Lexus To Unveil Its First Level 2 Autonomous Car This Year

Lexus is set to unveil its first ever car with autonomous driving capabilities this year, albeit only with Level 2 autonomy initially. Once over-the-air upgrades begin to roll in, the system will become gradually smarter.

This new model was described by Lexus president Koji Sato as “hands off but not eyes off,” in an interview with Autonews Europe. “It will start from Level 2 but it will have over-the-air updates so that for the future we can update the level.”

The Lexus boss didn’t specify whether customers will have to pay extra in order to activate the autonomous feature – similar to how Tesla operates in the U.S. He also didn’t say which model will debut the system.

“Regulation and also social concerns may effect what level we can produce in the real world,” added Sato.

This new Lexus model will feature a self-driving system called Highway Teammate, developed by Denso. It uses LiDAR as well as cameras to help the car navigate. The vehicle will be able to automatically change lanes, follow lanes and pass other vehicles on the highway.

Sato also feels that the current system for categorizing the levels of autonomy is too vague, and it’s not difficult to see why.

“Level 2 can almost cross to Level 3, and Level 3 sometimes also can be Level 2. All our vehicles need to offer safe, confident drive. Our aim is to share and roll out this technology to other vehicles,” he concluded.

 

After Seeing Tesla Shares Skyrocket, GM’s Trying To Convince Investors Of Its Electric And Autonomous Future

GM will invest more in EVs than ICE vehicles over the next five years.

The XF58 Ice Princess Is Part Cadillac, Part Studebaker And Lots Of Awesome

The six-wheel car reportedly features a massive 8.2-liter V8 engine.

Lexus To Unveil Its First Level 2 Autonomous Car This Year

The new model will allow for hands-off driving, but your eyes will need to be on the road.

2021 VW Atlas Refreshed With Bolder Design Cues And More Technology

VW’s redesigned three-row SUV tries to borrow some of the charm of the Atlas Cross Sport.

Two Possible Chevrolet Corvette Z06s Spied On A Transporter

The new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will feature a 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8.

2020 Honda Civic Type R Arrives In America With Minor Styling, Chassis Tweaks And A Boost Blue Color

The Civic Type R is getting better with age thanks to retuned suspension and improved brakes.

Facelifted 2021 Jaguar F-Type Pounces On Chicago With Its Top Down

The updated 2021 Jaguar F-Type is available in the U.S. with a choice of three powertrains.

Cupra Is Using 3D Printed Parts On Its Wild 2020 Leon Competicion Racer

Cupra will unveil the Leon Competicion TCR racer on February 20 at its new Barcelona headquarters.

Chevy Gives 2021 Equinox SUV A New Face Along With RS Trim And More

The facelifted 2021 Chevrolet Equinox receives the same styling tweaks as China’s model leaked last month.

Acura Turns “Beat That” Commercial Into Video Game Featuring Its Finest Cars

Race iconic cars ranging from the 1991 Acura NSX to the 2019 Type S Concept.