What's the news?
We've become used to digital instruments, but Lexus is about to kick instrumentation up a gear by introducing hologram dials. Yes, really.
The UX concept, being shown in Paris next week, has a unique instrument panel featuring a "transparent globe, floating in the manner of a hologram" on which the dials are projected in both digital and analogue styles. Lexus says the effect is "functional but surprising."
There are more holograms in the centre console where the air conditioning and heating controls are projected onto a "faceted, crystal-like structure." All the switches are electro-static and mounted under clear covers, while the windows are electro-chromatic self-dimming items and the wing mirrors have been replaced by de rigueur cameras. There's even a detachable sound-bar speaker for the passenger that makes up part of the sound system.
"Our brief was to create a new genre of compact crossover; a vehicle that could create something unique from a customer's point of view - an innovative, three-dimensional, fully immersive user experience." Stephan Rasmussen, Designer at European Design Centre, ED2.
Anything else?
The Lexus UX isn't directly lined up for production, but it will influence the next-generation NX and RX models and a probable small crossover to rival the BMW X1 and Audi Q3.