Lexus Debuts New Head-Up Display

While most automakers struggle to tackle the economic recession with all kind of less-polluting models, Lexus continues to focus on the equipment levels its models have to offer and today rolled out a new Head-Up Display (HUD) system that projects important information straight on the windscreen.

Lexus says the new technology is inspired by fighter jets systems and relies on white read-outs based, in their turn, on high-intensity LEDs with a maximum luminescence of 6,000cd/m2. The HUD shows on the windshield a wide array of details, such as vehicle speed, turn-by-turn arrow navigation instructions, audio information and warnings from the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) systems.

The new Head-Up Display feature underwent intensive testing before the official release, Lexus said, especially on snow covered roads in Hokkaido, Japan.

"The display position and lighting intensity can be adjusted in line with ambient lighting conditions, using control switches alongside the steering wheel," Lexus said in a release. "Most head-up displays on the market use green-coloured read-outs, with white rejected as a colour choice because it can be hard to make out against the exterior background, particularly in winter driving."

It comes as standard on SE-L Premium versions of the RX 450h that is going to hit the streets in July, with prices starting at 41,600 pounds.

Lexus unveiled the second-generation RX hybrid, also known as RX 450h, at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November and will go on sale this year as model year 2010.