Lexus to Get Crash Mitigation OptionToyota Motor Corp. next month will begin delivering a Lexus model with a sophisticated crash mitigation system in the hope that customers will pay thousands of dollars extra to help reduce accidents and injuries.
The system is being introduced as an option on the 2004 LS430.
The New Pre-Collision System: The LS 430 for 2004 is the first Lexus model equipped with the new Pre-Collision System (PCS), which is designed to help reduce collision injury and damage. This advanced new system uses a millimeter-wave radar sensor to detect obstacles in front of the car and a pre-collision system computer with vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw rate inputs that helps to determine in advance whether a collision is unavoidable. If the system determines that a collision is not avoidable, it can preemptively activate the Pre-Collision seatbelt to retract the driver and front passenger seatbelts prior to the collision. Also, the Pre-Collision Brake Assist automatically applies increased braking force after the driver applies the brakes to help reduce collision speed.
Mercedes offers a similar system called pre-safe on models that cost $74,000 and above.
Highlights from the article:
Toyota's safety system — called "Pre-Collision" — is offered as part of a package of luxury options on the LS430. Buyers won't be able to get Pre-Collision as a stand-alone feature; they will have to pony up for one of several packages that will add $9,645 to $15,030 to the car's base price of $55,125.
Full article link (Source: LA Times)