The 2019 Tokyo Motor Show opens in just a few days. We’ve already shown you products that will be shown by Suzuki and Nissan. This Toyota LQ concept car is just one of the models that the Japanese automaker will be showing. You can see more highlights from Toyota at this link. The Toyota LQ may just be a concept car and therefore won’t go into production. However, Toyota will conduct public test drives in Japan between June and September 2020.

Car-driver bonding

Toyota says that the all-electric LQ leverages advanced technology to build an emotional bond between car and driver. Powerful artificial intelligence-powered technology has been designed to learn from the driver and deliver a personalised mobility experience.

Level 4 autonomy

The Toyota LQ features level 4 automated driving technology. Level 4 means it is capable of driving without any human assistance, but still has a backup steering wheel and pedals. The system features an automated valet parking system. It eliminates the need to search for parking spaces by automatically driving between a drop-off spot and an assigned parking space in nearby parking lot. It also maximises space in the parking lot by reducing clearance between adjacent vehicles to 20 cm.

LQ’s Augmented Reality Head’s Up Display (AR-HUD) expands the information display area thereby supporting safe driving by reducing driver eye movement. Driving information such as lane warnings, road signs, and route guidance can be displayed in 3D over the scenery seen through the windshield. The system helps keep the driver’s eyes on the road thanks to a large screen display that has a depth of 7 m to 41 m ahead of the vehicle.

Cushy cabin

The minimalist interior is smooth and sleek, with elements like air conditioner vents hidden from sight. LQ’s seating system consists of multiple inflatable air bladders embedded into the seat with an in-seat air conditioning system. When the system recognizes that the driver is tired, it inflates the air bladder in the seat back to support an upright sitting posture and directs cool air from the ventilation system located in the seat. When conditions allow the driver to relax, such as in automated driving mode, the air bladder in the seat back gradually inflates and contracts to encourage abdominal breathing.

In his own words

“In the past, our love for cars was built on their ability to take us to distant places and enable our adventures,” said LQ development leader Daisuke Ido. “Advanced technology gives us the power to match customer lifestyles with new opportunities for excitement and engagement. With the LQ, we are proud to propose a vehicle that can deliver a personalized experience, meet each driver’s unique mobility needs, and build an even stronger bond between car and driver.”