Toyota offers its vision for future development<\/p>\n
By Russell Williamson<\/p>\n
TOYOTA-ASTRA will be using the Jakarta Auto Expo to give
\nvisitors a view of what the company is doing overseas as well as
\nits concept for the future of automotive development.<\/p>\n
In addition to having its full model lineup on show, the
\ncompany has procured two concept vehicles and two high-technology
\nluxury production models from its Japanese parent company.<\/p>\n
The Lexus LS400 is Toyota's flagship, which is branded under
\nthe luxury banner of Lexus.<\/p>\n
This 4000cc V8-powered limousine competes on the world stage
\nwith the likes of Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7-Series and has
\nallowed the Japanese carmaker to come the full circle in
\nproviding vehicles for every customer's requirement.<\/p>\n
As a large luxury car, power comes from a smooth quad cam 32-
\nvalve V8 engine and is delivered through a four-speed electronic
\nautomatic transmission.<\/p>\n
To provide the ride comfort expected of such a vehicle,
\nsuspension is fully independent with double wishbones and coil
\nsprings at both the front and rear.<\/p>\n
Also available is an optional air suspension. And it is here
\nthat the Lexus starts to show the sort of advanced technology
\nthat Toyota is capable of.<\/p>\n
The system employs semiactive four-channel adaptive damping,
\nwhich can sense and retune each wheel individually for varying
\nconditions.<\/p>\n
The system monitors acceleration, deceleration, cornering
\nbraking and road surface variations and adapts itself to patterns
\nsuch as choppy roads or expansion joints.<\/p>\n
State-of-the-art passive safety systems include dual air bags,
\nseat belt pretensioners and a collapsible steering column which
\nprovides for both primary and secondary collisions.<\/p>\n
The Lexus has long been acclaimed as the benchmark in noise
\nvibration and harshness levels.<\/p>\n
While noise penetration from outside the car is barely
\nperceptible, vibration inside has been a target of Toyota
\nengineers.<\/p>\n
The resulting system to combat one area of this is a patented
\nseat suspension system of coil springs and torsion springs in
\nconjunction with stabilizer bars which work in a similar way to
\nthe vehicle's road suspension.<\/p>\n
The system improves ride comfort and back support and resists
\nseat cushion deformation during cornering.<\/p>\n
With the LS400, Toyota was the first carmaker to offer an in-
\ndash six disc CD player located above the full sized glove
\ncompartment.<\/p>\n
The automatic climate control air-conditioning features
\nseparate temperature controls for both passengers and driver and
\nincorporates a bidirectional solar sensor which allows the system
\nto set different temperatures for sunny and shady sides of the
\ncar.<\/p>\n
The air-conditioning system also includes an interior air
\nfilter which removes odors, dust and pollen.<\/p>\n
If the Lexus offers a glimpse of Toyota's luxury-oriented
\ntechnology then the other production car on show, the Supra, is a
\nshining example of what the company can do with the mechanics of
\na vehicle.<\/p>\n
The Supra is Toyota's answer to the European super-coupes.<\/p>\n
With a 3000cc 24-valve twin-turbo six-cylinder engine under
\nthe hood linked to six-speed Getrag manual gearbox, the Supra can
\nkeep company with many a Ferrari or Porsche.<\/p>\n
The car's figures speak for themselves, 0 to 100kmh in 5.1
\nseconds, 13.7 seconds for a quarter mile in old speak and a top
\nspeed of 250kmh.<\/p>\n
This latter figure is, however, electronically limited and
\nreports from Europe suggest the car could achieve more than
\n280kmh.<\/p>\n
With ride and handling to match, this car is truly a sports
\ncar to take you well into the wide open spaces.<\/p>\n
However, performance is not all, and the Supra also comes to
\nthe party with a decent equipment list which includes leather,
\npower driver's seat, power steering switchable traction control
\nand a CD stacker.<\/p>\n
Definitely one for the wish list, should the government loosen
\nits import restrictions.<\/p>",
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