Photos and info on new Lexus LS430 navigation system

 

Lexus, the first company to offer DVD-based satellite navigation systems in all its models, has introduced an upgraded version of the system with new screen graphics, more points-of-interest and increased voice-command capability for several of its 2004 vehicles. The rollout of the upgraded navigation system begins for model-year 2004 with three models, the ES 330 and restyled LS 430 sedan, and the LX 470 luxury utility vehicle.

Also new for 2004, Lexus offers Bluetooth® wireless connectivity, available on the LS 430 and LX 470, among the new features that make this navigation system one of the most versatile in the industry.



Bluetooth® technology uses radio signals to allow Bluetooth®-enabled cellular telephones to wirelessly connect with the navigation system. Doing so allows the customer to transfer personal phone books to the navigation system and make hands-free phone calls. Customers can place a hands-free call using one of four methods: (1) by using the keypad on the navigation system to dial a number, (2) selecting their handset phonebook stored in one of two phonebook settings, (3) selecting a POI (point of interest) or (4) using the one-touch dial feature.

To help avoid driver distraction, the one-touch dial feature is the only dialing function that a customer can access when the vehicle is in operation. The system can store up to 18 one-touch dial numbers. Some of the Bluetooth® functions are disabled when the vehicle is in motion, and the customer can use steering wheel controls to answer and end calls as well as adjust call volume. Each of the two phone book settings can store 500 entries.

Enhanced Navigation Features



The upgraded Lexus Navigation System uses redesigned screen graphics to make using the system easier than before. Customers can select from four main screen colors (blue, green, beige and gray) for optimal visibility. New map modes show freeway exit information, an intersection guide, upcoming exits (a benefit if the driver passes an intended exit), points of interest at the exits, and a compass.
Building "Footprints" for Four Major Cities

The DVD map database for four cities - Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles and Manhattan - features new "building footprint" graphics. This feature can be useful for identifying buildings and their surroundings - helpful for example, when looking for nearby landmarks or parking facilities.

The database itself now contains more than five million POIs, compared to two million for the previous system. There are five million POIs in the "Name/Category" search mode and seven million in the "Phone Number" search mode. Customers can locate a POI by name and category and even locate by phone number (Yellow Pages only).
Voice control has been enhanced in the upgraded navigation system, as well. There are now 190 unique commands (versus 153) and 325 alternate-pronunciation commands (versus 228). Climate control is now one of the convenience features that can be directed by voice command.

Due to the new and enhanced functions in the upgraded system, DVDs for the previous navigation system cannot be used. Each DVD contains mapping for most major roads in the continental United States and major cities in Canada.