Inside the vehicle, the new advanced cockpit design showcases numerous advanced features. The design divides the dashboard into two distinct zones: an upper Display Zone, which includes the Head-Up Display and an eight-inch LCD multi-display screen, and a lower Operation Zone, which contains system controls such as the steering wheel-mounted multi-information switch and Remote Touch control.
Technology
The RX 450h marks the debut of the innovative Remote Touch control, an integral part of the new Lexus Navigation System. It operates on the same basic principles as a computer mouse, with tactile force feedback when operated. It is quick and intuitive to use in conjunction with icons presented on the central multi-display screen to access and adjust the vehicle's audio, navigation, ventilation, phone and set-up systems.
The new Head-Up Display presents key driving data in the driver's line of sight at the base of the windscreen. The white display is designed for perfect clarity in all conditions. The information presented includes vehicle speed, turn-by-turn navigation instructions, audio information and Adaptive Cruise Control and Pre-Crash Safety system status.
A multi-information toggle switch mounted on the steering wheel lets the driver activate and customise numerous vehicle functions and information systems without taking a hand off the wheel. The control is linked to a new white OLED multi-information display set within the driver's instrument binnacle.
Other key features of the new RX 450h range include a Smart Entry and Start system, automatic moving of the driver's seat and steering wheel for easy entry and exit, dual-speed power windows and a new, more efficient dual-zone climate control system.
Lexus builds on its established high standards in in-car hi-fi with three new powerful audio systems for the RX 450h. These include a top-of-the-range 15-speaker Mark Levinson® Premium Surround System that gives perfect 7.1-channel surround sound. Using the navigation system's Hard Disc Drive, the audio system has a 'sound library' facility that uses Compact Disc Data Base technology to transfer and store up to 10Gb of music files.
The new navigation system, accessed by the Remote Touch control, has a 40Gb HDD capacity, making it one of the fastest and most accurate systems on the market. It covers the whole of Europe and includes traffic information infrastructure and 3D mapping.
Safety
The RX 450h's Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) system sets a new benchmark for anticipatory, preventive safety. Operating at speeds above 3mph, it uses a millimetre-wave radar sensor to detect objects ahead, determines the collision risk and helps the driver reduce the chances of an accident happening.
If PCS judges a collision to be highly possible, it will alert the driver and, when he or she begins to brake, it will activate Pre-Crash Brake Assist to supplement the driver's braking effort. If the driver does not brake and a collision is inevitable, the Pre-Crash Brake will automatically apply the brakes to reduce impact speed. The Pre-Crash Seatbelt is also activated under emergency braking, or if there is a risk of a loss of vehicle stability.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) works in tandem with PCS at speeds between 31 and 106mph (50 to 170km/h). ACC automatically maintains a selected distance from the vehicle in front, returning to the original cruising speed once the road ahead is clear.
Lexus's unique Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system processes vehicle status data from sensors located through the car, integrating the function of the ABS, traction control (TRC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Electronically Controlled Brakes (ECB) with the Electric Power Steering, and also co-ordinating control of the Lexus Hybrid Drive and electric four-wheel drive systems.
