Lexus draws on Japanese cooling traditions to beat the summer heatwave
As temperatures again soar above 30°C in some parts of the UK, a Lexus can be relied on to provide an oasis of cool calm.
The luxury car maker applies advanced technologies in its omotenashi commitment to provide the ultimate in in-car hospitality and comfort, while following time-honoured Japanese traditions for beating the heat of high summer.
Delicate and effective uchiwa fans and higasa parasols have been used by Japanese people for personal cooling for more than a thousand years. As well as being practical and portable, they evolved to become miniature artworks, decorated with colourful woodblock prints and symbolising the Japanese craftsmanship and attention to detail that are also key qualities of Lexus vehicles.
The simple cooling principles of the fans and parasols are applied by Lexus in co-ordinated measures to achieve an ideal temperature throughout a car’s cabin. The effectiveness of the climate control system is supported by the provision of integrated cooling in the seats* to help lower body temperature. The Lexus Climate Concierge* is an intelligent technology that detects which seats are occupied and focuses cooling performance for quicker and more energy-efficient performance.
In Japanese homes, traditional sudare screens and blinds protect rooms from direct summer sunlight while still allowing light and fresh air breezes to pass through. They are typically made from wood, or bamboo – a traditional, sustainable material that Lexus is adopting more widely for its interior trims.
Lexus achieves a similar effect to the sudare using advanced glass technology. For example, the new RZ electric SUV is available with a large panoramic roof that enhances the sense of interior space and light. It is made from a new electrochromic glass that can be dimmed to provide instant shading from sunlight at the touch of a button. On selected models, powered blinds can be raised on the rear windows for a cooler ride and privacy.
To keep Japanese streets and gardens cool, paths and pavements are sprinkled with water in a practice called uchimizu. As well as cooling through evaporation, its is also an expression of omotenashi, in consideration of neighbours and passers-by. The power of water for well-being is captured in Lexus cars with nanoe-X. Created by Panasonic, this technology emits trillions of nano-sized water particles into the cabin via the climate concierge system. These molecules have multiple benefits: as well as combating viruses, bacteria and allergens, they counter bad odours and have a moisturising effect on human skin and hair.
Today’s Lexus models focus on promoting the well-being of driver and passengers, whatever the journey. To foster a relaxed and calm mood, Japanese homes are adorned with furin wind chimes. Lexus models are equipped with bespoke Mark Levinson surround sound systems*, with speakers precisely located to achieve excellent sound reproduction wherever you are sitting.
This is just one element in a multi-sensory approach that covers not just sound, but light, ventilation and fragrance. The all-new electric Lexus ES saloon and TZ SUV will give travellers the freedom to choose dynamic interior lighting colours and patterns matched to fragrances and heating/ventilations settings to create the ideal in-car atmosphere, helping create a cool-themed environment, regardless of the weather outside.
*Features available according to model grade and equipment specification.
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