The Gentleman Magazine Issue 9 | June 2018 | Page 72

The Relax Chair is sponsored by Panasonic Automotive
Europe, a leading supplier of in-vehicle electrical systems to
the automotive industry and a strong business partner. The bike is made from the same strong and lightweight carbon
fibre reinforced plastic composite material that was developed
for use in the LFA’s bodywork. Built by takumi craftsmen, it is
fitted with a 22-speed electronic shift control system for fast
and easy gear shifts. The geometry of the frame was determined
to ensure comfort, with vibration damping also provided. The
paint finish is to the same pristine standard as the LFA.
Food and drink service at all times The Lexus Sport Yacht Concept
It is electrically adjustable for different lying positions and
vibration patterns. It has an elegant design and is finished in a
black or ivory leather-look material.
Hot and cold dishes and light snacks are available at all times,
with the menu changing according to the time of day. The
choice will regularly include popular Japanese cuisine and
special food and drink events will be hosted.
The bar area provides an extensive range of soft drinks, hot
beverages, wines, spirits and cocktails. In addition to self-serve
facilities, a bartender will also be on hand to pour and mix
drinks.
TECHNOLOGY THAT CREATES AMAZING EXPERIENCES
Lexus has a proud history of technology innovation, not least
as having introduced the efficiency and environmental benefits
of self-charging hybrid power to the luxury car market. There
is much more to its technical vision than hybrid, however, as
LOUNGE by Lexus illustrates with exhibits and information
about ground-breaking projects. These include the fully
functioning Lexus Hoverboard, the Lexus Sport Yacht concept,
a lightweight sports bike made from advanced carbon fibre
materials and the Lexus LFA supercar.
Mark Levinson, international leaders in audio technology, are
well-established as an exclusive partner to Lexus in designing
bespoke sound systems for its vehicles. The superb quality of
Mark Levinson sound reproduction can be enjoyed in a state-
of-the-art listening room.
The Lexus LFA – the ultimate Lexus supercar
The Lexus LFA marked a turning point in the history of Lexus,
a rare and thoroughbred ultra-high-performance supercar
that fully embraced advanced technologies and engineering
innovation. Just 500 examples were built, each one hand-
finished by Lexus takumi craftsmen.
Lounge guests can discover more about the LFA’s development,
including a scale model.
Building the LFA was the greatest challenge Lexus had ever
undertaken, a project that was 10 years in the making and
which required new manufacturing and engineering solutions
to be developed in order to meet its exacting goals.
Power was provided by a completely new V10 engine and a
new carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) was developed for
the bodywork, giving the car exceptional strength and light
weight. New methods for forming this composite material
were also developed.
LOUNGE by Lexus features a scale model of the Lexus Sport
Yacht concept, a sleek and powerful, 42-foot ocean-going vessel
that can accommodate up to eight people. Winner of a special
award at the 2018 Japan International Boat Show, the concept
was developed and designed by Lexus and manufactured by
American boat-building specialists the Marquis-Carver Yacht
Group.
The yacht makes use of Lexus technologies, including CFRP
(as used in the manufacture of the LFA supercar) which saves
considerable weight compared to conventional fibreglass
materials. A stepped hull design reduces drag and power is
provided by twin engines based on the 5.0-litre V8 unit found
in the Lexus LC and RC F coupes.
Lexus has confirmed that it will put a luxury yacht into
production in 2019, a larger, 65-foot model that will build on
the advanced nature of the concept while adding more comfort
and space for up to 15 guests.
Lexus Hoverboard
As the centrepiece of its Amazing in Motion campaign, Lexus
successfully designed and produced a Hoverboard – a form
of skateboard that floats silently above the ground and can be
ridden by a full-grown adult. This one-off piece of technical
wizardry is on public display in the LOUNGE by Lexus.
The project took 18 months of design and technology planning,
followed by weeks of testing at a specially built “hoverpark”
near Barcelona. The task of riding the hoverboard fell to Ross
McGouran, an internationally acclaimed skateboard star. One
of Ross’ pro-skateboards is also on show in the lounge.
Within the Lexus Hoverboard’s compact structure there are
two reservoirs containing superconducting material, kept at
-197 C by liquid nitrogen. This allows the board to levitate
above a track fitted with permanent magnets. Lexus worked
with scientists from IFW Dresden and evico GmbH to achieve
its ambitious aim, pushing the boundaries of technology,
design and innovation to make the impossible possible.
Wireless device charging
Wireless charging units for smartphones have become a
popular and useful feature in many Lexus vehicles. The same
convenience is offered to Lexus’s lounge guests, with cable-free
charging units seamlessly integrated into many of the tables.
The Lexus F SPORT Bike Mark Levinson Listening Room: enjoy the pinnacle of audio
quality
The Lexus F SPORT bike displayed in the lounge was created
following the completion of the 500 LFA supercars and
demonstrates how Lexus advanced technology and design can
successfully be applied to other forms of transport. Founded in 1972, Mark Levinson is synonymous with audio
purity and equipment of the highest quality and technical
accomplishment. Since 2001, the brand has worked in an
exclusive automotive partnership with Lexus, producing
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