Lexus Improves Body Rigidity for Enhanced Driving Dynamics
Introduction
Lexus believes it has discovered the key to matching the driving dynamics of its German rivals: body rigidity. Engineers have been studying competitors such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Porsche since 2018, and they have concluded that adding support braces to the front, rear, and center of the chassis is crucial.
Enhancements Across the Lineup
Lexus has been gradually implementing these improvements across its lineup. The RZ, released in 2022, features front braces, while the NX was updated with a front brace in early 2023 and a rear brace this year. Trials have been conducted on all existing Lexus models, and it has been determined that all of them can benefit from these support braces.
Unified Driving Signature
Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda has been pushing Lexus to establish a unified driving signature across its range. The goal is to combine the safe and sophisticated feeling that Lexus products are known for with a sporty and agile experience.
Future Updates
While adding front and rear support braces is relatively easy, incorporating them into the middle of the chassis presents more challenges. Therefore, these more extensive updates will be reserved for full lifecycle changes rather than minor model-year updates.
