people or animals on the road on front of the vehicle are detected and the brakes are briefly activated. This momentary braking alerts the driver whilst the system simultaneously prepares both Brake Assist and the Variable Gear Ratio System in order to prepare for a rapid evasion manoeuvre should one be necessary.
REAR PRE-CRASH SAFETY SYSTEM
A millimetre-wave radar sensor installed in the rear bumper constantly scans the area round the back of the vehicle to determine the likelihood of a collision. If the system determines a high probability of collision, it activates the rear hazard warning lights. In the event of an unavoidable collision, the system automatically moves the Pre-Crash front headrests forwards and upwards to reduce the risk of whiplash injury in anticipation of impact.
DRIVER MONITORING SYSTEM
Should the driver close his eyes or look away from the road ahead for more than a certain amount of time while the vehicle is in motion, a camera mounted in the roof triggers a buzzer and the brakes are briefly applied to alert the driver.
A host of other highly evolved active and passive safety systems feature in the cars on display at the Geneva Motor Show 2006 including the second generation of Lexus' Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system in the LS 460 and the GS 450h.
Lexus' continued commitment to technological innovation extends into the heart of the safety systems deployed in the range and many of these can be seen at the Geneva Motor Show. Features such as Low-speed Adaptive Cruise Control and a new Lane-Keeping Assist system exemplify the Lexus ethos: the pursuit of perfection.
