EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Is THIS Lexus Infotainment System Taking Notes From APPLE?

Although many people were focusing on the Lexus booth for the awe-inspiring LFA and the customized Five Axis project CT, one thing that many overlook are the details. Agent 001 on the other hand, not so much.

While 001 was thoroughly checking out the Lexus CT200h by Five Axis, he noticed that there was something unique about the CT's navigation screen. First off its a touch screen and secondly, its graphic user interface bears resemblance to an Apple product.

Note: in the shots down below the GUI has icons for Safari, iBooks, iTunes and MobileMe.

Coincidence? We're not entirely sure, considering the press release for the vehicle remains vague.

If Lexus launches this type of system in the next-generation fleet of vehicles, could this finally put an end to Ford's SYNC System reign?

An excerpt from Lexus' press release follows:

The new CT 200h will have a prominent place in the exhibit, encompassed in a “Darker Side of Green” interactive studio. The new CT 200h, the fifth hybrid in the Lexus lineup, achieves the luxury segment’s best EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 42 mpg. It goes on sale this March.

The Chicago Auto Show will mark the debut of a highly-modified Five Axis Project CT that proves that hybrids can be aggressive. This CT 200h is complemented by a Five Axis custom widebody conversion, JDSU “Dark Passage” paint, and custom black accents. It sits low on a TEIN Flex coilover suspension system and custom 19-inch FIVE:AD forged wheels. The Five Axis Project CT also features a custom Ultrasuede® EcoDesign™ interior, custom touch screen interface center console and a Stoptech High Performance Big Brake Kit on the front. Standout vehicles from last year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show that will also be on display include a customized LS600h L by VIP Auto Salon and a revamped RX 450h courtesy of tuner Paul Tolson, EST Styling...

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geoff448 - 2/10/2011 2:28:59 AM

+1 Boost

When i saw these pictures i thought "lawsuit in the near future"

Apple usually sends a cease and desist to ANYTHING resembling their likeness. But on the itunes app it actually has the apple logo... lexus isnt stupid enough to use apples logo without having the rights to do so...

which might possibly mean apple is making its way into the car market?

They are already one of the top, if not THE top manufacturer in the computer market as well as tablets, phones mp3 players... why not jump into the car infotainment system and dominate that as well?

OR toyota is retarded and thought they could get away with a blatant rip off

either way... interesting

Agent009 - 2/10/2011 10:04:26 AM

0 Boost

I figured since it was a tuner car it was simply an Apple device installed or hacked in the dash.

While Lexus/Toyota copies... errr... "refines" existing technologies, I don't think they would be this blatant. This is more of a neat thing to do by Five Axis

geoff448 - 2/11/2011 1:25:01 AM

+1 Boost

haha right on, id love to have an ipad in my dash!

TheAntiStig - 2/10/2011 7:25:45 AM

+4 Boost

How long before our cars are Virus prone?

LexSucks - 2/10/2011 10:17:44 AM

+1 Boost

Truly outstanding!! Lexus #1 in innovation and original ideas.

LexSucks - 2/10/2011 10:18:54 AM

-3 Boost

And just because other companies are doing it doesn't make it OK. Spit out the Lexus Cool-Aide.

PlanB - 2/10/2011 10:16:33 AM

+6 Boost

Please tell me that you can't go into any of those apps while the car is in motion, thats what is bugging me more. Otherwise we'll be seeing more accidents due to status updates.

Hoorayforpeepee - 2/10/2011 10:37:14 AM

+3 Boost

Motorolla was the first company to incorporate an Apple OS that wasn't on an Apple made product in the old Motorolla Rockr phone, that phone sold Millions, Toyota is working in parralel with Bing on the new Entune system.

Cars are about to become part of our everyday interactive social process, if Apple thinks that Lexus offers the right platform to introduce it's first Auto interface, I think that's fantastic.

Lexus is starting to release some awfully nice cars, by next year they'll be the only luxury brand to offer a hybrid for every model they sell.

An Apple interface is just a cherry on the cake for me

uaw_lax - 2/11/2011 4:18:16 AM

-3 Boost

Sportbike you could live with yourself better if you were not so biased.

Zaphod - 2/10/2011 11:06:44 AM

+1 Boost

With Safari, Itunes and toher icons, you can be sure that Apple IS involved..
@sportbike, so you haven't used Sync-eh?

LexSucks - 2/10/2011 11:42:25 AM

+1 Boost

I don't want anything Apple and especailly Microsoft in my car.

Hoorayforpeepee - 2/10/2011 12:59:39 PM

+2 Boost

BSOD !!!

LexSucks - 2/10/2011 1:04:14 PM

0 Boost

BSOD !!!

- in cars? That can be literal.

LexusKindaGuy12 - 2/10/2011 1:28:27 PM

+3 Boost

this lexus isnt taking notes from Apple...it is an apple iphone on a lexus (aftermarket) interface.

enthusiastx11 - 2/10/2011 5:11:44 PM

-3 Boost

well if not licensed from apple, lexus is doing what it does best: imitation of original design.

Denali - 2/10/2011 10:53:53 PM

+3 Boost

its n ipad.......

uaw_lax - 2/11/2011 4:20:37 AM

+1 Boost

weather if it will be an apple interface in this car or if the designers where just using it as model they got it right, they got us talking and they made it look good. Good job Lexus

(see how easy that was sportbike)

SSP350 - 2/11/2011 3:37:55 PM

+1 Boost

What's all the fuss? Isn't this the new "Entune" feature? It just so happens they used an iPhone to connect it to the Entune feature. If they connect it using an Android phone, the Android UI would show on the dash.

It's a very nice feature. It's no different than someone altering their touchscreen to play the iPod and all it's features on the dash of a car. In this case, it actually, utilizes the entire phone interface, which is very awesome in my opinion.