Lexus that Parks Itself
Just when you thought the gadget-packed super luxury cars coming out of Germany couldn’t be topped, the Japanese pulled another rabbit out their hat. Not to be outdone by the likes of BMW and Mercedes, Lexus has put into production a vehicle which can parallel park with minimal driver assistance.
The LS 460 is truly a technological wonder in the luxury car segment. With a stat sheet the size of a short novel the LS is a tech nerds dream. Under the hood is a 380 horsepower direct injection 4.6 liter V8 with dual variable valve timing that gives optimum power at any speed. The Lexus also features the world’s first eight speed (yes 8!) automatic transmission to provide a good mix of performance and economy to the big rear drive sedan. Power steering is no longer handled by an engine driven pump, but is now electronic, and features a variable gear ratio that changes the steering feel based on the cars speed. The suspension is also of the adjustable type. By using a variable air suspension the LS can be toggled into different settings for maximum comfort, normal or sport driving modes. Let’s not forget about the smart cruise control that relies on radar to maintain a safe driving distance from vehicles in front of you.
Hands down, the most impressive gadget on the LS is the Intuitive Parking Assist. The $500 option is pretty simple to operate. Drive slowly past a parking spot and 10 sonar sensors detect the space and the cars in front and in back of the space. Shift the car into reverse and a backup camera is activated. Push a screen mounted parking button and the Intuitive Parking Assist will come on line. If the spot is 6.5 feet larger than your car the Advanced Parking Guidance System will slowly navigate your car into the space. The driver must keep their foot lightly on the brake to keep the car under 2.5 mph. If the driver touches the gas pedal or steering wheel the guidance system will turn off. Once in the space a computer will notify the driver that parking is complete.
With handsome styling, excellent fit and finish and competitive pricing (base MSRP of $61,000) the LS 460 isn’t just a gizmo car, it’s also an attractive package. It is clear that the Toyota subsidiary has stepped it up a notch in the last couple of years. This could spell trouble for German manufacturers who have had a strong hold on the luxury car market.
I’m a bit of a control freak and don’t generally like the concept of having a computer drive my car but I must admit this is really cool. After seeing this BMW, Mercedes and Audi should be justifiably nervous. Lexus is a major contender in the market and they are now leading the technological battle that is being waged in luxury cars today. Before long there will be driverless vehicles on the road making automotive traditionalists like myself who actually like to steer and shift, obsolete. Then what will I do?
-Bill Mertz
Lexus LS 460, luxury car, BMW, Mercedes, parking
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