Automakers are embracing screens for instruments wholeheartedly. They still feel new and futuristic to many people, they can provide loads of information, plus the same screens can be used across many cars (in other words, they can be highly cost-effective). They also are starting to make a lot of interiors look similar with big monoliths dumped on top of dashboards. But as a consolation to the similar-looking instrument panels, some automakers are having fun with them. The Ford Mustang can display various clusters based on classic versions of the sports car. Lexus seems to want to do something similar, as shown in a newly uploaded Instagram video (embedded at the bottom of this article).
Lexus
Founded in 1989, Lexus is a premium automaker created by Toyota as a rival to Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Its first model, the Lexus LS, became renowned as a true S-Class rival at a fraction of the cost and is known as one of the most reliable cars in the world. Subsequent models from the brand have achieved equal fame, including the IS, RX, and LX. With global sales of 824,258 cars in 2023, Lexus has become a prime example of how a start-up can enter the premium space and succeed, something few rivals have managed since.
- Founded
- 1989
- Founder
- Eiji Toyoda, Toyota
- Headquarters
- Nagoya, Japan
Not Just Lexus Gauges, But All Kinds Of Toyotas
The customizable gauge cluster Lexus shows is in the LF-ZL concept, which was revealed at last year’s Tokyo Auto Show. As the video shows, the user has a long list of vintage instrument panels to pick from, not just from Lexus, including the AE86 Toyota Sprinter Trueno, Toyota 2000GT, Lexus LFA, Toyota Century, Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser, and even one of Toyota’s prototype endurance race cars. The user can scroll through the options on a touchscreen off to the left of the steering wheel, and simply tap to select.
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The different vehicles are also illustrated on the instrument screen in relevant environments, such as a desert with the Land Cruiser, while scrolling through options. Although it’s not specifically shown, we imagine that any unique features of the different cars’ clusters are duplicated, such as the sliding tachometer ring of the LFA. A very special touch would be including a speed limit chime on the AE86 cluster.
The LF-ZL Was Designed To Emulate More Than Just Gauges
It makes quite a bit of sense that Lexus would show off this gauge cluster idea on the LF-ZL. When the concept was shown in Tokyo, one of the features touted was the ability to make it drive like other cars. Included in the interior were little models of various Toyota cars. The idea was that you could place each one on a reader, and it would adjust the parameters of the electric motors to have the same amount of power and the same power curve as those vehicles.
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It was more than just a pie-in-the-sky idea, too. While at a different publication, I was able to experience this function on a prototype Lexus UX. It could simulate the very low power of an economy Toyota, up to the torque-y Toyota Tundra. It was amusing, though obviously limited, since simulating the power output of a car is only one small aspect of a vehicle’s experience. A UX won’t feel like a hulking Tundra no matter how close it can get to the horsepower rating.
Though imperfect, we appreciate automakers working to make cars fun in whatever ways they can. Hopefully, Toyota looks into implementing at least the instrument cluster idea sooner than later.
H/T:
TheDrive
