We recently spent some time in a secret Lexus parking lot to learn more about this Japanese brand’s future tech endeavours, writes Calvin Fisher.
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Measuring 5,3 km long by 2,2 km wide, the new Toyota Technical Centre in Shimoyama – and soon to be home to Team Lexus – is an imposing sight to behold. Before delving into its secrets, though, it’s worth putting both Toyota and its Lexus sub-brand’s eco-credentials to the fore.
Not only has the company embraced alternative fuels by way of its so-called Multi-Pathway Strategy, but they’ve also done well to preserve nature when constructing this test facility (and adjacent racing circuit) within a forest setting. It’s been respectfully hewn from the earth; no soil was brought in or removed from the area, thereby maintaining the existing local ecosystem and associated micro-organisms. Conscience clear, we were ready to get behind the wheel of a development Lexus RZ and UX parked in convenient proximity to a gymkhana course.
Getting to Grips with Neo Steer
As I slid into the driver’s pew, I immediately noticed that something was not quite right in the cabin of my test vehicle. Instead of a traditional round steering wheel, was what appeared to be an aeroplane’s yoke, or put differently – an abridged steering bar. Being a prototype, its appearance was somewhat rough around the edges. Thrilled at the prospect of re-enacting my Michael Knight fantasies (KITT was similarly steered), but curious as to how this would ultimately play out, I was further troubled by the fact that I’ve never bothered to learn how a yoke works. I do know how to ride a motorcycle and mountain bike, though, and I soon welcomed the familiarity of these new controls.
The technician explained in an enthusiastic if somewhat broken English that acceleration would be controlled by a thumb-operated collar, which is activated by pushing forward in a similar fashion as on a quad bike. Braking is performed by a pair of levers behind the “wheel,” in precisely the location you’d expect to find them on a handlebar. If you could mentally snap a handlebar at two points in the middle, you’d have performed all the gymnastics required to make sense of the Neo Steer tiller. So, what do your legs do then? Well, nothing. Whatsoever.
Brain Broken?
Yes, Neo Steer in this form is characterised by a feetless driving style that, as such, takes a while to get used to for an able-body driver. By definition it also enables physically challenged drivers that may have previously been stifled by a conventional cockpit, to get on with the task of driving.
The process of shifting the automatic transmission into Drive, releasing the brake lever, squeezing the throttle and setting off from the initial bollards was a breeze. My feet were bored and not quite sure what to do with themselves, but my forearms were suitably engaged, happy to add braking and accelerating to their usual regiment of steering. Through this tight course, I quickly got into the rhythm, swinging the car like a pendulum from cone to cone, re-learning my natural corner entry points and braking zones and adjusting my throttle inputs based on this new input system. I ultimately warmed up to the experience.
Having bike experience of any sort will help with the acclamation to the new tech, and while you may not be thrilled at the prospect of yielding yet another aspect of driving to the onset of ever-developing technology, I can assure you that it works, and represents an all-new, inclusive manner of operating a vehicle.
Related: Lexus Introduces LC 500h as V8 Drops Two Cylinders
Lexus was not done, though, then ushering us into a production-ready rendition of the steer-by-wire technology. Operated by a more familiar steering wheel borrowed from the company’s RZ EV, this new technology that deletes a physical steering column from the car’s running gear – accomplishes a lock-to-lock manoeuvre in mere a 150-degree turn. This would be the setup we piloted for our final run through the bollards, where weaving our way felt intuitive, natural and effortless. There was no need to cross over one’s arms whilst completing full turns and, as a result, gone was the need to ever remove your hands from the wheel. Which arguably makes for a safer driving experience.
If however you do insist on taking your hands off the wheel, Lexus has a fun new tech for you to look forward to…
Point and Quip
“Hey, Arene,” I said as I pointed my index finger at the Lexus windscreen and in the direction of a makeshift café. Met with a strip of projected LED lights that proceeded to follow my gestures, “Do they make good coffee there?”
Lexus’ newest in-car artificial intelligence operating system, Arene, confirmed that the café in question did, indeed, boast “a five-star review from at least one previous customer.” She then proceeded to read the review to me whilst simultaneously displaying the Google Map location onscreen. Her response to a follow-up question about whether any famous people have been there was to confirm that “Taylor Swift often frequents.”
I wasn’t convinced.
While I highly doubt Miss Swift has visited a fake coffee shop in the middle of Fuji, the potential of this interactive technology is as amazing as it is slightly unnerving.
Encouraged to play with this system some more, we drove around the parking lot, marvelling as each time a “Hey, Arene,” or “Hey, so-and-so” (its handle is completely customisable) prompt would invite digital ears and an LED laser-like pointer to follow my outstretched finger before informing me about any chosen building, what was traded within its walls, who frequented it and if business was good or recommended.
Related: The Lexus GX 550 Overtrail Leaves its Fancy Bodywork at Home
There’s so much potential here that, in theory, and assuming all appropriate permissions were reached, you’d be able to point at a stranger and ask your car where they bought their shirt from, or what the most popular flavour of iced tea they were drinking is – all based on reviews, of course.
I do feel we’re still a way off with such tech, though. Not so much in the science of it, but rather in the implementation, pitfalls around privacy laws and fundamentals of this nature. Yet, with car manufacturers quickly evolving into technology companies, it’s hard to imagine an external force applying the brakes to the momentum for long.
Find the full feature in the February 2023 issue of CAR Magazine.