The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit is a pivotal event in the automotive calendar, renowned for showcasing groundbreaking New Automotive Debuts and cutting-edge designs. For the 2017 show, Lexus presented a compelling exhibit at Detroit’s Cobo Center, emphasizing the brand’s dedication to hallmark craftsmanship, unparalleled quality, and advanced safety features, all while providing visitors with an engaging and immersive brand experience. Lexus’s exhibit was eagerly anticipated, and it did not disappoint, featuring significant global and North American premieres.
World Premiere of the All-New 2018 Lexus LS Flagship Sedan
Taking center stage at the Lexus exhibit was the world debut of the all-new, fifth-generation 2018 LS flagship sedan. This reveal was particularly significant as it marked a homecoming for the LS. The very first Lexus LS premiered in Detroit back in 1989, an event that not only introduced the LS but also heralded the arrival of the Lexus brand itself, a true landmark moment in automotive history. Over nearly three decades, the LS has cemented its position in the luxury segment, consistently delivering exceptional ride performance, remarkable quietness, and supreme comfort that discerning consumers expect from a premium vehicle.
Twenty-eight years later, the 2018 LS emerges with a bold and contemporary design language, featuring a striking coupe-like silhouette that cleverly maintains generous interior space. Beyond its aesthetics, the new LS is packed with visionary technology and is constructed on an extended version of Lexus’s all-new global architecture for luxury vehicles (GA–L) premium rear-wheel drive platform. This platform, shared with the acclaimed LC performance coupe, promises a more dynamic and engaging driving experience, further enhancing the LS’s appeal to driving enthusiasts and luxury car aficionados alike.
North American Debut of the Lexus UX Concept with 3-D HMI
Following its initial unveiling at the Paris Motor Show in September, the innovative Lexus UX Concept made its highly anticipated North American debut in Detroit. This compact crossover concept generated considerable buzz, particularly for its integration of the revolutionary Kinetic Seat concept and a futuristic 3-D Human Machine Interface (HMI).
The UX Concept represents a fresh interpretation of the four-seater crossover, skillfully blending the robust visual appeal and commanding presence often associated with off-road vehicles with a lower center of gravity and a driver-centric, coupe-like driving position. The exterior design seamlessly flows into the interior, where the groundbreaking 3-D Human Machine Interface creates an unprecedented sense of connection between car and driver. Adding to the vehicle’s distinctiveness, the seats are the first embodiment of the Lexus Kinetic Seat Concept, representing the forefront of seat technology innovation. The exhibit included a dedicated feature showcasing the design story behind the Kinetic Seat Concept, illustrating how the seat cushion and backrest dynamically respond to occupant weight and external forces, resulting in a demonstrably more comfortable and supportive driving experience.
Lexus Exhibit and Other Highlights
The expansive 1683 square meter Lexus exhibit featured an impressive lineup of 14 vehicles, underscoring the breadth and depth of the Lexus model range. Among the displayed vehicles was the return of the LC performance coupe, which had been hailed as one of the standout debut vehicles at the previous year’s Detroit show. The LC, which was slated to go on sale in 2017, serves as a powerful illustration of Lexus’s unwavering commitment to crafting vehicles with emotionally resonant and visually striking designs, coupled with exhilarating performance capabilities. The Lexus exhibit at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show successfully highlighted the brand’s forward-thinking approach and dedication to pushing the boundaries of automotive design and technology.
In conclusion, Lexus’s presence at the 2017 North American International Auto Show was marked by significant new automotive debuts that underscored the brand’s ongoing commitment to innovation, luxury, and driving excitement. The world premiere of the 2018 LS and the North American debut of the UX Concept reaffirmed Lexus’s position as a leader in the automotive industry, consistently delivering vehicles that captivate and inspire.
