Traditional side mirrors will be replaced by cameras and screens eventually, and Lexus has already made this step a couple of years ago, when they introduced the Digital Side-view Monitor for the ES in Japan.
Now, this technology has made its way to Europe and is available for the ES 300h. A £1,600 ($2,070/€1,895) option in the United Kingdom on the Takumi model, it provides an extended view of the area alongside and behind the car, and can reduce or completely eliminate blind spots when turning or reversing.
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Drivers will now look at the two 5-inch monitors positioned at the base of the A pillars in order to see what’s happening behind. The cameras are incorporated in the slimmer and more aerodynamic casings that intrude less in the forward diagonal view and reduce wind noise at highway speeds. They feature built-in heaters and their positioning does not make them vulnerable to raindrops or snow.
The system comes with a sensor that automatically reduces glare from headlights at nighttime and incorporates a Blind Spot Monitor as well.
Lexus’ Digital Side-view Monitor boasts an active function that presents those sitting behind the wheel with an extended view upon using the turn indicators or selecting the reverse gear. When the action is completed, it automatically reverts to its standard setting – if this turns out to be annoying, then users will be able to switch it off.
Another function of the system is the reference guidelines added to the images. These indicate distances of 20 and 50 cm (8-20 in) from the rear bumper, and 50 cm (20 in) on each side. Drivers are also aided on the go, with the reference lines indicating 5, 10 and 15 meters (16.4-32.8-49.2 ft) on the road ahead , at speeds of up to 70 km/h (44 mph). Increasing the speed will push the latter distance to 30 m (98.4 ft).
Toyota’s luxury car brand will display the technology in a local premiere at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show next month.
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