The Lexus Japan Mobility Show concepts include a six-wheeled van, a solar-powered yacht, and a flying taxi. Does this signal the future of Lexus?
At the Japan Mobility Show, Lexus unveiled a wild six-wheeled electric van with business-class rear seats, an autonomous catamaran yacht concept with solar panel sails for crewless ocean cruising, and their Joby eVTOL air taxi partnership that Toyota’s pumped $894 million into. The six-wheel LS Concept trades “Luxury Sedan” for “Luxury Space” with four smaller rear wheels that free up interior room for reclining bench seats and captain’s chairs. The catamaran features a rigid wingsail covered in solar panels for sustainable power while you paint on deck. Lexus says they’re done being tethered to roads and want mobility across land, sea, and air, including concepts for an off-grid house and community hubs where the flying taxis can land on the roof.
Lexus is ready to move forward
Moving is exactly what Toyota and Lexus are working toward. The brands intend to be the future of mobility, hence movement, and refuse to be tethered to the paved roads of the world. This is evident by the new Toyota flying car investment, which is shown in the Joby eVTOL air taxi that was presented at the Japan Mobility Show. Instead of showing off the next generation of various models, or the newest EV, Lexus chose instead to tickle the imagination of those in attendance with some futuristic models, including an autonomous sailing yacht, a flying taxi capable of electrical vertical takeoffs and landings, and the Lexus LS Coupe Concept which is much more than a coupe, but a six-wheeled vehicle full of luxury space for pure comfort and style.
The six-wheeled Lexus took center stage among the Lexus Japan Mobility Show concepts
The LS Concept became one of the most popular vehicles at the show, and one that was covered by nearly every journalist in attendance. It features two large wheels in the front for steering and four smaller wheels in the rear to allow the vehicle to offer forward-thinking packaging. The four wheels allow the vehicle to offer more roominess in the cabin, but also provide increased stability when going through turns. Whether or not six wheels will catch on is yet to be determined, but this concept vehicle is certainly interesting and caught our attention.
This new six-wheeled van is likely to be part of an electric vehicle push, should it make its way into production. It might be a tough sell with most drivers for a few reasons. A third axle means increased costs, and two more wheels increase the cost when changing tires, brakes, or any of the other consumable materials. Most tires are sold in sets of four, but it’s not that hard to get six tires when you need them, so maybe it could work.
The Joby S4 eVTOL is an amazing air taxi
Toyota has invested heavily in Joby and its air taxi program. The S4 model was part of the Lexus Japan Mobility Show concepts presented, wowing the entire audience with possibilities. This helicopter is also part drone and can carry up to four passengers. It can fly at a top speed of 200 MPH and travels up to 100 miles. This could be the perfect addition to a mobility-focused city, such as the Toyota Woven City, which could have landing pads on rooftops to allow passengers to travel to and from work without venturing onto the paved roads. The Joby S4 eVTOL leaves the roads behind and can actually take the crow’s way to wherever you want to go.
Hit the seas in a yacht that is part of the Lexus Japan Mobility Show concepts
The Catamaran Concept, which is another Lexus idea, completes the land, air, and sea concepts that mimic the United States Marine Corps in its hymn. The yacht looks like something out of a James Bond movie and would likely have belonged to the criminals and not to MI6. It’s built to navigate itself and uses self-driving tech to make it easy for owners to enjoy the ride to their next destination. The wing-like sails are covered with solar panels to generate onboard energy, powering the engines and various features of the yacht.
These three amazing models were huge hits among the Lexus Japan Mobility Show concepts on display. Other models were also revealed, but didn’t quite receive the same fanfare or attention as these three concept vehicles. Which one would you like to take for a test ride? Would you be willing to be a passenger in a yacht that drives itself or a helicopter that doubles as a taxi?
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.